Hip revision surgery in Plymouth

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

If your old hip replacement has started to wear, you may benefit from a new prosthesis in order to avoid discomfort and maximise mobility. At Nuffield Health Plymouth Hospital our experienced orthopaedic surgeons are here to help and provide you with hip revision surgery.

Our consultants and matron-led nursing team pride themselves on delivering a consistently high level of clinical care. We also have a dedicated on-site physiotherapy team, encouraging a full and thorough recovery. Our physiotherapists specialise in orthopaedic aftercare and work closely with our orthopaedic surgeons to get you back to your feet after surgery.

If you are experiencing uncomfortable hip pain and believe that your old hip replacement is starting to wear out, why not attend one of our orthopaedic open events here in Plymouth. You will get the opportunity to meet a member of our expert orthopaedics team and ask any questions you may have.

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 Plymouth Hospital

• One of our on-site physiotherapists will give you some exercises to help get your new hip moving
• These exercises 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 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.