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?

At Orthopaedic Institute of Central Jersey (OICJ) our Board-Certified and Fellowship Trained hip specialists Dr. John Tozzi and Dr. Gregory Roehrig 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 Orthopaedic Institute of Central Jersey (OICJ) to schedule an appointment at any of our convenient locations in Wall, Freehold, Toms River and Red Bank, NJ.