Revision Hip Replacement Recovery
Revision Total Hip Arthroplasty (Femoral Component)
What a femoral revision is
This operation replaces the stem — the part of a hip replacement that sits inside the thigh bone — while leaving the socket alone if it is still well fixed. The old stem is removed, the bone is prepared, and a new one is placed, usually longer so that it grips healthy bone further down.
Why it is done
Common reasons are a stem that has loosened over the years, bone that has thinned around it, or a fracture of the thigh bone around an existing stem. Sometimes only the stem needs changing, which is why the socket may be left in place.
How it differs from a first hip replacement
More has to be done to the thigh bone, and the muscles around the hip have been operated on before, so they come away through scar rather than clean planes. Both mean a slower recovery. If your first hip replacement felt straightforward, this one will likely ask more of you.
Weight through the leg
You may be asked to put only part of your weight through that leg for a period, which is unusual after a first hip replacement and common after a femoral revision. It depends on how the new stem is fixed and on the quality of the bone around it. Your surgeon will tell you what applies and for how long.
If the bone was opened to remove the old stem
Sometimes the thigh bone has to be opened along its length to get a well-fixed stem out, and then wired back together. Where that was done, restrictions last longer and the bone is followed on X-ray as it heals. Ask whether this applies to you, because it changes the timeline.
Why the muscles on the outside of the hip matter so much
The abductors — the muscles on the outer side of the hip — are what keep the pelvis level with each step. They are usually weak after a first replacement and weaker still after a revision. Rebuilding them is slow work and it is what determines whether you walk without a limp rather than merely walk.
The incision
The old scar is usually reopened and often extended. It stays tender for several weeks, and bruising down the thigh is common and looks worse than it is. Numbness along one side is expected and may take months to fade.
Leg length
Small differences in leg length are more common after revision than after a first replacement, because bone and soft tissue have both changed. Many settle as the pelvis readjusts; where one remains, a shoe insert generally handles it. Mention it if it persists.
Precautions
Depending on the approach and what was found, you may be asked to avoid certain positions for longer than after a first replacement. Dislocation is a little more likely after revision surgery, which is why those limits tend to be firmer. Your surgeon will tell you which apply to you.
Pain and how it usually changes
Discomfort is highest in the first two weeks and eases as the muscles recover, more slowly than after a first replacement. Aching in the thigh with activity is common for several months and usually reflects the bone and muscle around a longer stem settling.
Walking aids
Crutches or a frame are usually needed for longer here — often several weeks — and coming off them is guided by weight-bearing limits and by abductor strength rather than by comfort alone.
Driving
Driving generally waits until any weight-bearing restriction has lifted, you are off stronger pain medication, and you could perform an emergency stop without hesitating. This commonly takes longer than after a first hip replacement.
Returning to work
Desk-based work is often possible within six weeks or so. Work involving standing, climbing, or lifting typically waits several months and is guided by how the bone is healing.
How the first year usually unfolds
The first six weeks centre on protected walking and gentle strengthening. From six to twelve weeks weight-bearing usually normalises and abductor strengthening begins in earnest. Between three and six months walking pattern improves markedly, and strength and endurance often continue building through the whole first year.
Staying in touch with your care team
Recovery after a revision varies far more than after a first replacement, because it depends on what was found and how much had to be rebuilt. Your own surgeon knows those details. If something about your recovery is worrying you or does not match what is described here, contact your care team — they would far rather hear from you.
Exercises for Revision Hip Replacement
An illustrated, phase-by-phase exercise program for this procedure. View the Revision Hip Replacement exercise program.
Recovery education · Condition guides · Exercise programs
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This guide is general education and doesn't replace evaluation by a licensed provider. Recovery and treatment vary by person — follow the guidance of your own surgeon or care team.