Hip revision surgery in Guildford

Why choose Nuffield Health Guildford Hospital for your hip revision surgery?

At Nuffield Health Guildford Hospital we believe that clinical care and patient experience come first. Since our recent £8m refurbishment our orthopaedic consultants are now able to utilise technologically advanced equipment and facilities to provide outstanding surgical results and care.

Our updated inpatient rooms now feature a contemporary design with spacious en-suit bathrooms, flatscreen TV's and wireless internet access. All of these facilities combine to offer a more comfortable and enjoyable hospital setting.

The joint revision consultants at Nuffield Health Guildford Hospital have a great track record for performing successful hip revision surgeries, so you can rest assured that you will be in the best possible hands throughout your patient journey.

If you are unsure if you need a hip revision or want to find out more, you are welcome to attend one of our free orthopaedic open events. Here you will get the opportunity to meet one of our consultant surgeons and ask any additional questions you may have about the procedure.

What is hip revision surgery?

Hip revision surgery is a surgical procedure to take out your old, often worn out hip replacement in be replaced with a brand new one.

Hip replacements can fail for several reasons:

• Wearing out of the artificial ball and socket joint
• Infection in the hip joint
• Dislocation
• Fracture of the thighbone (Femur).

What happens during hip revision surgery?

During your operation your surgeon will remove your old hip prothesis and any cement that might have been used to hold it in place. He will replace your old prosthesis with new components.

Your surgeon’s choice of prosthesis will be based on several factors such as your age, your level of activity and your current condition. Both cemented and uncemented replacements are used. If you have concerns be sure and ask your surgeon about his prosthesis choice.

Going home after your hip revision at Nuffield Health Guildford Hospital

One of our on-site physiotherapists will give you some exercises to help get your new hip moving. These are important to help you make a full and thorough recovery. You may be using crutches or a walker. When you are able to walk up and down stairs, you can go home. You won’t be able to drive, so you will need someone to come and take you home from the hospital, once you have been discharged.

So you don’t damage your new hip and to help your wound heal, you should follow a few restrictions for the first six weeks of your recovery:

• Avoid bending your new hip beyond 90 degrees
• Avoid rolling your leg towards the other leg
• Avoid crossing your legs
• Avoid twisting on your new hip when standing
• Use the shower instead of the bath
• Keep wearing your support stockings - you may have to do so for 4 to 6 weeks
• If you have any questions or concerns about your restrictions be sure and ask a member.

What are the risks involved with a hip revision?

Most people make a good recovery and return to normal activities following hip revision. However as with any surgery there can be complications which include:

• Pain
• Bleeding
• Infection of the surgical site (incision)
• Scarring
• Blood clots (DVT - deep vein thrombosis)
• Difficulty passing urine
• Chest infection

Specific complications might include:

• Split in the femur
• Nerve damage around the hip
• Damage to the blood vessels around the hip
• Infection in the hip
• Loosening of the replacement
• Dislocation
• Leg length difference.