Hip revision surgery repairs and replaces an artificial hip joint. You may need this after hip replacement surgery if you have an infection or damage to your prosthetic. You can prepare for this procedure in the same way you prepared for your initial hip replacement surgery. The goal of surgery is to improve the function of your artificial hip.
Hip revision surgery is a procedure that repairs or replaces an artificial hip joint. You may need this procedure after hip replacement surgery to correct any damage to your artificial hip that happened because of:
Damage to your artificial hip joint can cause symptoms of pain and discomfort. You might not be able to use your hip to its full potential. The goal of hip revision surgery is to improve the function of your hip.
You may wonder why you need additional surgery after hip replacement surgery. Human-made (artificial) implants, or prosthesis, that your orthopaedic surgeon used to replace your hip during your first surgery doesn’t last forever. The typical life of an artificial hip joint is 10 to 20 years, depending on the daily use of your joint.
Think of your artificial hip implant as a vehicle. Over time, your car will need maintenance to keep it running. Your car is susceptible to normal wear and tear from frequent use. You may need to repair or replace your vehicle with a newer model that will get you back on the road. Hip revision surgery is the maintenance or repair that your artificial hip joint needs to keep functioning as expected.
After hip replacement surgery, normal, day-to-day movements wear down your artificial joint. This can cause your prosthetic to be loose, dislocate or not fit securely, which can keep it from functioning as it should. You’ll likely feel pain around your artificial hip. This is a sign that you might need this procedure. After revision surgery, your pain should lessen or go away and you’ll regain function of your artificial hip.
Infection is another reason why you may need hip revision surgery. An infection around your artificial hip joint can cause pain and weaken and damage your muscle, tendon and ligaments, along with your hip bone. To prevent this damage, your healthcare provider may recommend hip revision surgery.
Hip revision surgery isn’t common but may be necessary if you have an infection or damage to your artificial joint.
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About a month before your hip revision surgery, you’ll meet with your care team to discuss your surgery and possible risks. They’ll also perform a physical exam, take a complete medical history and review any medications or supplements you currently take. Tests are also necessary and could include:
When you schedule your hip revision surgery, you’ll also schedule appointments to meet with a physical therapist after your procedure. To prepare you for your surgery, your surgeon will go over specific instructions, like what medications are safe to take and what you should stop taking before the procedure. Don’t stop taking any medications unless your provider tells you it’s safe to do so.
You can take steps at home to help you prepare for an easier recovery after hip revision surgery by:
Before hip revision surgery, your surgeon may recommend visiting a dentist to get a teeth cleaning and to take care of any cavities. You’re more at risk of developing an infection after your surgery because germs can enter your bloodstream via your mouth. Your hip needs extra blood supply while you heal, which makes you more susceptible to infection. After your surgery, your surgeon may recommend you wait three months before you visit the dentist unless you have a dental emergency. After your surgery, you’ll need to take antibiotics before you get any dental work done to prevent infections.
During hip revision surgery, your surgeon will remove all or part of your artificial hip joint and replace it with a new one.
In more severe infection cases, hip revision surgery happens in two different surgeries. The first surgery removes the artificial joint and treats the infection with antibiotics. Once the infection clears, the surgeon will perform a second surgery to place a new hip joint.
Hip revision surgery can take about two hours. Your surgeon will give you an approximate time estimate before your procedure.
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After hip revision surgery, you’ll need to stay in the hospital for a few days so your care team can monitor your healing progress. When you leave the hospital, you’ll complete your recovery at home. Your surgeon will give you care instructions that could include:
Hip revision surgery is a voluntary but safe procedure. The benefits of hip revision surgery include:
The majority of hip revision surgeries successfully reduce pain and improve your range of motion. To increase the success of hip revision surgery, you’ll need to complete rehabilitation and physical therapy during your recovery as directed.
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Every surgical procedure comes with potential risks. The possible complications of hip revision surgery could include:
Your surgeon will explain the possible risks of your surgery before your procedure.
The recovery time for hip revision surgery is approximately six months. There’s an adjusting period after surgery because normal activities like getting into a car and climbing stairs are going to be difficult. You’ll have a limp when walking and some pain that should go away after six months when you’re completely healed.
After surgery, you can improve your recovery time by:
After approximately a month, your healthcare provider will take X-rays of your leg to monitor healing. If you have severe pain or swelling after surgery, contact your provider.
Yes, immediately after surgery, you’ll start rehabilitation and physical therapy. Your physical therapist will monitor the strength and flexibility in your leg and hip, as well as your ability to stand and sit.
Physical therapy will continue while you’re in the hospital and when you go home. You’ll need to keep doing physical therapy for about a year. Your physical therapist will give you instructions so you can continue exercising at home, outside of your appointments. They’ll also explain what exercises and activities are safe to do following your surgery and when you can get back to your normal routine.
Contact your provider if you notice any of the following symptoms after hip revision surgery:
You’ll need to schedule follow-up appointments after your surgery so your surgeon can monitor how well your hip is healing. After your surgery, you may need to schedule appointments during the following times:
You’ll need hip X-rays at most or all of your appointments.
A note from Cleveland Clinic
If you’re in pain or unable to use your artificial hip as you used to, you may be a candidate for hip revision surgery. It can be an emotional process going into surgery for a second time. Your surgeon is available to answer any questions and put you at ease before your procedure. Make sure you attend follow-up appointments with your care team to see that your new hip is healing properly and you no longer have pain or discomfort. Physical therapy and strengthening exercises will help you gain greater mobility and ensure an easier recovery following hip replacement.
Last reviewed on 03/09/2023.
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Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy