Revision THR Anyone Here Had a Second Hip Revision? (Third Hip Surgery)

[Bilrob]

I would like to hear from anyone who has had a hip revision after a dislocation of the 1st revision, which was in 2002; the initial TLHR was in 1993. So the revision has lasted 23 years until three weeks ago when it dislocated as I got ready to paddle out for a surf session. It was a very traumatic incident, but the paramedics came and got me to a nearby hospital, and it was reduced back into place.

The dilemma is that I have been extremely active up to now, being 80 years old, and have gotten advice that I should rehab and wait for a second dislocation before revision. I can't really believe that would be best, as you don't get to choose when it will dislocate.

Any thoughts or experience with this?

Left Hip Dislocation - September 2025 (23 yrs post Hip Revision)
Left THR Revision 2002
Left TKR December 20, 2019
Left THR 1993

 

[Jamie]

Congratulations on your hip that allowed you to be surfing for so many years! This is quite an accomplishment.

I’m not sure I’d agree with the idea to wait for another dislocation, but I guess it could depend on how this past dislocation occurred. Were you doing something that might have caused it or did it just “happen”? And is it your desire to continue surfing in the coming years?

To me, the answer to your question about waiting lies in how you respond to these two questions. If it was a particular incident that caused the dislocation, you could just try to avoid that in the future and see how you do. But, if it happened at random or while you were engaged in some movement that put stress on the hip and you want to continue activities like surfing, I’d consider meeting with a surgeon to discuss the possibility of a revision.

 

[mendogal]

Hi @Bilrob .... My experience isn't hips or revisions.

But I can state that when my left knee would unpredictably have me yelp in pain and be 100% unable to bear weight on it, with no provocation at all, requiring me helpless to walk, it wasn't something I could rehab out of!

I'm firmly on the side of a surgical consult with a hip revision specialist who will respect your excellent baseline activity level.

 

[Bilrob]

Congratulations on your hip that allowed you to be surfing for so many years! This is quite an accomplishment.

I’m not sure I’d agree with the idea to wait for another dislocation, but I guess it could depend on how this past dislocation occurred. Were you doing something that might have caused it or did it just “happen”? And is it your desire to continue surfing in the coming years?

To me, the answer to your question about waiting lies in how you respond to these two questions. If it was a particular incident that caused the dislocation, you could just try to avoid that in the future and see how you do. But, if it happened at random or while you were engaged in some movement that put stress on the hip and you want to continue activities like surfing, I’d consider meeting with a surgeon to discuss the possibility of a revision.

Thanks Jamie. It happened due to what I now realize was a practice in finishing my stretching that violates one of the precautions, crossing my operated leg over while lying flat, and then putting my full body weight on that leg while pushing off the sand (before I go in the water to surf). This time I felt two snaps and fell to the sand with the dislocation. So it was not just a random dislocation.

When I had my first surgery for initial replacement in 1993, I wanted to be able to continue to surf, play tennis, and hike, all of which I have been doing with one revision in 2002, and had a very good outcome from that to continue with those activities.

For some reason, I put that precaution aside, thinking the hip had been in for so long that it must be clear to do any pretty much anything. I have had regular X-rays once every two years, and the last one was three months ago, which showed all ok.

My goal at fifty was to surf till I was 80, which was this past March. I believe I'm ready to retire from the sport after 65 years of doing it, and love the sport, but if possible to heal well without another revision, I would just stick to walking and bicycling at this point.

I have consulted with an ortho hip revision specialist at UCLA, who looked at the new X-rays and told me the prosthesis still looks good with no loose parts, and suggested hip precautions for the next three months so that the soft tissues and muscles can scar up. He would reaccess in Dec and advise. He has also mentioned that the third time is not a charm and has its own complications. Also, he mentioned that the ball is 22mm and should be larger for someone as active as I have been; hearing this has made me really think about another surgery.

Thank you for your response.
Bill

 

[Bilrob]

Hi @Bilrob .... My experience isn't hips or revisions.

But I can state that when my left knee would unpredictably have me yelp in pain and be 100% unable to bear weight on it, with no provocation at all, requiring me helpless to walk, it wasn't something I could rehab out of!

I'm firmly on the side of a surgical consult with a hip revision specialist who will respect your excellent baseline activity level.

Hi Mendogal,

Thanks for your response, and I just met with an ortho hip revision specialist at UCLA; his information and experience with dislocations after such a long period of time were reassuring in that he would be the right doctor to do the revision if I decided to go that route.
Bill

 

[Layla]

Surfing at 80! That is phenomenal, Bilrob. I guess age IS just a number when your heart is in it.
I am really sorry for the trauma and pain you recently suffered. Thankfully you found a surgeon you seem to have confidence in should you undergo a revision. Please keep us posted and best wishes!
@Bilrob

 

[Bilrob]

Surfing at 80! That is phenomenal, Bilrob. I guess age IS just a number when your heart is in it.
I am really sorry for the trauma and pain you recently suffered. Thankfully you found a surgeon you seem to have confidence in should you undergo a revision. Please keep us posted and best wishes!
@Bilrob

I’ll keep you all posted!

 

[Jamie]

Based on what you’ve added to your initial post, I’d say it would be best to stick with the plan you’ve outlined. Your surgeon sounds like he understands the situation which is half the battle. I’d say follow his guidance for the next 20 years or so ….

Your story is really amazing and it sure makes great reading. If you had some photos of your hip in action, that would be nice too.

 

[Eman85]

You have my respect and admiration for continuing your passions after THR.
I'm trying to picture what you did that caused the dislocation, info like this would be good for us to avoid it happening to us. Interesting you've only had 1 THR and choose that leg to push off with. I know I've pushed the limits with my hips and have done some muscle damage since my THR's but have avoided dislocation or prosthesis damage.

 

[Bilrob]

You have my respect and admiration for continuing your passions after THR.
I'm trying to picture what you did that caused the dislocation, info like this would be good for us to avoid it happening to us. Interesting you've only had 1 THR and choose that leg to push off with. I know I've pushed the limits with my hips and have done some muscle damage since my THR's but have avoided dislocation or prosthesis damage.

Hi Eman85, it should be 1 THR and then 1 revision 9 years later, and now the dislocation 23 years after the revision. I would say the cause is repeated pushing off the floor or sand when laying flat, then using the operated leg as the force to get up off the floor. I started doing this a few years ago to make sure I could alway get up but now beleive went about it the wrong way thinking after all this time the muscles and other tissues were strong enoough to keep the hip in place, so it was until it was'nt and have to put that on myself for not paying attention to some primary cautions no matter how good the revision outcome was.

My advice to all is always be aware, no matter how long it's been since replacement, to follow the basic precautions.

Hope this will help others!
Bill

 

[Jamie]

Great advice, Bill. I’m sure your experience will help others as they learn how to best live with their new hips.

 

[Lupyhippie]

So what has been the outcome. Will you go with the revision and will they change the size of the ball ? I had my LTHR in 2019. Dislocated exam off move in. A seated position at Thanksgiving. Dislocated this morning 12/15) once again seated bending over looking at my right big toe. So here I am wondering what.

 

[Layla]

@Lupyhippie I will tag @Bilrob for you in the hope that he'll catch your message. He hasn't been on the forum since early October, so fingers crossed.

I am so sorry to read of your dislocation. If interested you can update on your original Recovery Thread for your Left THR in 2019 and we can change the title to reflect your current questions or concerns. Let us know.
Here is a link - https://bonesmart.org/forum/threads/lupyhippie-june-14-recovery.54633/

 

[Layla]

A few dislocation articles -

https://bonesmart.org/forum/threads/dislocation-incidence-of-dislocation-after-thr.6135/

https://bonesmart.org/forum/threads/dislocation-risk-and-90-degree-rule.10181/

https://bonesmart.org/forum/threads/dislocations-what-are-the-risks.8759/

 

[Bilrob]

I am 81 and had one revision in 2002 on TLHR from 1992. Last August, I had a dislocation, and the surgeon I saw recommended waiting and seeing if it dislocates again before doing a revision. The X-ray shows the cup is worn, and Dr. feels the ball-head implant was too small for the amount of activity I do, which has included surfing, hiking, gym, and tennis. After six months of rehab on the dislocation, I started surfing, gym again and doing less intense hikes, and no tennis.

Last week, I had a subluxation, and now I am seeing the surgeon this coming week, but I am concerned about how the recovery for a third hip surgery will go. The original and revision were done posteriorly.

Has anyone had this type of experience?

 

[myglasshalffull]

Welcome and sorry to hear of your dislocation experiences.
I have a very close friend that dislocated three times and did have another hip surgery. She’s in her mid 80’s and goes to the gym everyday so her recovery went very well.
I see her about once a month for lunch and she looks and feels good.
But as you know we are all unique & our recoveries are similar but also quite individualized.
I’d speak with your surgeon & go from there. You know your own body best.
All my best.

 

[Legseleven]

Welcome, and thank you for becoming an Insider. I’m sorry to read of your hip troubles and as I’m not able to help on this occasion I have flagged up your concern, so I’m sure the team will get back to you soon.
This is why we are here. Thank you for sharing.

 

[Layla]

Hi Bilrob,
Welcome back, I'm sorry it's under the circumstances. It is understandable that you're concerned about facing another surgery and recovery, especially after all you've already endured with this hip. Your activity level is amazing and says a lot about your determination. I'm sorry this is slowing you down. This surgery will bring another period of healing, but its something you're familiar with and have successfully navigated before. While this isn't something you want or planned for, it will give you the best chance to continue engaging in all that you love.
I wish you the best at your appointment this week. Please let us know how it goes and know that we're here for you!
@Bilrob

 

[Layla]

Please notice your most recent post and the responses you received were merged with a previous thread highlighting this concern. The thread title has been changed to hopefully elicit more responses for you. If you prefer another title, please let us know and we will happily edit.
Best Wishes for a good day!
@Bilrob

 

[Layla]

I had a subluxation, and now I am seeing the surgeon this coming week, but I am concerned about how the recovery for a third hip surgery will go.

Hi Bilrob,
We haven't heard from you in over three months. Wondering what decisions you've made since then and how you're doing currently? We're here for support if you need us.
I hope you're doing well and have a good week!