What is a Revision Hip Replacement?

A total hip replacement is a surgical procedure that removes osteoarthritic hip bone and cartilage and replaces it with metal and plastic components. Total hip replacement is a highly successful procedure that improves pain and quality of life tremendously. For the overwhelming patients, a total hip replacement allows them to live a normal, pain-free life that they would not be able to live while suffering from hip arthritis.

In rare circumstances not caused by the surgeon or patient, a hip replacement may need to be revised or replaced. Possible reasons for a revision hip replacement are:

• A loose or worn implant
• A dislocation
• A fracture
• An infection

These may be caused by an accident, injury, or age. Symptoms that may present include:

• Pain
• Stiffness
• Swelling
• Decreased range of motion
• Instability
• Redness, in the case of an infection

It should be noted that smoking after a total hip replacement increases the risk of infection. Not following a board-certified orthopedic surgeon’s specific post-procedure instructions may increase the risk of injury.

How is a Revision Hip Replacement Performed?

Our Board-Certified and Fellowship Trained hip specialists are revision hip replacement experts. Before performing a revision hip replacement procedure, he obtains your complete medical history review, performs a physical examination, and orders and analyzes medical imaging studies (x-rays, an MRI, a CT-scan) to ensure a revision hip replacement is necessary. During a procedure the hip specialist removes failed components and replaces them with new ones. The procedure is performed on an inpatient basis—a 2-3 night hospital stay is usually necessary. The overwhelming majority of patients have an excellent surgical outcome.

If you have had a primary hip replacement and are not satisfied with your results, you should contact us to schedule an appointment at any of our convenient locations.