Revision Hip Replacement

A total hip revision surgery, sometimes referred to as hip revision surgery, is usually performed under general anaesthetic. The hip operation will be carried out by an orthopaedic surgeon with a special interest in hips. It typically takes between 60 and 90 minutes.

Your surgeon will make a small cut on the side of your hip and they will carefully remove some or all of the parts of the original prosthesis and, if cement was previously used in your total hip replacement, this will be removed too. They will then insert the specialised revision implants, sometimes using instruments such as screws or cement to keep it in place.

If you’ve significant bone loss in your joint then metal augments or a bone graft will be used to reconstruct the bone. 

If an infection has developed in your prosthesis then your surgeon may perform the revision in two separate surgeries to give time for the infection to clear before a new prosthesis is put in place.

A hip revision procedure might be offered if you have:

Wear and tear or loosening of your implant
Hip replacement surgery is extremely effective for damaged hip joints caused by injury or arthritis. However, hip replacements do not last forever. The typical life of an artificial hip joint is 10 to 20 years. After this time, when your prosthesis shows signs of wear and tear or loosening, revision surgery may be required to replace your damaged prosthesis. Often young people who have had a hip replacement will need a hip revision due to wear and tear.

Infection
Infection of your prosthesis may occur while you are in the hospital, after you go home or, even years later. If your total hip replacement or the tissue surrounding it becomes infected your implant may loosen causing it to become painful and revision surgery is usually necessary.

Recurrent dislocation
If your prosthetic ball recurrently becomes dislodged from its socket you may need revision surgery to better align your hip joint or, to insert an implant that is designed to prevent dislocations.

Fracture
If you sustain a fracture around the components of your implant or your implant breaks, often due to a fall, you may require revision total hip replacement surgery.

Total hip revision surgery is typically a successful operation but there are some potential complications you should be aware of and, because it is longer and more complex surgery than primary total hip replacement it has a greater risk of complications.  

Possible complications of a revision total hip replacement include:

• Joint dislocation
• Infection – antibiotics will help prevent this
• Blood clots usually in a vein in your leg known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
• Difference in leg length
• Hip fracture whilst fitting the new joint
• Loosening of your hip joint
• Damage to your nerves or blood vessels

If you decide to pay for your treatment, Ramsay offer an all-inclusive Total Care package, where a single one-off payment at a pre-agreed price, delivering direct access to all the treatment you need for complete reassurance. You can also spread the cost of your treatment with finance options available.

A total hip revision may be covered by your medical insurance policy. We advise you to check directly with your insurance provider and get written confirmation before commencing treatment.

You will stay in hospital for several days after your total hip revision.

Your physiotherapist will provide advice on specific exercises to help increase your strength and mobility that will get you back to normal living. You may be given a walker, crutches or a walking stick.

Four to six weeks after your surgery you’ll have an X-ray of your hip and outpatient appointment to monitor your healing. During the first six weeks you should concentrate on recovering from your operation.

All patients recover at different rates. Typically, after six months patients can walk without pain in their hip and without a limp. Most people make a good recovery and return to normal activities following total hip revision. It’s important to follow advice of your healthcare professionals to aid your recovery.

Your hip replacement prosthesis can be made of metal, plastic or, ceramic. The most widely used combination is metal-on-plastic that comprises of a metal ball with a plastic socket. Ceramic-on-plastic, where a ceramic ball is used with a plastic socket or, ceramic-on-ceramic, where both parts are ceramic, are often used in younger, more active patients.

Sometimes an acrylic cement is used to bond the new joint directly onto your bone. Often one part, usually the socket, or both parts are inserted without cement, but by roughening or treating the surfaces of the implants your bone will grow onto them to provide a long-lasting bond.

Your surgeon will advise you about what type of hip replacement is most suitable for you.