Specialist management of failed, worn, loose, or infected hip and knee replacements — including peri-prosthetic fractures, severe bone loss, and complex reconstruction using the latest implant technology.
Book a Revision Consultation →Revision joint replacement is a specialist surgical procedure to remove a hip or knee replacement that has failed, worn out, or developed complications — and replace it with new implant components.
Unlike a first-time (primary) joint replacement, revision surgery is more complex and technically demanding. It often involves dealing with bone loss, scar tissue from previous surgery, damaged soft tissues, and the need for specialised implants.
Revision surgery requires a surgeon with extensive experience in complex reconstruction, access to a wide range of implant options — including mega-prostheses and custom-made components — and a multidisciplinary team approach to achieve the best possible outcome.
Mr Hussain regularly performs complex revision procedures at the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital, one of the UK's leading specialist orthopaedic centres, with full access to high-dependency care facilities for patients who need additional post-operative monitoring.
Replacement of failed acetabular (socket) and/or femoral (stem) components, addressing bone deficiency and restoring stability.
Removal and replacement of tibial, femoral, and patellar components, often with augments, cones, or sleeves to address bone loss.
There are several reasons why an original hip or knee replacement may fail over time, leading to pain, instability, or reduced function.
Over time, the bond between the implant and bone can weaken due to wear debris, inadequate initial fixation, or bone loss. This causes pain and instability, particularly during weight-bearing activities.
Infection around a joint replacement is a serious complication that may require a staged approach — first removing the infected implant, treating the infection with antibiotics, then implanting new components once the infection is eradicated.
A fracture around the implant, often from a fall or trauma, may require revision surgery to stabilise the bone and replace damaged components. These fractures are increasingly common as the population ages.
The bearing surfaces of any joint replacement will wear over time. This wear can generate particles that cause bone loss (osteolysis) and may eventually lead to component failure requiring replacement.
Repeated dislocation or persistent instability following a hip or knee replacement may indicate that the components are not optimally positioned, or that soft tissue support is insufficient, necessitating revision.
Some patients develop reactions to metal debris (metallosis) or other implant materials, causing pain, swelling, and soft tissue damage. This is particularly seen with certain metal-on-metal bearing surfaces.
Mr Hussain has extensive experience in complex revision hip and knee surgery, managing some of the most challenging cases referred from across the region. His practice encompasses the full spectrum of revision arthroplasty, from straightforward single-component exchanges to highly complex reconstructions involving severe bone loss.
He regularly uses mega-prostheses, segmental femoral replacements, and custom-made implants for patients with massive bone deficiency, and has a special interest in the management of prosthetic joint infection (PJI) — one of the most demanding areas in orthopaedic surgery.
His expertise in PJI was further enhanced by his British Hip Society Travelling Fellowship at the ENDO-Klinik Hamburg, Germany — one of the world's foremost centres for the treatment of infected joint replacements, where he trained under Professor Thorsten Gehrke and Professor Mustafa Citak.
Mr Hussain operates at hospitals with full HDU facilities, ensuring that patients undergoing complex, lengthy revision procedures receive the appropriate level of post-operative monitoring and critical care support when needed.
Every complex revision case is discussed within a structured MDT, bringing together orthopaedic surgeons, microbiologists, radiologists, physiotherapists, and specialist nurses to develop a tailored surgical plan.
Mr Hussain offers the full range of revision procedures for both hip and knee joints, tailored to each patient's specific needs.
When an implant loosens or wears out without infection, the failed components are removed and replaced in a single operation. Bone grafting or augmentation may be required to address any bone deficiency before the new implant is secured.
Prosthetic joint infection typically requires a two-stage approach: in the first operation, the infected implant is removed and an antibiotic-loaded spacer is inserted. After a course of targeted antibiotics (usually 6–12 weeks), a second operation is performed to implant the new joint.
A fracture near an existing joint replacement may require fixation of the bone, revision of the implant, or both. The approach depends on whether the implant remains well-fixed or has loosened as a result of the fracture.
In cases of massive bone loss — whether from multiple previous surgeries, infection, or tumour — Mr Hussain has extensive experience using mega-prostheses for segmental replacement of the femur, as well as custom-made implants designed to reconstruct severely deficient joints.
Revision surgery requires careful planning and a personalised approach. Here is what you can expect at each stage.
Your journey begins with a thorough consultation, including a detailed history and examination. Mr Hussain will review your previous surgical records and arrange advanced imaging (X-rays, CT scans, MRI) and blood tests to identify the cause of implant failure and assess bone stock. If infection is suspected, aspiration of the joint fluid may be performed for microbiological analysis.
Complex cases are discussed within a multidisciplinary team (MDT) meeting, involving orthopaedic surgeons, microbiologists, radiologists, and specialist nurses. A detailed surgical plan is developed, including implant selection, the need for bone graft or augmentation, and whether a single-stage or staged approach is appropriate.
Revision surgery is typically longer than primary joint replacement, often taking 2–4 hours depending on complexity. It is performed under general or spinal anaesthesia. The failed implant is carefully removed, bone is prepared — with grafting or augmentation if needed — and new components are implanted. Patients requiring complex reconstruction may be transferred to the high-dependency unit for close monitoring after surgery.
Most patients stay in hospital for 3–7 days following revision surgery, depending on the complexity of the procedure. Physiotherapy begins the day after surgery to restore mobility and strength. A structured rehabilitation programme is tailored to your specific procedure and recovery needs.
Regular follow-up appointments are scheduled at 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and annually thereafter. X-rays are taken to monitor the implant and bone healing. Mr Hussain's team provides ongoing support to ensure the best long-term outcome.
Recovery from revision surgery is typically longer than after a first-time replacement. Every patient's journey is different, but here is a general guide.
Physiotherapy begins. Standing and walking with support (frame or crutches).
Sutures/staples removed. Gentle exercises at home. Walking with crutches.
X-ray review. Gradually reducing crutch use. Increasing activity levels.
Most patients walking independently. Returning to daily activities and light duties.
Maximum improvement expected. Ongoing follow-up to monitor implant performance.
This space is reserved for a patient story — a real account from a patient who has undergone revision joint replacement surgery with Mr Hussain. Patient stories help others understand what to expect and provide reassurance during what can be an anxious time.
If you would like to share your experience of revision surgery to help other patients, please speak to Mr Hussain's team.
Read the full story →"I would recommend Mr Hussain 100% — he is utterly professional and an excellent surgeon. He is a very good listener and explains procedures very well. Mr Hussain performed a very successful 2-in-1 revision surgery."
Complex revision surgery demands more than surgical skill alone. Mr Hussain's practice is supported by the full resources of a specialist centre.
Every complex revision case is discussed at a structured MDT meeting. This brings together consultant orthopaedic surgeons, consultant microbiologists, radiologists, specialist physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and dedicated arthroplasty nurses. The MDT ensures that the surgical plan, antibiotic strategy, rehabilitation, and post-operative care are fully coordinated for each patient.
The hospitals where Mr Hussain operates have full high-dependency care facilities. For patients undergoing lengthy or complex revision procedures — particularly those with significant medical comorbidities — HDU admission provides enhanced post-operative monitoring, including closer observation of cardiovascular, respiratory, and renal function during the critical early recovery period.
If you are experiencing problems with a previous hip or knee replacement, Mr Hussain and his team can help. Contact us to arrange a specialist consultation.