Painful Hip Replacement

Hip replacement surgery is usually very successful in reducing pain and improving movement and quality of life.

However, some people may still experience hip pain after surgery. This can happen for several reasons, such as infection, a fracture, loosening of the implant, inflammation of the surrounding muscles, or pain from another area, such as the back.

In some cases, if the hip replacement is not working properly, a second operation – called a revision hip replacement – may be needed.

This procedure involves replacing some or all of the original artificial parts to help restore comfort, movement, and confidence in your hip.

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Causes of a Painful Hip Replacement:

Most people recover well after hip replacement surgery, but some may continue to have discomfort or pain. This can happen for several reasons, including:
Infection: Sometimes bacteria can cause an infection around the new hip joint, leading to pain, swelling, or stiffness.
Loosening or wear of the implant: Over time, the artificial parts can loosen or wear down, which may cause pain or a feeling of instability.
Fracture: A small break in the bone around the implant can occur, especially after a fall or injury.
Muscle or tendon irritation: The tissues around the hip can become inflamed or irritated, causing pain with movement.
Impingement: Occasionally, the soft tissues or bone can rub against the implant, leading to discomfort or reduced range of motion.
Referred pain: Sometimes the pain is not coming from the hip itself but from the lower back, pelvis, or knee.
Leg length or alignment issues: Small differences in leg length or hip positioning can lead to discomfort or limping.

If you are experiencing ongoing pain after hip replacement, it’s advisable to have your hip reviewed. In most cases, the cause can be identified and treated effectively.

Painful Hip Replacement FAQs

What are the symptoms of a painful hip replacement?

The most common symptoms associated with loosening or instability include:

pain
popping or clicking sound
sensation that your joint is moving in and out of its socket
partial hip dislocation (sublaxation)
full hip dislocation

Symptoms of an infection include:

pain
redness
swelling
instability
wounds that do not heal

How is a painful hip replacement diagnosed?

Mr Sulaiman Alazzawi will take a full medical history and note of your symptoms and perform a physical examination. He will also order X-rays and other imaging tests to establish the cause of the failure. Mr Alazzawi can then advise you whether revision hip surgery is the appropriate treatment and explain the benefits and potential risks.

How can a painful hip replacement be treated?

Revision hip surgery will repair any damage from a painful hip replacement and will vary depending on the reason why the initial replacement failed. If the implant is loosened, Mr Alazzawi might secure the initial implant or replace it if the implant has suffered too much wear.

If there has been an infection, Mr Alazzawi may have to remove the new prosthesis and treat you with lengthy course of intravenous antibiotics before redoing the procedure.

What are the benefits of revision hip replacement surgery?

Revision hip replacement surgery is typically more challenging than the initial procedure and Mr Alazzawi works within a multidisciplinary team that is highly experienced in dealing with all aspects of painful joint replacement. Patients typically experience the following benefits:

Increased mobility
Reduced pain
Improved joint function
Improved quality of life
High satisfaction and success rate

Leading Hip & Knee Joint Replacement Specialist

Mr Sulaiman Alazzawi is a Consultant Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgeon based at St Georges University Hospital and the South West Elective Orthopaedic Centre in Epsom. He specialises in hip and knee replacements and treating painful or failing joint replacements. His private practice is based at Fortius Clinic and Parkside Hospital in Wimbledon and Spire St Anthony’s Hospital in Sutton.

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Mr Sulaiman Alazzawi offers outstanding patient care and utilises the latest hip and knee joint replacement techniques and technology to help you get back to doing what you love faster.

TREATMENTS

KNEE REPLACEMENT

HIP REPLACEMENT

ROBOTIC KNEE REPLACEMENT

ROBOTIC HIP REPLACEMENT

REVISION JOINT REPLACEMENT

CONTACT

07765190 703

ALAZZAWI@FORTIUSCLINIC.COM

FORTIUS CLINIC WIMBLEDON

PARKSIDE HOSPITAL

SPIRE ST ANTHONY’S HOSPITAL