Hip revision surgery in Tunbridge Wells

Why Nuffield Health Tunbridge Wells Hospital for your hip revision surgery?

Nuffield Health Tunbridge Wells Hospital has been at the forefront of private healthcare in Kent since 1968. One area we specialise in is orthopaedic surgery. Our expert consultants specialise in joint revision and in particular hip revision surgery. If your hip replacement has began to wear after a number of years then you may want to think about hip revision. 

As a hip revision patient with us you will receive rapid access to treatment, as well as benefiting from our dedicated matron-led care.

If you want to find out more about hip revision at Nuffield Health, ask our consultant a question or see our facilities, why not come to one of our free orthopaedic open events?

What is hip revision surgery?

Hip revision surgery is a surgical procedure to take out your old, worn out hip replacement to be replaced by a 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
• Your surgeon 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 un-cemented replacements are used at Nuffield Health
• If you have concerns be sure and ask your surgeon about his prosthesis choice.

Going home after your hip revision at Nuffield Health Tunbridge Wells 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 recovery
• You may be using crutches or a walker initially
• When you are able to walk up and down stairs, you can go home
• You won’t be able to drive, so once discharged you will need someone to pick you up.

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 four to six weeks.

If you have any questions or concerns about your restrictions be sure and ask a member of Nuffield Health Tunbridge Wells Hospital's healthcare or physiotherapy team.

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.

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

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.