Revision Hip Replacement

What is revision hip replacement

Hip replacement is a great operation but sometimes the operation needs to be redone. A redo hip replacement is called a revision hip replacement. The risk of having to have a redo is about 5% after it has been in place for 10 years. The most common reasons for needing a revision are :

The prosthesis wearing out or coming loose

The hip dislocating (popping out)

Fracture around the hip replacement

Infection

Who needs a revision hip replacement

A revision is normally only performed when the patient has severe symptoms, most commonly pain, and is not happy with the results of their first hip replacement. There are also patients who have had a metal on metal hip replacement (with a metal head rubbing directly on a metal socket). This can cause local and systemic problems that necessitate the hip being removed.

How is it performed

In a revision hip replacement some or all of the parts are replaced. If only part of the replacement is replaced it may be a relatively small operation but most often it is a large operation that can take many hours to perform ( 2-5 hours). The old parts need to be removed and replaced with new (often larger) parts. There may also be holes in the bone that need to be filled with bone graft.

How long will I be in hospital

If the whole of the hip replacement is redone then you are normally in hospital for 1-2 weeks. The leg will be very sore and swollen and it will be difficult to walk initially.

What happens after hospital?

After discharge you will need to do a rehabilitation process like any operation. Normally after a revision the rehabilitation is longer and slower. Patients are often on crutches or other gait aid for many weeks.

How long is the recovery ?

Recovery will take a quite a few months. The leg will be stiff, sore and swollen and the muscles are often very weak. Some patients will walk with a limp after revision surgery.

Are there any specific risks ?

The risks after revision are the same as with a normal hip replacement but they occur more commonly. It is common to need a blood transfusion, there is more pain and swelling and the risk of infection is more common with a revision operation.