Revision Total Hip Replacement in Scottsdale, AZ
Your hip replacement was supposed to give you your life back. If it's causing pain, instability, or reduced movement — you have options. Dr. Gough specializes in complex revision cases and is here to help.
Hip replacement surgery has an excellent long-term success rate. Most patients enjoy years of pain-free movement. But implants are not permanent. Over time — and sometimes sooner than expected — a replaced hip can wear down, loosen, or develop complications. If you are experiencing any of the following, it may be time to consider a revision:
- Pain in the groin, hip, or thigh that was not there before
- A feeling of instability or looseness in the joint
- Swelling that does not improve
- Reduced range of motion compared to after your original surgery
- A clicking, grinding, or popping sensation in the hip
A consultation with Dr. Gough will confirm whether total hip replacement is the right option for you.
Why Hip Replacements Sometimes Need Revision
Hip replacements are built to last — but they don’t last forever. There are five main reasons a hip implant may stop working the way it should.
- Mechanical loosening — the implant separates from the bone over time, often in younger or more active patients
- Infection — bacteria around the joint can cause pain, swelling, and instability
- Bone fracture — a break near the implant may require a new prosthesis with extended stems for stability
- Dislocation or instability — partial or full dislocation of the implant causes unsteadiness and pain
- Implant wear or breakage — years of use or high-impact activity can cause components to wear out
Why Experience Matters for Revision Total Hip Surgery
Not every surgeon performs revision hip replacement — and for good reason.
Revision hip replacement is more complex than a first-time replacement. The original implant is often fused to the bone. There may be bone loss around the joint. Scar tissue from the first surgery makes the anatomy harder to navigate.
This is exactly why the surgeon you choose matters more for revision surgery than any other procedure.
Dr. Brandon Gough has performed thousands of complex revision surgeries over his career. He has the specialized training, tools, and experience to handle cases that other surgeons may refer elsewhere. His micro-invasive and precision-focused approach minimizes additional disruption to the tissue already present — which is especially important in revision cases where protecting what remains is critical.
The Revision Procedure
Revision hip replacement surgery happens in two carefully sequenced phases. Here's what Dr. Gough does — and why each step matters.
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Phase 1: Removal >>> |
Removal Dr. Gough carefully removes the existing implant and any damaged or infected bone tissue. The degree of complexity at this stage depends on how well the original implant has integrated with the bone and whether there is bone loss present. |
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Day of Surgery >>> |
A new, custom-fitted implant is precisely placed. Depending on the extent of bone loss and the patient’s anatomy, the new implant may include: |
Recovery
Recovery from revision hip replacement takes a little longer than a first-time surgery — but most patients are surprised by how manageable it is. Here's what to expect, milestone by milestone.
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Hospital Stay |
Some patients stay 1 to 2 nights for monitoring and initial recovery — slightly longer than a primary replacement. |
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Weeks 1-6 >>> |
Restricted weight-bearing. Use of a walker or cane. Pain managed with medication as needed. |
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Weeks 6-12 >>> |
Gradual increase in weight-bearing. Physical therapy for strength and stability. |
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3 Months >>> |
Structured rehabilitation program. Continued improvement in mobility and gait. |
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1-2 Years >>> |
Most patients achieve full functional improvement. With proper care, a revised implant can last 15 to 20 years or more. |
Revision Total Hip Replacement FAQs
We know you might have questions — here are the ones we get asked the most, answered simply.
Common signs that a hip replacement may need revision include new or returning pain in the groin, hip, or thigh --- especially pain that wasn't there after your initial recovery period. Other signs include a feeling of instability or looseness in the joint, swelling that doesn't improve, a reduced range of motion compared to after your original surgery, or a clicking, grinding, or popping sensation. If any of these are present, a consultation with Dr. Gough can determine whether revision is the right next step.
Revision hip replacement is more complex than a primary replacement --- and it\'s important to be honest about that. The original implant is often fused to the bone, there may be bone loss around the joint, and scar tissue from the first surgery changes the anatomy. These factors require a higher level of surgical skill and experience. However, in the hands of a surgeon who specializes in revision cases, outcomes are excellent. Dr. Gough has performed thousands of complex revision surgeries. He will walk you through the specific risks and what to expect before any decision is made.
Recovery from revision hip replacement follows a similar structure to your first surgery, but it typically takes a little longer depending on the complexity of your case. Most revision patients stay 1 to 2 nights in the hospital rather than going home the same day. Weight-bearing is restricted for the first 6 weeks while bone integrates with the new implant. Physical therapy begins around week 3. Most patients achieve full functional improvement within 1 to 2 years. Dr. Gough’s minimally invasive philosophy --- preserving as much healthy tissue as possible even in revision cases --- is designed to make recovery as manageable as possible.
With proper care and follow-up, a revised hip implant can last 15 to 20 years or more. Your individual longevity will depend on your age, weight, activity level, the reason the original implant failed, and how well the new implant integrates with your bone. Dr. Gough will give you a realistic and honest assessment of expected longevity based on your specific case.
Revision hip replacement is one of the most technically demanding procedures in orthopaedic surgery --- far more complex than a first-time replacement. Not all surgeons perform it. And among those who do, experience level varies significantly. The complexity of removing a fused implant, managing bone loss, navigating scar tissue, and building a stable construct requires specialized training and a high case volume in revision specifically. Dr. Gough has performed thousands of complex revision cases and regularly handles cases that other surgeons refer to him. His micro-invasive approach is designed to protect the tissue that remains --- which is especially critical when the anatomy has already been altered once.
Revision implants are most commonly made from cobalt chrome or titanium --- durable, biocompatible materials that allow bone to integrate securely over time. Depending on the extent of bone loss and your anatomy, the new implant may also include extended stems for additional stability, or bone grafts (from you or a donor) to rebuild areas where bone has been lost. Dr. Gough will explain the specific components planned for your case during your pre-surgical consultation.