Hip revision surgery is performed to repair or replace some or all the prosthetic parts of a previous hip replacement. In many cases, it can successfully address hip issues and help patients return to the activities and quality of life they desire.
You may have found that your hip pain has returned, or you’re worried that something has gone wrong with your hip replacement. Here, we explain what the symptoms of a failing hip replacement are and what hip revision surgery involves. We’ll also detail what you can expect from revision hip replacement surgery with Ramsay Health Care.
Specialist orthopaedic surgeons are available at Ramsay Health Care hospitals across the UK, offering expert assessment and treatment for patients who need revision hip replacement surgery.
Book an appointment to talk to us about hip revision surgery
What is revision hip replacement surgery?
Revision hip replacement surgery, also called hip revision surgery, is an operation performed to repair, replace or rebuild a previous hip replacement that’s no longer functioning properly. It’s performed when an existing artificial hip has failed and has become loose, worn, unstable, infected, or otherwise damaged.
During the hip revision procedure, some or all of the original implant components are removed and replaced with new parts. In certain cases, the surgeon may also need to rebuild areas of lost or weakened bone using specialist implants, bone grafts, or reinforcement techniques.
Revision surgery is usually more complex than a first-time hip replacement because there may be scar tissue and bone loss or damage around the joint. The surgery is typically carried out by an experienced orthopaedic consultant with expertise in complex hip reconstruction.
Every revision procedure is different. Some patients only need one worn component replaced, while others require a full reconstruction of the hip joint. At Ramsay Health Care, we can recommend the most appropriate approach for you after assessing your case.
Why would you need revision hip replacement surgery?
There are several reasons why a hip replacement may need to be revised, with the most common including:
Implant wear and loosening
Hip replacements are usually highly successful procedures, but they don’t last forever. Many implants function well for 10 to 20 years or longer, although their lifespan will vary depending on a patient’s age, activity levels, bone quality, and implant type. Younger or more active patients may be more likely to outlive their original replacement and require hip revision surgery.
Over time, hip replacement components can loosen from the bone or wear down. In some cases, tiny particles from the implant lining can trigger the body’s immune response. This can cause osteolysis, where bone around the implant gradually erodes, reducing support and becoming painful.
If you’re concerned that your hip replacement is hurting after five years, for example, possible causes include early loosening, wear, inflammation, infection, tendon irritation, or referred pain from the spine. Specialist assessment is important to identify the reason rather than trying to self-diagnose.
Infection within the artificial hip
Infection can occur soon after surgery, or it can develop months or even years later. Bacteria can attach to implant surfaces, triggering lasting inflammation and causing soft-tissue damage. This can lead to swelling, pain, stiffness, and loosening of the hip prostheses.
Antibiotics alone are rarely enough to cure a deep joint infection. In many cases, surgery is required to clean the joint, exchange components, or fully revise the hip replacement.
Recurrent dislocation
A hip dislocation happens when the ball of the artificial hip joint comes out of the socket that holds it. Some patients experience repeated episodes of hip dislocations, often as soft tissue around the artificial hip weakens, the implant components shift in position, or the implants begin to wear out.
Hip revision surgery can address dislocations. Either by correcting alignment problems, replacing worn parts, or using specialist anti-dislocation implants designed to improve stability where soft tissue has weakened.
Periprosthetic fracture
A periprosthetic fracture is a break in the bone around the hip replacement. This most often happens after a fall or injury, particularly if the bone strength is already reduced.
Whether revision surgery is required will depend on where the fracture occurs and if the implant remains securely fixed. Some fractures need fixation only, while others will need loose components replaced.
Reaction to metal ions
This issue is most associated with older metal-on-metal hip replacements. Although they’re less common today, some patients may still have these hip implants.
The problem happens when wear of the metal surfaces of the implants releases metal particles and ions (metal atoms) into the surrounding tissues. This causes an immune reaction that triggers prolonged inflammation, leading to eventual soft tissue damage and bone loss.
Patients with these implants often need monitoring with scans and blood tests. Some may require hip revision surgery to replace the components with those made from different materials.
Are there alternatives to hip revision surgery?
Not all pain and stiffness mean you need hip revision surgery. Your consultant surgeon will first identify the cause of your symptoms and discuss whether more conservative, non-surgical treatment is appropriate. Often, conservative treatments may be tried first before surgery is considered.
Depending on the diagnosis, conservative alternatives to hip revision surgery may include:
- Physiotherapy and strengthening work
- Pain management or anti-inflammatory medication
- Temporary walking aids or activity modification
- Injections in selected cases
- Monitoring with scans and follow-up reviews
However, if the hip implant is loose, infected, broken, or repeatedly dislocating, surgery is often the most effective option and will usually be recommended right away. At Ramsay Health Care, one of our specialist hip surgeons can review your hip replacement and recommend the best treatment for your case if you experience disruptive symptoms.
What happens during hip revision surgery?
Hip revision surgery is more complex than a first-time hip replacement. The procedure will be carefully planned using diagnostic scans and X-rays. The approach taken will usually vary considerably, depending on the details of your hip. This includes why the original hip replacement failed and the condition of the surrounding bone and soft tissues.
During surgery, your consultant will usually reopen the incision line from your previous hip replacement surgery. It may also need to be extended to allow proper access to the joint.
Most revision hip replacement procedures commonly involve:
- Removing the worn, damaged, or loose implant components
- Carefully removing any old bone cement if present
- Assessing the quality of the remaining bone in and around the joint
- Treating bone loss with bone grafts or metal augments where needed
- Inserting specialist revision implants designed for greater stability and fixation
- Testing movement, leg length, and joint stability before closing the wound
Revision implants are often different from standard hip replacement implants. They may include longer stems, larger components, or sockets fixed with multiple screws to provide secure support.
Hip revision operations usually take several hours to complete. This is often longer than the initial hip replacement surgery because of the additional technical work involved.
Hip revision surgery anaesthetic options
Hip revision surgery is usually performed under either:
- General anaesthetic: Meaning you’ll be asleep throughout the procedure
- Spinal or epidural anaesthetic: Meaning your lower body is numbed. This is often accompanied by sedation
Your Ramsay anaesthetist will discuss the most suitable anaesthetic for you, based on your procedure, health, and preferences.
Hip revision surgery recovery time
Recovery after revision hip replacement surgery is typically slower than after a first hip replacement, as the procedure is more complex and tissues often need more time to heal. Your surgery will be personal to you, but most procedures follow a similar timeline:
A hospital stay
Most patients undergoing revision hip replacement surgery stay in the hospital for several days after the procedure, depending on the extent of surgery, mobility and general health.
You’ll usually begin standing and walking (with assistance) soon after the operation to help with healing and to reduce the risk of blood clots. Before you’re discharged, you’ll be advised how to care for your wound, how to best initially recover, and what rehabilitation exercises you’ll need to follow.
The first 6 weeks after your hip replacement revision surgery
During the early recovery phase, your focus will be on resting and healing. You’ll make continued progress with gentle movements and exercises, regaining strength, range of motion, mobility, and confidence.
At first, you’ll walk using crutches or a walking frame. As your recovery progresses, you’ll be able to walk without aids, although this may take more than 6 weeks for some patients. Over time, you’ll gradually increase the distances you can walk and how long you spend on your feet. Initially, you’ll likely need help with daily tasks. As your recovery progresses, you’ll be able to carry out more of your daily life yourself.
Pain and swelling are common during the first few weeks after your operation, and will be at their worst during the first few days. Discomfort can usually be well managed with prescription pain medication, followed by over-the-counter medication.
If you have a desk-based or otherwise sedentary job, you may be able to return to work during this period.
Your 6-week follow-up appointment
It’s common to have a follow-up appointment around the six-week mark to check on your recovery. This will often involve:
- A clinical review with your consultant
- X-rays to assess healing and implant position
- Advice on reducing walking aids
- Progression of exercises and physiotherapy
3 to 6 months after your hip replacement revision surgery
Many patients can walk comfortably by this stage and return to most everyday activities. Pain should be greatly reduced or even absent.
You’ll likely be able to work, drive, and enjoy hobbies and light exercise again. It’s important to still avoid more vigorous movements and exercise until your surgeon has cleared you for doing so.
Some patients will recover sooner than others, depending on the details of the operation, their health, and how well they follow their recovery plan. Having realistic expectations is an important part of your recovery. Your surgeon will guide you on what you can expect your personal timeline to look like.
Physiotherapy after revision hip replacement surgery
Physiotherapy will play a key role throughout your recovery and is essential for:
- Reducing the risk of dislocation or falls
- Rebuilding muscle strength
- Improving balance and walking pattern
- Restoring range of movement
- Reducing stiffness
- Minimising the risk of post-operative complications
Physiotherapy should be an important part of your hip replacement revision recovery plan. At Ramsay Health Care, our physiotherapists will give you personalised physiotherapy recommendations at different stages of your recovery process.
Risks and complications of hip revision surgery
Although most hip replacement revision surgeries are successful, all surgeries carry some risk. Complication rates are generally higher for revision hip surgery than for first-time hip replacement surgery because the procedure is more complex.
Possible risks and complications include:
- Leg length difference after surgery (the operated leg may be shorter)
- Lasting pain and/or stiffness
- Bone loss in the joint
- Dislocation, where the ball of the joint comes out of the socket
- Blood clots forming in the leg (deep vein thrombosis) that can lead to a dangerous pulmonary embolism
- Infection in the wound or around the implant
- Nerve or blood vessel damage
- Fracture of the surrounding bone during the surgery
- Loosening or wear of the new implant over time
- Need for further revision surgery in the future
Your consultant surgeon will discuss your individual risk profile with you before your surgery, so you understand the risks of the operation.
At Ramsay Health Care, we use advanced infection-control measures in specialist surgical theatres in a modern healthcare setting. Our specialist surgical teams and our physiotherapists always take the necessary steps to reduce risks and support a safe recovery.
Why choose a private hip revision procedure?
Choosing to go private for your revision hip replacement surgery can offer a range of advantages, including:
- Enhanced privacy and dignity – Your own private room during consultations and procedures for your comfort and discretion.
- Faster access to healthcare: Without the delays of a waiting list, you can get the expert treatment you need quickly.
- Continuity of care: You’ll typically see the same Ramsay consultant surgeon throughout your treatment journey, ensuring a more personalised and consistent approach to your care.
- Flexible appointments – Consultations are arranged at times that work around your schedule, including evenings and weekends at some locations.
Hip revision surgery cost at Ramsay
The cost of a revision hip replacement operation with Ramsay Health Care will depend on the specific details of the operation you need, and which Ramsay hospital you attend.
After a consultation with one of our orthopaedic surgeons, we’ll give you a personalised quote for your hip operation. This will be valid for up to 60 days.
We offer a range of payment options for your hip revision operation, including:
- 0% Payment Plans: Allowing you to spread the cost of your hip operation with fixed monthly payments over an agreed timeline.
- Self-fund treatment: With our all-inclusive Total Care package, you’ll pay a one-time payment at a pre-agreed price that covers all the treatment you’ll need.
- Your own medical insurance: Your private healthcare insurance may cover your hip revision surgery. You should get written confirmation from your insurance provider before booking your procedure with us.
For a personalised quote or to discuss payment options in more detail, please contact us.
Revision hip replacement at Ramsay Health Care
Choose Ramsay Health Care for your revision hip replacement to get timely access to the healthcare you need.
Ramsay’s orthopaedic consultants are experts in hip revision surgery, and our whole health care team will support you at every step of the treatment process, including recovery and rehabilitation.
Your Ramsay experience includes:
- Convenient locations across the UK, many with on-site parking.
- State-of-the-art facilities with access to the latest surgical technology.
- Comprehensive care and follow-up to monitor your recovery and long-term outcomes.
- Dedicated patient support with easy access to your specialist team throughout your journey.
Contact us online or call us on 0808 223 0500 to speak with one of our advisors and book a consultation.
Hip Revision Surgery FAQs
