Hip Revision Surgery for a Failed Hip Replacement Procedure

Still Living with Hip Pain After a Hip Replacement?

When it comes to joint replacement surgery, a hip replacement is meant to restore mobility and eliminate pain. For many people, it does exactly that. But for others, pain never fully goes away—or it returns months or even years after surgery.

If you’re experiencing ongoing hip pain after a hip replacement, you may be suffering from a failed hip replacement. The good news is that you may have options. Hip revision surgery is designed to correct problems with a previous hip replacement and help you get back to living with less pain and greater confidence.

Dr. Eldon Hopkins is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon who specializes in diagnosing and treating failed hip replacements. With more than 4,000 successful joint replacement surgeries performed, he has earned a reputation for delivering exceptional outcomes using the latest minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate. Dr. Hopkins has assembled an elite team at Medical City Hip & Knee Specialists to serve the local patient community.

What Is a Failed Hip Replacement?

A failed hip replacement occurs when an artificial hip joint no longer functions as intended. This doesn’t necessarily mean the original surgery was performed incorrectly. Hip implants can wear over time, loosen, become infected, or develop other complications that cause pain and reduced mobility.

Many patients believe they simply have to “live with it,” but persistent pain after hip replacement surgery is not normal and deserves evaluation by an experienced orthopedic specialist.

Common Symptoms of a Failed Hip Replacement

If you’ve had hip replacement surgery and are experiencing any of the following symptoms, it may be time for an evaluation:

• Persistent or worsening hip pain
• Pain while walking or standing
• Groin, thigh, or buttock pain
• Hip stiffness
• Difficulty climbing stairs
• A feeling that the hip is unstable
• Clicking, popping, or grinding sensations
• Swelling around the hip
• Leg length differences
• Reduced range of motion

Whether your symptoms began shortly after surgery or many years later, they should not be ignored.

Why Hip Replacements Fail

Several conditions can cause a hip replacement to fail, including:

• Implant Loosening
• Over time, the implant may loosen from the surrounding bone, causing pain and instability.
• Wear of Implant Components
• Even durable implants experience wear over many years of use.
• Infection
• An infection around the implant can lead to pain, swelling, and serious complications if left untreated.
• Hip Dislocation
• The artificial joint may become unstable and repeatedly dislocate.
• Bone Loss
• Loss of bone around the implant can reduce stability and make walking painful.
• Implant Fracture
• Although uncommon, components of the implant can break or fail.
• Persistent Pain After Hip Replacement

Sometimes the source of pain is not immediately obvious and requires specialized evaluation to identify the underlying cause.

What Is Hip Revision Surgery?

Hip revision surgery is a specialized procedure that replaces part or all of a previous hip replacement.

Unlike a primary hip replacement, revision surgery is more complex because the surgeon must:

• Remove worn or loose implants
• Preserve healthy bone whenever possible
• Correct the underlying cause of pain
• Restore stability and proper joint alignment
• Implant new components designed for long-term function

The goal is simple: relieve pain, improve mobility, and restore your quality of life.

Why Experience Matters

Revision hip surgery is one of the most technically demanding procedures in orthopedic surgery.

Dr. Eldon Hopkins has extensive experience treating patients with painful and failed hip replacements. Having performed more than 4,000 successful joint replacement procedures, he understands the complexity involved in revision surgery and develops an individualized treatment plan for every patient.

Patients choose Dr. Hopkins because he is known for:

• Expertise in complex hip revision surgery
• Thorough evaluation of failed hip replacements
• Advanced surgical techniques
• Minimally invasive approaches when appropriate
• Personalized treatment plans
• Compassionate patient care
• A commitment to helping patients return to an active lifestyle

Comprehensive Evaluation for Hip Pain

Not every painful hip replacement requires revision surgery.

Dr. Hopkins begins with a comprehensive evaluation to determine the true cause of your symptoms. Your evaluation may include:

• Medical history
• Physical examination
• Digital X-rays
• Advanced imaging when necessary
• Laboratory testing to evaluate for infection
• Review of previous surgical records

Once the source of your pain has been identified, you’ll receive clear recommendations for the most appropriate treatment.

Is Hip Revision Surgery Right for You?

You may be a candidate for hip revision surgery if you have:

• Ongoing hip pain after replacement surgery
• A loose hip implant
• Recurrent hip dislocations
• Implant wear
• Infection involving the hip replacement
• Difficulty walking due to implant failure
• Limited mobility that affects daily activities

Every patient is different, and the right treatment depends on the underlying cause of your symptoms.

Recovery After Hip Revision Surgery

Similar to the that of a knee revision surgery, recovery varies depending on the complexity of the procedure and your overall health.

Most patients participate in physical therapy to regain strength and mobility. Many experience significant improvements in pain, walking ability, and overall function after healing.

Dr. Hopkins and his care team provide detailed guidance throughout every stage of recovery to help you achieve the best possible outcome.

Don’t Accept Ongoing Hip Pain

Many patients assume that pain after hip replacement is something they simply have to tolerate.

That isn’t true.

If your hip replacement has failed – or you continue to experience persistent hip pain – you deserve answers from a surgeon with extensive experience in complex hip reconstruction.

Dr. Eldon Hopkins specializes in helping patients who have been told there are no other options. Through careful evaluation and advanced revision techniques, he helps patients regain comfort, mobility, and confidence.

Schedule Your Hip Revision Consultation

If you’re experiencing pain after hip replacement surgery, don’t wait for your symptoms to worsen.

Schedule a consultation with Dr. Eldon Hopkins to determine the cause of your hip pain and learn whether hip revision surgery may be the right solution.

Together, you can develop a personalized treatment plan focused on reducing pain, restoring function, and helping you return to the activities you enjoy.

Our Hip and Knee Pain Services

• Knee Replacement
• Partial Joint Replacement
• Revision Hip
• Revision Knee
• Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Total Hip Replacement
• Total Knee Replacement