Hip Revision (Revision Total Hip Replacement)

Total hip replacement is a durable operation for the majority of people who have this surgery. A hip replacement is an implanted mechanical device with components – most commonly referred to as a “ball and socket” – that are assembled before and during the operation. After surgery, the ball-and-socket prosthesis (implant) restores movement in the hip throughout the life-span of the prosthesis.

However, as with any other mechanical device, a total hip replacement prosthesis can be subject to various forms of mechanical or biological failure. Such a failure may require a reoperation of the original hip replacement to address the cause of failure and its consequences. A reoperation of a total hip replacement is called a revision hip replacement or hip revision.

X-ray image showing prosthesis for total hip replacement.
X-ray of a total hip replacement prosthesis

Who needs a hip revision surgery?
What are the key reasons for hip revision surgery?
How can I prevent the need for hip revision surgery?
What should I keep in mind when considering revision hip surgery?

Who needs a hip revision surgery?

The majority of elderly patients who receive a hip replacement retain the prosthesis for 15 to 20 years, and sometimes for life. However, some patients may need one or more revisions of a hip replacement, particularly if the initial hip replacement surgery is performed at a young age and the patient chooses to have a very active physical lifestyle.

Preoperative investigations of patients who will undergo revision surgery are more extensive than those for patients who will undergo a primary surgery. Often, special radiographic (X-ray) projections, CT scan, MRI or EOS imaging of the hip may be necessary to determine position and fixation of the replacement parts (components), and to determine precisely the extent of bone loss around a failed implant. A preoperative aspiration (fluid sample) and/or special blood work may be needed if the surgeon suspects an infection in the failed hip. (Find hip revision surgeons at HSS to suit your specific condition, location and insurance.)

What are the key reasons for hip revision surgery?

Hip revision operations are performed relatively infrequently. In the United States, there are approximately 18 revision hip replacements performed for every 100 hip replacements.1 The most common reasons for revision are:

repetitive (recurrent) dislocation of a hip replacement
mechanical failure (implant wear and tear – loosening or breakage)
infection

Repetitive hip dislocation

As mentioned above, a hip replacement implant's structure resembles that of the natural hip (a ball and socket). For a hip replacement to function well, the ball must remain inside the socket at all times. Two key factors keep the ball inside the socket: (1) the alignment and fit of the ball and the socket, and (2) forces generated by the strong muscles and ligaments around the hip joint. A hip replacement is designed to have a large range of motion. However, trauma or certain hip positions can force the hip ball out of the socket. This condition is called a dislocated hip or hip dislocation.

Dislocations in people who have had a hip replacement are relatively infrequent, particularly in the healthy patient who carefully follows precautions given by their surgeon and physical therapist. However, some people are predisposed to this complication. This can include elderly and debilitated patients, or those who got a hip replacement after having a hip fracture or multiple prior hip surgeries.

X-ray image showing dislocated total hip replacement prosthesis.
X-ray of a dislocated total hip replacement prosthesis showing the ball forced out of the socket

Anyone with a replaced hip who has suffered a hip dislocation is then predisposed to have them again, because the dislocated ball disrupts the important muscles and ligaments around the hip. Multiple dislocations are infrequent, but in patients who have suffered multiple hip dislocations, the orthopedic surgeon may recommend revision surgery.

Revision surgery is effective in preventing a new dislocation. Prior to surgery, the surgeon may request imaging studies to determine the exact position and orientation of the different parts of the replacement. One or more parts may need to be reoriented or completely exchanged during the revision.

In certain instances, the surgeon may use a device that “captures” the ball inside the socket (called a constrained socket). The proper healing of the soft tissues around a revised hip is most important for the success of the operation. Therefore, the surgeon may recommend wearing a brace for a few weeks after surgery. After surgery, it is important to follow the surgeon’s advice and to refrain from moving the hip into positions that can generate a new dislocation.

Mechanical failure (wear, loosening, or breakage)

The parts of a hip replacement which move against one another will slowly wear down during the regular use of the replacement. The younger and the more physically active the patient is, the faster the wear. Continual, repetitive movement of the mechanical parts causes small pieces of hip prosthesis ("wear particles") to break off. Depending on the type of hip replacement, these particles can be made out of plastic, cement, ceramic, or metal. A patient’s immune system will recognize these particles as foreign objects (not a natural part of the body) and generate an immune response (like an allergic reaction). A strong reaction to the wear particles can result in the destruction of bone tissue around the hip replacement (a condition called osteolysis). If the bone destruction is severe enough, the components of the replaced hip may become loose.

X-ray image showing loose total hip replacement prosthesis.
X-ray of a loose total hip replacement prosthesis showing separation of the stem from the bone (as detailed by arrows)

A loose component can move against the surrounding bone, compounding the bone loss. If the bone loss is severe enough, a spontaneous bone fracture can occur (known as a pathologic fracture).

Mechanical wear and tear leading to loosening of the prosthesis (implant) is one of the most frequent forms of mechanical failure. However, other forms of mechanical failure are possible, like breakage of the prosthesis, such as may occur during a trauma like a fall or auto collision.

During revision surgery for wear, mechanical loosening, or breakage, the surgeon will remove the worn, loosened, or broken component(s), assess the amount of bone loss, and implant new components. Frequently, a bone graft from a deceased donor (whose tissue is tested for compatibility with the patient) is necessary to rebuild the bone content lost because of the prosthetic failure. In certain instances, when a large amount of bone graft must be utilized, or when the patient’s own bone stock is poor quality, the surgeon may ask the patient not to bear full weight on the operated leg for a specified period of time after surgery.

X-ray image showing broken stem section of a total hip replacement prosthesis.
X-ray detailing the broken stem section of a total hip replacement prosthesis

Infection of a hip replacement

Infection can occur at any time after surgery. The risk is higher during the first six weeks. The risk of “late” infections after that period is lower. Sometimes, infections unrelated to the hip – for example, in the mouth, gums, or teeth (including after regular dental procedures that involve bleeding gums), or in the lungs, urine, or skin – can cause bacteria to enter the blood stream. This bacteria can then seed and infect a hip replacement, causing hip pain and fever.

In the presence of a prosthetic infection, the surgeon will attempt to identify the organism (bacteria) that is causing the infection. A hip aspiration may be recommended. The liquid aspirated from the hip will be sent to a laboratory and tested to determine the type of bacteria present and the antibiotics the bacteria are sensitive (susceptible) to.

Once an infection in the hip replacement has been diagnosed, several treatment options are possible. The vast majority of treatments include surgery and a course of antibiotics that specifically target the infecting bacteria. The treatment option depends on the type of bacteria and its sensitivity to antibiotics, the duration of the infection, the fixation of the hip replacement parts, and the patient’s general health. The surgeon will discuss benefits and drawbacks of each treatment option.

The most common treatment options include:

A thorough surgical cleaning of the hip replacement. This is generally recommended when the infection is discovered very early (within a few hours or days). Patients require six weeks of intravenous antibiotics and, frequently, a low dose of oral antibiotics for a long period of time (sometimes for life).
A complete exchange of a hip replacement, done in two stages: A first stage consists of the complete removal of the hip replacement, cleaning of the bone, and implantation of a temporary cement spacer that will allow some hip motion and deliver antibiotics to the hip area. This is generally followed by a six-week course of intravenous antibiotics. The second stage consists of the reimplantation of a definitive hip replacement (generally 6 to 8 weeks after the initial operation).
A complete exchange of a hip replacement done as a single operation, during which the infected prosthesis is removed, the bone is cleaned, and a new prosthesis is implanted. Patients require six weeks of intravenous antibiotics and, frequently, a low dose of oral antibiotics for a long period of time (sometimes for life).

A step-by-step animation of a single-operation hip revision procedure

How can I prevent the need for hip revision surgery?

It is vital for a hip replacement patient to be aware of the risks of infection and implant failure, and to monitor themselves postsurgery. Some of the above-mentioned forms of failure can be prevented.

Dislocations can be prevented by following the surgeon’s instructions. Some forms of hip infection can be prevented by prompt treatment of other bodily infections and by taking antibiotics before certain dental and other procedures.

The natural wear and tear of a prosthesis generally causes no pain or discomfort. Therefore, it is very important for the patient to have his or her hip replacement regularly checked. A simple physical examination and radiographs (X-rays) are necessary at intervals designated by the surgeon. If excessive wear and/or bone loss is detected at any time, close monitoring is necessary to determine the best possible time (if any) to have the hip replacement revised.

What should I keep in mind when considering revision hip surgery?

During revision surgery, the surgeon may need to remove or exchange one or more parts of the hip replacement. The parts that are not attached to the bone can be safely exchanged with minimal to no removal of the patient’s bone. However, if the metallic parts in contact with the bone need to be changed, some bone loss generally occurs. In addition, some of the musculature around the hip will be lost, thus affecting the strength of the hip and the patient’s function after surgery. The results of revision surgery are not as predictable as those of the primary surgery. Complications are more frequent.

A revision of a hip replacement is generally more challenging than the initial operation. It should not be regarded as or compared to "changing the tires on a car." The results of surgery and the durability of the revised hip replacement are less predictable than those of the primary operation. With every revision surgery, there is some loss of muscular mass, bone, or both. The duration of surgery is generally longer and the likelihood of complications higher than during the primary surgery.