Hip Revision Surgery

Hip revision surgery is performed to repair or replace an artificial hip that has worn out, become loose, or no longer works as it should. It helps restore comfort, mobility, and quality of life for people who previously had a hip replacement.

Mass General Brigham Orthopedics specializes in total joint replacement and complex revision surgery. Each year, our teams perform thousands of total joint replacements, helping patients regain mobility and relieve pain. Whether you are an athlete or an active adult seeking to restore joint function, or you are recovering from injury or a previous replacement, we offer coordinated, subspecialized care.

Call 857-282-3300 to schedule a consultation or find a joint specialist.

What is hip revision surgery?

Hip revision surgery helps patients who need to correct or replace a previous hip implant.

Hip replacement surgery replaces your natural hip with a prosthesis made of metal, plastic, or ceramic. It's one of the most successful procedures in modern medicine, and hip replacement technology is more advanced and long-lasting than ever.

However, your body can't repair a prosthetic the way it can repair bone. Hip revision surgery corrects damage due to normal wear and tear after a hip replacement, or it may address an issue caused by an injury or infection.

How do you know when you need a hip revision?

The most common sign that you may need hip revision surgery is that your artificial hip no longer functions as it should. Symptoms can include:

• Persistent or worsening hip pain
• Reduced mobility or stiffness
• Hip instability or repeated dislocations

Even if you don’t experience severe symptoms, you should schedule periodic checks with your doctor as your original implant gets older, especially if you're very active.

The most common reasons for a hip revision surgery are:

• Osteolysis (bone degeneration) or loosening of the prosthetic without an infection (75%)
• Infections (8%)
• Dislocation (6%)
• Fracture of the bone around the implant (4%)
• Fracture of the implant itself (1%)

Studies indicate that about 5% of hip replacements need revision after 10 years and around 15% after 20 years. Lifetime revision rates are higher for younger or very active patients.

Benefits and risks of hip revision surgery

Hip revision surgery can improve quality of life by reducing pain and restoring mobility. However, it is a more complex operation than the first hip replacement. Revisions are riskier than initial replacement and don't last as long.

Your care team can help you understand if and when a hip revision is worth it.

What are the benefits of hip revision surgery?

The benefits of a successful hip revision surgery are:

• Reduced pain
• Increased independence
• Improved mobility
• Ability to continue or return to activities you enjoy

What are the risks of revision hip surgery?

Like all surgeries, hip revision carries some risks, including:

• Infection
• Blood clots
• Nerve damage
• Anesthesia complications

Because revision surgeries take longer and are more complex, the risk of complications is slightly higher than for an initial hip replacement. Some patients may also experience:

• Joint dislocation or instability
• One leg being slightly longer than the other
• Mechanical complications to the prosthesis

How successful is hip revision surgery?

Most hip revision surgeries are successful and long-lasting. Studies indicate that over 80% of revision hip surgeries last ten years or longer.

What to expect when you get hip revision surgery

Preparing for revision hip surgery

Your care team will evaluate your overall health and review your medical history to make sure you’re ready for surgery. You may need imaging tests, blood work, or other evaluations.

Your surgeon will give you detailed instructions, which may include stopping certain medications and fasting before the operation.

Tips for preparing for hip revision surgery:

• Arrange for someone to help with daily tasks after surgery
• Prepare your home for easier movement (remove tripping hazards, set up a sleeping area on one level if possible)
• Get your walker or mobility aid before the operation and practice using it

During revision hip surgery

Hip revision surgery usually takes several hours, depending on the complexity of your case. Your surgeon will remove or repair the existing implant, address any damaged bone, and insert the new prosthesis.

Modern surgical techniques and materials help improve implant stability and reduce recovery time.

Recovery from revision hip surgery

After the surgery, you may stay in the hospital for a few days for monitoring.

When you return home, your activities will be limited for several weeks. Your care team will provide detailed recovery instructions and a personalized physical therapy plan.

At first, you won’t be able to walk on your own, and you may need to avoid putting all your weight on your leg as you start your recovery. Most patients use a walker or crutches for several weeks. As you regain strength, you’ll transition to using a cane or walking independently.

On average, it takes around one year to make a full recovery after revision hip surgery. However, the recovery timeline after hip revision surgery is different for everyone. It depends on factors like age, fitness level, overall health before the operation, and how committed you are to your physical therapy regimen.

FAQs about hip revision surgery