Total hip replacements are one of the most common orthopedic procedures and have excellent success rates, but they inevitably wear out over time. Revision hip replacement is a surgical procedure which essentially replaces existing hip joint prosthesis.

There are a number of reasons why hip replacements wear out. The most common problem is called aseptic loosening, which happens when the hip implant starts loosening from the femur bone. This condition is very painful and requires revision hip replacement. Other causes include new bone breakage around the hip, an actual break in the hip prosthesis or an infection in the hip joint.

Procedure information
Essentially, revision hip replacement replaces the original hip prosthesis with a new one. However, this is a much more technically difficult procedure than the original hip replacement surgery. Everything depends on how hard the old replacement is to remove and on the condition of the remaining bone around the hip.

If the trochanter bone must be cut to remove the old hip prosthesis, wires will be needed to hold together the bones around the new implant. A bone graft from your pelvis may also be needed to fill in defects in the existing bones. Revision hip replacement is one of the most complex and risky operations in the field of orthopedic surgery.

Recovery time
The recovery period for revision hip replacement is very long time and involves a great deal of care and caution. There is a high risk of dislocation during the first 12 weeks following the surgery, so patients must be extremely careful. Range of motion in the hip area will likely be less than before, and all patients are encouraged to use a cane full-time for the remainder of their lives to help prevent the need for a third hip replacement caused by dislocation.