Treatment / Revision / Hip Revision Surgery

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HIP | LAS VEGAS

Hip Revision Surgery

Dr. Andrew Lee, MD | Nevada Spine Clinic, Las Vegas, Nevada

Understanding Hip Replacement Failure

Total and partial hip replacements are among the most durable implants in orthopaedic surgery, with the majority functioning well for fifteen to twenty years or longer. However, over time or due to specific complications, a hip replacement may fail and require revision surgery to restore function and relieve pain.


Dr. Andrew Lee at Nevada Spine Clinic in Las Vegas manages complex hip revision cases including those referred by other surgeons who consider the case technically demanding.

Reasons for Hip Revision Surgery

  • Aseptic Loosening: The implant gradually loses its bond to the bone due to wear particles causing bone resorption, requiring revision to re-establish stable fixation.
  • Bearing Surface Wear: The polyethylene or ceramic bearing surface wears over time, causing pain, instability, or particle-induced bone loss.
  • Dislocation: Recurrent hip dislocation unresponsive to conservative management may require revision to address component positioning or soft tissue deficiency.
  • Periprosthetic Joint Infection: Deep infection around the hip implant requires surgical treatment, often in stages.
  • Periprosthetic Fracture: Fracture of the femur around the implant may require revision with longer stems and fixation devices.

Conservative Non-Surgical Care

Before recommending hip resurfacing, Dr. Andrew Lee at Nevada Spine Clinic in Las Vegas ensures that conservative measures including physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, activity modification, and joint injections have been adequately pursued.

Hip resurfacing is an elective procedure for patients with significant hip arthritis that limits function and quality of life despite non-operative management.

When Revision Is Indicated

Hip revision surgery is recommended when a failed hip replacement cannot be managed non-operatively and when symptoms significantly impair quality of life. Dr. Lee performs thorough diagnostic workup including advanced imaging and laboratory studies before planning revision surgery.

The complexity of revision surgery varies widely. Some cases require only component exchange while others require complete reconstruction with bone grafting and specialized implants.

Hip Revision Surgery

Hip revision surgery is significantly more complex than primary hip replacement. Dr. Andrew Lee performs hip revision cases at Southern Hills Hospital in Las Vegas, including complex reconstructions referred from other orthopaedic surgeons.

The approach used depends on the reason for failure and the implants in place. Failed components are carefully removed with specialized instruments designed to minimize bone loss. Any deficient bone is reconstructed with bone graft or augments. New components are selected to restore proper hip geometry, leg length, and stability.

Revision for infection is typically performed in two stages. The first stage removes all infected hardware and places an antibiotic-loaded cement spacer. After a period of intravenous antibiotics, the second stage implants the definitive revision components when infection has been eradicated.

The primary goals of this procedure are to:
  • Remove failed components and address the cause of failure
  • Restore stable and well-functioning hip replacement
  • Relieve pain and restore mobility
  • Achieve durable long-term fixation of revision components

Potential Risks

  • Higher complication rates: Revision surgery carries greater risk than primary replacement due to altered anatomy, bone deficiency, and scar tissue.
  • Dislocation: Risk of dislocation is higher following revision surgery.
  • Infection: Risk of infection is elevated in revision cases. Staged revision is used when infection is present.
  • Nerve injury: Scar tissue and altered anatomy increase the risk of nerve injury during revision.
  • Bone loss: Removal of failed components can cause additional bone loss requiring augmentation.
  • Blood loss: Revision procedures typically involve more blood loss than primary surgery.

Postoperative Recovery and Rehabilitation

Recovery following hip revision is longer and more demanding than primary replacement. Weight bearing status depends on the extent of reconstruction and bone quality. Physical therapy is tailored to the specific revision performed.

Most patients require three to six months for meaningful functional recovery following hip revision surgery.

What to Expect After Surgery

Pain relief following successful hip revision is typically significant, though recovery is longer than primary replacement. Most patients experience gradual improvement in function over the first three to six months.

Regular follow-up with Dr. Lee following revision surgery is important for monitoring implant stability and overall function.

Do not soak your wound.

No bathtub, swimming, or hot tub until cleared by Dr. Lee.

Wound Care and Medication Management

Follow all wound care instructions provided at discharge carefully. Revision hip incisions may be longer and require more careful monitoring. Contact Nevada Spine Clinic immediately for any signs of wound complications.

Blood clot prevention medication is prescribed following revision surgery. Take all medications as directed.

Activity Guidelines After Surgery

Activity restrictions following hip revision are individualized based on the reconstruction performed. Dr. Lee will review specific precautions and weight bearing restrictions at discharge and follow-up appointments.

Contact Nevada Spine Clinic or go to the emergency room immediately for sudden severe hip pain, inability to bear weight, fever, or wound changes.

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Dr. Andrew Lee, MD | Nevada Spine Clinic, Las Vegas

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