Unfortunately, not all conventional Total Hip Relacements (THR's) continue to work indefinitely. Infection, dislocation,leg length changes and loosening are all reasons why patients may need to have the THR redone (revised).

Recurrence of pain and disability are usually what alert the patient that all is not well. A clinical examination and X-ray will usually reveal the cause for unhappiness.

Mr Bloomfield runs a popular hip revision clinic, and can advise on the need for further surgery using the latest techniques and implants, to preserve the bone stock wherever possible.

The most common cause of failure of a THR (or indeed any joint replacement) is aseptic loosening. Click here to learn more. Aseptic loosening slowly erodes or eats away at the host bone, the prostheses become unstable and pain returns. This is when revision surgery becomes necessary. If the available bone is insufficient to fix the new prostheses in place, bone grafting may be required. Click here to learn more.

Shown below are X-rays of a patient whose hip replacement has become painful as a result of aseptic loosening. Note the "holes" appearing in the bone especially around the end of the stem.

Please click on the picture to enlarge.