Diagnose before revising
Serial imaging, laboratory studies, aspiration, or advanced imaging may be used depending on the suspected cause.
Complex reconstruction
Revision Hip Replacement in Dallas
A methodical diagnosis and reconstruction plan for a painful, unstable, infected, worn, fractured, or failed hip replacement.
Understand the option
What it means—and what it does not.
Pain after hip replacement does not automatically mean another operation is needed. Symptoms can come from infection, implant loosening or wear, instability, fracture, soft-tissue irritation, adverse tissue reaction, or a source outside the hip.
Revision hip replacement may involve exchanging one component, rebuilding both sides of the joint, treating bone loss, repairing a fracture, or performing surgery in stages when infection is present. The complexity and recovery can differ substantially from a first-time hip replacement.
Dr. Freeman’s adult reconstruction training includes the systematic workup and surgical management of failed hip replacements. He reviews prior records and images when available and builds the plan around the specific failure mechanism rather than pain alone.
Plan for the unexpected
Implant records, bone loss, fixation, infection risk, and reconstruction options are considered before surgery.
Set honest expectations
Revision goals, risks, weight-bearing, and recovery are individualized to the problem and the reconstruction required.
Candidacy
Reasons to evaluate a prior hip replacement
New or progressive symptoms deserve a diagnosis, particularly after a period of good function.
- Persistent or worsening groin, thigh, buttock, or lateral hip pain
- Recurrent dislocation, a sense of instability, or a change in leg function
- X-ray evidence of implant migration, wear, loosening, or bone loss
- Concern for infection, including drainage, fever, or unexplained escalating pain
- A fracture around the implant or a recalled/problematic component requiring assessment
A deliberate pathway
From first visit to recovery.
Reconstruct the history
Prior operative reports, implant details, symptom timing, and earlier X-rays can reveal how the problem developed.
Rule in—or out—infection
Blood tests and, when indicated, joint aspiration help separate infection from mechanical failure.
Model the reconstruction
Imaging defines fixation, component position, bone loss, and the implants or backup options that may be required.
Match recovery to surgery
Weight-bearing, precautions, therapy, and follow-up depend on the reconstruction actually performed.
Common questions
Clear answers before you decide.
General education is a starting point. Your recommendation should follow an examination and review of your imaging and health.
Does every painful hip replacement need revision?+
No. The first priority is identifying the source of symptoms. Spine disease, tendon problems, bursitis, or other causes may not improve with implant revision.
Why might my hip be aspirated?+
Joint fluid can be analyzed when infection is a concern. This information can materially change whether surgery is needed and whether reconstruction is performed in one stage or more than one.
Is revision recovery longer than primary hip replacement?+
It can be. Recovery depends on bone loss, fixation, infection, fracture treatment, soft-tissue damage, and whether weight bearing must be limited.
What records should I bring?+
Bring prior operative reports, implant stickers or records, old and current imaging, laboratory and aspiration results, and a list of previous surgeries and complications whenever available.
Trusted patient education
Read beyond the marketing.
This page is educational and intentionally avoids guarantees about pain, recovery speed, activity, or outcome. For additional general information, visit the independent patient resource below.
AAHKS patient information on revision hip replacementTake the next step
Ready for a clearer plan?
Request an appointment to discuss your hip or knee symptoms, review your imaging, and understand the options that fit your goals.