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Second Opinion on Previous Hip Replacement (Revision Surgery)

Revision Hip Surgery in Oklahoma City

Dr. Paul Jacob is a fellowship-trained hip and knee replacement specialist providing revision hip surgery in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. With advanced training in adult reconstruction at the Cleveland Clinic, Dr. Jacob specializes in primary and revision joint replacement for patients whose previous hip replacement has developed complications or no longer provides the desired function.

A previous hip replacement may require revision because of implant wear, loosening, instability, infection, bone loss, fracture, or persistent pain. Because revision surgery can be more complex than an initial hip replacement, a thorough evaluation is important to determine the underlying problem and develop an individualized treatment plan.

Revision Hip Replacement

Revision hip replacement is a complex surgical procedure in which all or part of a previously implanted hip-joint is replaced with a new artificial hip-joint. Total hip replacement surgery is an option to relieve severe arthritis pain that limits your daily activities. During total hip replacement the damaged cartilage and bone is removed from the hip joint and replaced with artificial components. At times, hip replacement implants can wear out for various reasons and may need to be replaced with the help of a surgical procedure known as revision hip replacement surgery.

Indications:

Revision hip replacement is advised in patients with the following conditions:

  • Increasing pain in the affected hip
  • Worn out plastic or polyethylene prosthesis
  • Dislocation of previous implants
  • Loosening of the femoral or acetabular component of the artificial hip joint
  • Infection around the hip prosthesis causing pain and fever
  • Weakening of bone around the hip replacement (Osteolysis)

Surgical Procedure

Revision hip replacement surgery is performed under general anesthesia. During the procedure, your surgeon will make an incision over the hip to expose the hip joint. Then the femur is dislocated from the acetabulum so that the old plastic liner and the metal socket can be removed from the acetabulum.

After removal, the acetabulum is prepared using extra bone and wire mesh to make up for the socket space and shape. Then the new metal shell is inserted into the socket using screws or special cement. A liner made of plastic, ceramic or metal is placed inside the metal socket.

To prepare the femoral component, the top of the femur bone is cut into several pieces to remove the implant. The segments of bone are cleaned and the new femoral implant is inserted into the femur either by a press fit or using bone cement. The segments of the femur and the femoral component are held together with surgical wires. Then the femoral head component made of metal or ceramic is placed on the femoral stem. All the new components are secured in place to form the new hip joint. The muscles and tendons around the new joint are repaired and the incision is closed.

Post-operative care:

After undergoing revision hip replacement, you must take special care to prevent the new joint from dislocating and to ensure proper healing. Some of the common precautions to be taken include:

  • Avoid combined movement of bending your hip and turning your foot inwards because it can cause dislocation
  • Keep a pillow between your legs while sleeping for 6 weeks
  • Never cross your legs or bend your hips past a right angle (90 degrees)
  • Avoid sitting on low chairs
  • Avoid bending down to pick up things, instead a grabber can be used to do so
  • Use an elevated toilet seat

Risks:

As with any major surgical procedure, there are certain potential risks and complications involved with revision hip replacement surgery. The possible complications after revision hip replacement include:

  • Infection
  • Dislocation
  • Fracture of the femur or pelvis
  • Injury to nerves or blood vessels
  • Formation of blood clots in the leg veins
  • Leg length inequality
  • Hip prosthesis may wear out
  • Failure to relieve pain

Why Choose Dr. Paul Jacob for Revision Hip Surgery in Oklahoma City?

Dr. Paul Jacob is a Cleveland Clinic-trained adult reconstruction specialist whose practice focuses on hip and knee reconstruction. His expertise includes primary and revision joint replacement, complex hip reconstruction, minimally invasive techniques when appropriate, and advanced surgical approaches tailored to each patient's condition.

Revision hip surgery can require specialized planning because existing implants may need to be removed and bone quality may be compromised. Dr. Jacob evaluates the condition of the existing implant, surrounding bone and soft tissues, and the underlying cause of the hip problem to develop an appropriate surgical strategy.

Patients considering revision hip surgery in Oklahoma City may benefit from:

  • Fellowship training in adult reconstruction at the Cleveland Clinic
  • Dedicated focus on hip and knee reconstruction
  • Experience with revision hip replacement
  • Evaluation of failed or painful hip implants
  • Individualized surgical planning for complex cases
  • Comprehensive postoperative recovery guidance

Revision Hip Surgery FAQs

Why might I need revision hip surgery?

Revision surgery may be recommended when a previous hip replacement develops problems such as implant loosening, wear, dislocation, infection, fracture, bone loss, or persistent pain that affects function and quality of life.

Is revision hip replacement more complicated than the first hip replacement?

Revision hip replacement can be more complex because the surgeon may need to remove existing implants and address bone loss, scar tissue, instability, infection, or other complications. The complexity varies depending on the underlying problem.

How do I know if my hip replacement has failed?

Increasing or persistent hip pain, instability, changes in mobility, recurrent dislocation, or other new symptoms may indicate a problem with a previous hip replacement. Diagnostic imaging and a clinical evaluation can help determine the cause.

What happens during revision hip surgery?

The procedure varies depending on the problem. The surgeon may remove some or all of the existing components, address damaged or deficient bone, and place new implant components designed to restore stability and function.

How long does recovery take after revision hip surgery?

Recovery depends on the complexity of the revision, the patient's overall health, bone quality, and the amount of reconstruction required. Recovery may take longer than after a primary hip replacement, and rehabilitation is tailored to the individual.

What are the risks of revision hip replacement?

Potential complications include infection, dislocation, fracture, blood clots, nerve or blood vessel injury, leg-length differences, implant wear or loosening, and persistent pain. Dr. Jacob can discuss the potential risks based on your specific condition.

Revision Hip Surgery in Oklahoma City

If you are experiencing pain, instability, or other problems after a previous hip replacement, Dr. Paul Jacob provides specialized revision hip surgery in Oklahoma City. His Cleveland Clinic training and dedicated focus on adult reconstruction provide patients with an experienced approach to evaluating complex hip replacement problems and developing individualized treatment plans.

Schedule an evaluation with Dr. Paul Jacob in Oklahoma City to determine whether revision hip surgery may be appropriate for your condition. Patients from Edmond, Norman, and surrounding Oklahoma communities can receive specialized evaluation and treatment for failed or painful hip replacements.

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