Orthopaedic services
Revision hip replacement assessment
Pain or concern after a previous hip replacement can have many causes. Assessment aims to understand the pattern of symptoms, review operation notes or implant details where available and decide what staged investigations may be useful.
In brief
- Revision assessment is detailed and may need staged investigation.
- Previous operation notes and implant details are helpful.
- Revision surgery is complex and is not always required.
Common reasons for referral
Pain after replacement
Pain may come from the hip, surrounding soft tissues, spine or other causes.
Change in function
New instability, limp, reduced walking tolerance or change in confidence may need review.
Implant concerns
Wear, loosening, infection or other implant-related issues may need investigation.
What assessment involves
Assessment includes discussion of the original surgery, current symptoms, medical history and previous investigations. Prior operation notes, implant stickers, letters and imaging reports are helpful where available.
Further X-rays, blood tests, CT, MRI or other investigations may be needed depending on the clinical question.
Before your appointment
Prior operation notes, implant details, recent imaging and investigation results are especially useful.
Treatment options
Not every painful hip replacement requires revision surgery. Treatment may involve further investigation, non-operative management, review of other possible sources of pain, or referral to another service if that is more appropriate.
When surgery or a procedure may be discussed
Revision hip surgery may be discussed when the cause of symptoms is reasonably clear and surgery is likely to be an appropriate option. The discussion includes complexity, risks, recovery, alternatives and the limits of what surgery can achieve.
Recovery and next steps
Next steps may involve collecting prior records, arranging investigations, confirming funding and planning treatment carefully. Timelines vary because revision assessment often depends on the results of several pieces of information.
Funding approval and timing depend on the funder, records and investigation results.
Make an appointment enquiry
For non-urgent appointment or referral questions, please contact the clinic.
Patient information
A one-page summary is available for patients and referrers. It is general information only and does not replace personalised advice.