When a hip or knee replacement stops relieving pain or causes new problems, revision surgery can be the next step toward restoring mobility and quality of life. Revision procedures are more complex than primary joint replacements, but with careful planning, specialized implants, and an experienced team—like the surgeons and specialists at MidAmerica Orthopaedics—many patients regain function and confidence.

What is a revision joint replacement?

A revision replacement removes or repairs part (or all) of a previously implanted artificial hip or knee and replaces it with new components. Surgeons recommend revision when an implant fails, becomes loose, gets infected, dislocates, or when there’s a fracture or progressive wear that causes pain or functional loss. The goal is the same as the original surgery: relieve pain and restore motion—but the approach and challenges can be very different.

Why revision surgery is more complicated

Revision procedures typically involve:

• Removing old implants and cement, which can be difficult and time-consuming.
• Managing bone loss or damage left behind by the first implant.
• Using specialized revision implants, sometimes longer stems, augments, or custom components.
• Addressing infection, instability, or periprosthetic fractures when present.

Because of these added steps and the unique anatomy of each patient after a prior operation, revision hip and knee surgeries require more planning, specialized tools, and surgical experience than a primary replacement.

Common reasons people need a revision

Not every replacement lasts forever. Some of the most frequent causes for revision include infection, instability or dislocation, aseptic loosening (implant loosening without infection), and periprosthetic fractures—each of which demands a tailored surgical solution. Knowing the cause helps your care team choose the right revision strategy.

How common are revisions?

Revision rates vary by age, implant type, and other factors, but national registry data show that a small percentage of primary joint replacements are revised within the first decade. For example, registry analyses have reported revision rates in the low single-digit percentages over 10 years—highlighting that while rare, revisions are a real and important part of joint-replacement care.

What to expect before, during, and after revision surgery

• Evaluation & planning: Your surgeon will review imaging (X-rays, sometimes CT), past operative notes, labs (to evaluate for infection), and your symptoms. Meticulous pre-op planning is essential. OrthoInfo
• The operation: Revision surgeries can take longer than primary replacements and may require bone grafts, special implants, or staged approaches if infection is present.
• Recovery: Expect a carefully managed rehab plan. Recovery timelines can be longer than primary replacements, and outcomes depend on the reason for revision, bone quality, and overall health. Your care team will guide pain control, physical therapy progression, and activity milestones. For knee procedures, for example, individualized rehab is critical to regain motion and strength. Mayo Clinic

Why MidAmerica Orthopaedics for revision care?

• Experienced surgeons: Our adult reconstruction team includes fellowship-trained hip and knee surgeons—such as Dr. Kevin Lindsay-Rivera—who bring focused expertise in primary and revision joint replacement. If a revision is needed, you’ll be evaluated by surgeons experienced in the full spectrum of revision techniques.
• Multidisciplinary approach: Revision cases often need infectious disease input, imaging specialists, physical therapists, and carefully coordinated perioperative care. MidAmerica coordinates those resources so care is seamless.
• Advanced facilities & implants: We use modern revision implants and implants-specific planning to address bone loss, instability, and implant failure. Where appropriate, procedures are performed at our affiliated surgery centers and hospitals with dedicated orthopaedic teams.
• Patient-centered recovery: Beyond the operating room, MidAmerica emphasizes individualized rehab plans to help you regain mobility and return to daily life.

Is revision surgery right for you?

Not every ache after a replacement means you need surgery. A thorough evaluation can determine whether non-surgical options (physical therapy, injections, activity modification) might help or whether a revision would better address the problem. If you’re experiencing persistent pain, instability, recurrent dislocation, or new loss of function after a joint replacement, schedule an evaluation sooner rather than later—early diagnosis often makes treatment easier and more effective

Real patients. Real outcomes.

Revision surgery aims to restore function and relieve pain even in difficult cases. Outcomes depend on the underlying cause (infection, instability, wear), the patient’s health, and the experience of the surgical team. MidAmerica’s approach is to set realistic expectations, share the plan clearly, and follow you through recovery with coordinated care and rehab.

If you’re concerned about a previous hip or knee replacement—or if you’re noticing increased pain, instability, or changes in your mobility—MidAmerica Orthopaedics can help. Our hip and knee specialists, including Dr. Kevin Lindsay-Rivera and the adult reconstruction team, are available for consultations to review your imaging, discuss options, and build a personalized treatment plan.

Call MidAmerica Orthopaedics or request an appointment online to start the conversation about revision options and next steps.