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How do you know when you need a second hip replacement?

Author

Emily Ross

Published Jan 12, 2026

How Do You Know If You Need a Hip Replacement?

  1. You Have Chronic and Significant Pain. ...
  2. Your Hip Disability Makes Completing Routine Tasks Difficult. ...
  3. Hip Stiffness Limits Your Normal Range of Motion in the Joint. ...
  4. Conservative Treatments Do Not Adequately Relieve Hip Pain.

How do you know if you need a second hip replacement?

An implant that is 20 years old may have reached its lifespan, and could need replacing. In rare instances, a revision hip replacement is necessary when a patient experiences emergency repetitive dislocation, mechanical failure such as loosening or breaking, or infection.

How common is it to have two hip replacements?

In people with damage or deterioration in both hip joints that significantly affects daily life, a double hip replacement can help alleviate pain and improve function. But double hip replacements are rare, according to a 2015 report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

What does it feel like when a hip replacement wears out?

Typical symptoms that you may have failed total hip replacement are pain in the hip, groin, or thigh as well as limited mobility. Some people describe feeling that the hip joint might “give out.”

Can you have a 2nd hip replacement?

Over time, however, a hip replacement can fail for a variety of reasons. When this occurs, your doctor may recommend that you have a second operation to remove some or all of the parts of the original prosthesis and replace them with new ones. This procedure is called revision total hip replacement.

37 related questions found

How difficult is a second hip replacement?

A second hip replacement surgery will take longer, and it is more complex. Your health may not be the same as it was during your first hip replacement, and you may be less tolerant of long surgeries. Likewise, your health affects how quickly you can recover. Physical fitness can also reduce the risk of complications.

Is second hip replacement easier?

The procedure is technically more difficult than primary hip replacements and the effects on the patient are more significant (longer surgery, more blood loss).

What are the first signs of hip problems?

What Are the First Signs of Hip Problems?

  • Hip Pain or Groin Pain. This pain is usually located between the hip and the knee. ...
  • Stiffness. A common symptom of stiffness in the hip is difficulty putting on your shoes or socks. ...
  • Limping. ...
  • Swelling and Tenderness of the Hip.

Will walking wear out hip replacement?

Generally, I advise patients to walk only a few hundred yards a day total until they get to around six weeks. By that point, the implants are ingrown with bone, meaning that the bone is fused to the implant. Dislocations used to be a very big concern for hip replacements.

What is the one leg test for hip pain?

Stand on One Leg Test – Finally, if you are concerned about your hips, try the one-legged test. Try standing on one leg for at least a minute, and if you can't do so, even when supporting yourself, it's time to consider hip replacement.. For more information, contact Dr.

Can hip replacement be done on both hips at the same time?

Some patients have degenerative problems in both hips and, with their surgeon's guidance, may consider having both hips replaced at the same time. This is called bilateral total hip replacement. It may also be referred to as simultaneous total hip replacement.

Is the second hip replacement worse than the first?

The procedure is more complex and difficult than the initial hip or knee replacement. Yet, studies show that more than 9 out of 10 people who undergo revision surgery have good to excellent results.

Which method of hip replacement is the best?

The posterior approach to total hip replacement is the most commonly used method and allows the surgeon excellent visibility of the joint, more precise placement of implants and is minimally invasive.

Where does hip hurt when it needs to be replaced?

The loss of cartilage leads to pain and inflammation. Pain due to arthritis in the hip is usually felt in the groin or thigh rather than the buttock. It may radiate down your thigh to your knee. Swelling in the joint can also make it harder for you to move your hip.

What is the average age for a hip replacement?

The Arthritis Foundation reports that most people who undergo hip replacement surgery are between ages 50 and 80. Even if you aren't in that age range, a hip replacement can still be a safe and life-changing surgery for people far younger and for people in their 90s.

Where is the pain when you need a hip replacement?

1. Hip or groin pain. Pain around the hip or groin area can be one of the major indicators that there may be an underlying problem with your hip joint.

What can you never do again after a hip replacement?

Some common things to avoid after hip replacement surgery include:

  • Don't resist getting up and moving around. ...
  • Don't bend at the waist more than 90 degrees. ...
  • Don't lift your knees up past your hips. ...
  • Don't cross your legs. ...
  • Don't twist or pivot at the hip. ...
  • Don't rotate your feet too far inward or outward.

How long are you on bed rest after a hip replacement?

How do I safely rest and sleep after a hip replacement? Elevate both of your legs when sitting to minimize swelling. When resting or sleeping in bed, lie on your non-operative side for the first four to six weeks following surgery.

What happens if you need a hip replacement and don't get one?

Inactivity can lead to loss of muscle strength and increased stiffness of the hip joint. Without a hip replacement, weak hip muscles and joint stiffness could lead to a noticeable limp. Significant muscle loss associated with delayed hip replacement may result in a longer recovery time.

Is walking good for hip pain?

Running and jumping can make hip pain from arthritis and bursitis worse, so it's best to avoid them. Walking is a better choice, advises Humphrey.

What does arthritis hip pain feel like?

Because of the damage to the cartilage, people with arthritis may feel as though their hip is stiff and their motion is limited. Sometimes people feel a catching or clicking within the hip. The pain usually gets worse when the hip joint is strained by walking long distances, standing for a long time or climbing stairs.

Does hip arthritis hurt all the time?

With hip arthritis, the pain is mainly felt in the groin, and occasionally in the outer thigh and upper buttock area. Pain can get worse after standing or walking for long periods of time or after a period of rest (waking up in the morning). Stiffness in the hip makes it difficult to move the hip or rotate the leg.

How do you know you need a new hip?

You Have Chronic and Significant Pain

Your pain keeps you awake at night despite the use of pain medications. Your pain makes it difficult to walk or bend over. Your pain isn't relieved by rest during the day or night. Conservative treatments have not helped your pain.

How long does it take to recuperate from a second hip replacement?

Most patients are able to resume all normal activities within 6-8 weeks of surgery.

Can I have an MRI with a hip replacement?

Yes. MRI scans of other parts of your body are safe after hip replacement. Although some old MRI scanning equipment may not be compatible with your prosthesis, the majority of MRI scanning equipment today is safe and compatible with hip replacement parts.