Hip Replacement Revision

Hip replacement surgery is generally a safe and effective procedure. However, in some patients, the hip replacement may loosen, wear out or develop instability. Patients who develop such complications may experience symptoms such as pain, stiffness and difficulty walking.

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The diagnosis of a malfunctioning hip replacement is made after a thorough clinical assessment of the hip joint. X-rays, CT scans and specialized MRI scans may also be needed to confirm the diagnosis and to look for associated problems such as bone loss around the hip replacement. 

In patients who develop a malfunctioning hip replacement, revision surgery may be necessary to reduce pain and restore mobility. The surgery involves replacing one or more components of the hip replacement, which have failed. At the same time, areas of bone loss may need to be restored with bone graft from the patient himself (autograft) or from a donor (allograft), or replaced with metal blocks. 

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Revision hip replacement is a technically demanding procedure and should be carried out by surgeons who are trained and experienced. Such surgery is usually performed under general anaesthesia and may take about 2-3 hours to perform. A 3-4 stay in hospital is usually required after the surgery and 2-6 weeks of walking aid-assisted ambulation may be advised.

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The rehabilitation process after revision hip replacement is often slower and longer compared to that following primary hip replacement. It may last up to 6-12 months following the revision procedure. The success rate of revision hip replacement has been reported to be approximately 80%. The complications of this procedure include infection, loosening of the new prosthesis, dislocation of the joint and limb length discrepancy.

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For more information, please contact us.