Concierge orthopaedics · UK
Private hip revision surgery in the UK, by a specialist revision hip surgeon.
A previously replaced hip that has loosened, dislocated, become infected or fractured needs more than a general orthopaedic list. We arrange the specialist revision surgeon, the tertiary centre, and the honest conversation about what recovery really looks like.
Why patients choose us
- 01
A specialist revision hip surgeon
Not a general hip list. A named consultant whose weekly practice includes complex revisions — the single biggest predictor of a good outcome.
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A tertiary revision centre
Introductions to the units built for this work — RNOH Stanmore, Nuffield Oxford, Wrightington, Sheffield, Cardiff, Newcastle — not a general orthopaedic list.
- 03
Honest, and free
Revision surgery is a bigger undertaking than a first hip replacement. We say so plainly, and the introduction costs you nothing.
Indicative pricing
What private hip revision surgery costs in the UK.
Indicative ranges across our partner tertiary centres. Send the details and we quote firm figures once the case has been reviewed by the surgeon.
In short
A single-component aseptic revision in our network: £20,000–£28,000, typically 5–7 nights in hospital.
| Procedure | Indicative range | Typical duration | Recovery |
|---|---|---|---|
| Consultation with revision hip surgeon | £300–£450 | 45–60 min | Same visit |
| Aseptic revision — single component (cup or stem) | £20,000–£28,000 | 3–4 hours | 5–7 nights |
| Aseptic revision — both components | £25,000–£35,000 | 4–5 hours | 5–10 nights |
| Two-stage revision for infection (stage 1 + stage 2) | £35,000–£55,000 | 12–18 months | Multiple admissions |
| Revision for periprosthetic fracture (Vancouver B2/B3) | £25,000–£40,000 | 4–6 hours | 7–14 nights |
| Metal-on-metal / ARMD revision to ceramic-on-poly | £22,000–£32,000 | 3–4 hours | 5–10 nights |
Prices vary by centre, by the specific surgeon, by the complexity of the reconstruction (augments, custom triflange, cerclage cables), and by whether infection has been ruled out or confirmed. We come back with a firm quote once the case has been reviewed.
The problem
The right centre, the right surgeon, and honest expectations.
Revision hip surgery is substantially more complex than a first hip replacement — and the outcome is more sensitive to who does it and where. We fix all three before you commit.
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A hip that is loosening?
Aseptic loosening from polyethylene wear is the commonest reason for revision. It rarely gets better on its own — but the operation should be planned, not rushed.
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A hip that keeps dislocating?
Two dislocations of the same hip is usually enough. A dual-mobility cup or constrained liner can quietly change your life.
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A hip that might be infected?
Deep infection needs the right pathway — usually a two-stage revision — and the right microbiology team. This is not general orthopaedic work.
The journey
From enquiry to long-term review — what happens, in order.
One clinician co-ordinating from first message through to the physiotherapy programme that follows.
Phase 1 · Before your operation
Concierge, off-stage for you
Phase 2 · Admission and surgery
The hospital stay
Phase 3 · After
Concierge, back on
- 01
Before
You tell us what is happening
A short, confidential form. Which hip, when it was first replaced, the symptoms now, and any scans, x-rays or op notes you already have.
- 02
Before
We come back with a recommendation
Within one working day: which specialist revision centre fits your case, why, and what the pathway is likely to look like.
- 03
Before
We arrange the consultation
Usually within one to three weeks. Bloods, x-rays, CT or MARS-MRI, and joint aspiration are organised as needed before decisions are made.
- 04
In hospital
Admission and anaesthetic review
Admission the day of or before surgery. Anaesthetist review, ITU/HDU bed reserved, cross-matched blood on standby.
- 05
In hospital
The revision itself
A prolonged, complex operation — typically three to six hours. Explant of the old implant, careful reconstruction, cerclage or augments as needed.
- 06
In hospital
ITU or HDU overnight
A planned 24 hours of higher-level care after surgery, then a step down to the ward for the rest of the stay.
- 07
After
Rehab, review and the long game
Five to fourteen days in hospital. Partial weight-bearing for six to twelve weeks. Structured physiotherapy for months, with clinic reviews at set intervals.
Typical end-to-end: 3–6 weeks from enquiry to aseptic revision. Two-stage infection pathway: 12–18 months across both admissions.
When it helps
When a revision hip is the right step.
The reasons the National Joint Registry sees most often, plus the one red flag that means an emergency rather than an outpatient booking.
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Aseptic loosening
The commonest long-term cause in the National Joint Registry — polyethylene wear and osteolysis loosen a previously well-fixed implant.
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Recurrent dislocation / instability
Two or more dislocations of the same hip usually needs a revision — often to a dual-mobility cup or constrained liner.
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Prosthetic joint infection (PJI)
Deep infection around the implant. Most cases in the UK are managed with a two-stage revision — the safest route to a clean, functioning hip.
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Periprosthetic fracture
A break in the femur around a hip stem, classified by the Vancouver system. B2 and B3 fractures usually need a revision stem, sometimes with cerclage cables.
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Metal-on-metal reaction (ARMD)
Adverse local tissue reaction from a metal-on-metal bearing or hip resurfacing — a MARS-MRI pseudotumour usually means revision to ceramic-on-polyethylene.
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Polyethylene wear, shell secure
Sometimes an isolated liner exchange is enough — a smaller operation, only appropriate if the shell and stem are still solidly fixed.
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Trunnionosis or ceramic fracture
Corrosion at the taper junction, or a fractured ceramic head — uncommon, but a clear indication for a considered revision.
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Red flag: hot, painful hip + fever
A new, severely painful, swollen hip with fever after a joint replacement is possible acute infection — same-day A&E, not a routine clinic booking.
Procedure options
Revision is not one operation.
The reason for revision drives the operation. What each option on the table actually involves — and which fits which problem.
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Isolated liner exchange
The polyethylene liner alone is swapped. Only suitable when the cup shell and femoral stem are still well-fixed — a much smaller operation than a full revision.
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Acetabular (cup) revision
The cup is removed and replaced — often with a trabecular metal cup, augments, or a custom triflange for larger bony defects.
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Femoral (stem) revision
The stem is exchanged for a longer revision stem — typically a tapered Wagner, S-ROM modular or Solution-style implant that gains fixation further down the femur.
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Both components revised
Cup and stem both replaced in one operation — a longer, more demanding procedure with a longer recovery.
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Two-stage revision for infection
Stage 1 explants the implant and places an antibiotic-loaded cement spacer. Six weeks of IV antibiotics follow, then stage 2 re-implants the new hip once infection is clear.
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DAIR for acute infection
Debridement, Antibiotics and Implant Retention — for acute infection caught within about three weeks, where the implant is still well-fixed and the organism cooperates.
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Revision for periprosthetic fracture
Vancouver B1 fractures are often plated around a fixed stem; B2 and B3 need a revision stem, sometimes with cerclage cables or strut allografts.
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Revision for instability
A dual-mobility cup or constrained liner is used to stop a hip that keeps dislocating — often combined with correcting cup position.
Our vetted UK network
A small panel of revision hip surgeons, at the centres built for this work.
Consultant revision hip surgeons at RNOH Stanmore, the Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre in Oxford, Wrightington, Sheffield, Cardiff and Newcastle. Introductions are made privately, once we understand your case.
Selection criteria
How we choose every revision hip surgeon in our network.
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Consultant revision hip surgeons at tertiary centres, not general orthopaedic lists
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ITU / HDU on site, with cross-matched blood and cell salvage available
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Full multidisciplinary infection service — microbiology, ID, and specialist nursing
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Access to modular revision implants, trabecular metal augments and custom triflange cups
Safety and recovery
What to expect afterwards — honestly.
Revision hip surgery is a major undertaking. Doing it well means planning for a longer stay, a longer recovery, and more modest expectations than a first hip replacement.
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A bigger undertaking than a first hip
Revision surgery is longer, has higher blood loss, and needs a longer recovery than the original hip replacement. Being open about that is part of doing it well.
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Dislocation risk is higher than primary
Around five to fifteen per cent, depending on the reason for revision. Dual-mobility cups and constrained liners reduce this — worth discussing with the surgeon.
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Infection recurrence after PJI revision
Even after a well-run two-stage revision, five to fifteen per cent of infections come back. Ongoing follow-up with the microbiology team is standard.
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Periprosthetic fracture during surgery
A crack in the femur while removing an old stem is a recognised intra-operative risk — usually managed at the same sitting with cerclage cables.
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Sciatic or femoral nerve injury
Nerve stretch or bruise happens in about two to five per cent of revisions. Most recover; a small number leave persistent weakness or altered sensation.
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DVT, PE and medical morbidity
Blood clots, chest infection and cardiac strain are more common in revision than primary surgery — anticoagulation and early mobilisation are standard.
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Leg length discrepancy and persistent limp
Restoring exact leg length is harder in revision. A small difference, a persistent limp or ongoing walking-aid use is a realistic possibility to plan around.
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Re-revision is sometimes needed
Ten-year survival of a revision hip is around seventy-five to eighty-five per cent, depending on why it was done. Some patients will face a further operation down the line.
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Red flags after discharge
A new hot painful hip, discharge from the wound, fever, sudden inability to weight-bear or a swollen calf all need same-day medical review — call the team or A&E.
Reading your operation note
Your operation note in four parts. Read the last one first.
Whichever type of revision was done, the note the surgeon sends you keeps to the same shape.
A quiet reminder
Surgical language is precise and can read coldly — we translate it for you.
If you would like us to talk you through the note before your review, just ask.
- 01 Header
Indication and diagnosis
Why the revision was done — aseptic loosening, infection, dislocation, periprosthetic fracture, ARMD, wear — and the National Joint Registry classification.
- 02 Technique
Explant, reconstruction and implants used
What was taken out, what was put in, which specific cup, stem, liner and head — and whether cerclage cables, augments or a custom triflange were needed.
- 03 Findings
Bone stock, cultures and blood loss
Intra-operative bone loss (Paprosky grade), any tissue cultures sent for infection, estimated blood loss, and any complications encountered.
- 04 Impression
Weight-bearing, physio and follow-up
Read this first: how much weight is allowed on the leg, the physiotherapy plan, antibiotic duration, and when the clinic and x-ray reviews are booked.
Recognised by major UK insurers
Cover for revision hip surgery varies by insurer, by policy, and by indication. Most policies fund medically indicated revision — we confirm cover, excesses and any pre-authorisation before booking.
Frequently asked
Everything we get asked about hip revision surgery.
Honest answers on reasons, complexity, infection pathways, cost, and what recovery really looks like.
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Why would someone need a revision hip replacement?
The commonest reasons in the UK National Joint Registry are aseptic loosening (polyethylene wear and osteolysis), recurrent dislocation, prosthetic joint infection, periprosthetic fracture, adverse reaction to a metal-on-metal bearing (ARMD), and less often ceramic fracture or trunnionosis. Every reason has its own operation.
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How is revision hip surgery different from a first hip replacement?
Everything is bigger — longer operation (three to six hours), higher blood loss, ITU or HDU overnight, five to fourteen days in hospital, six to twelve weeks partial weight-bearing, and a longer physiotherapy programme. The functional result is usually good, but expectations are more modest than a primary hip.
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What is a two-stage revision for an infected hip replacement?
Stage 1 removes the infected implant, cleans out the tissue and puts in an antibiotic-loaded cement spacer. You then have around six weeks of intravenous antibiotics. Once repeated blood tests and joint aspirates show the infection has cleared, stage 2 puts in a new hip — usually six to twelve weeks after stage 1. The whole process typically takes twelve to eighteen months.
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What is DAIR, and when is it used?
DAIR stands for Debridement, Antibiotics and Implant Retention. If a hip becomes infected within about three weeks of surgery — or within three weeks of the first symptoms — and the implant is still well-fixed, the surgeon washes out the joint, changes the mobile parts and starts long antibiotics. Success ranges from thirty to seventy per cent, depending on the organism.
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How much does a private revision hip replacement cost in the UK?
Roughly £20,000–£28,000 for a single-component aseptic revision, £25,000–£35,000 for both components, £25,000–£40,000 for a periprosthetic fracture revision, and £35,000–£55,000 for a two-stage revision for infection across both admissions. We confirm a firm quote once the case is reviewed.
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How long is the recovery after a revision hip replacement?
Five to fourteen days in hospital, six to twelve weeks partial weight-bearing on crutches (depending on the fixation used), and structured physiotherapy for six to twelve months. Most patients notice steady gains for a full year afterwards.
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What are the risks of revision hip surgery?
Dislocation (five to fifteen per cent), infection recurrence after a PJI revision (five to fifteen per cent), intra-operative periprosthetic fracture, sciatic or femoral nerve injury (two to five per cent), DVT and PE, medical complications in older patients, leg length discrepancy, persistent limp, ongoing walking-aid use, and the possibility of a further revision later.
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Why does the choice of hospital matter so much?
Revision hip outcomes are strongly linked to the volume of revision work the surgeon and unit do. Tertiary revision centres — RNOH Stanmore, the Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre in Oxford, Wrightington, Sheffield, Cardiff, Newcastle — have the theatre kit, implant library, microbiology support, and rehab infrastructure that this work needs. It is not the same as a first hip replacement.
Related treatments
Looking for something else?
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Hip replacement
A first (primary) total hip replacement.
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Hip resurfacing surgery
A bone-conserving alternative for selected younger patients.
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Hip physiotherapy
Structured rehab before and after hip surgery.
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All tests & procedures
Every test and procedure we arrange.
Learn more