Updated on Dec. 2, 2025
Today, many joint replacement surgeries can last over 20 years thanks to advanced technologies that promote better precision and improved implant device material. While advancements in technology have extended the lifespan of joint replacements, patients should be aware that revision surgery may still be required at some point. For those who underwent a joint replacement more than a decade ago, it is possible to experience some discomfort from wear and tear. Other times, pain may be caused by mechanical problems, implant alignment or issues with the implant itself. These problems may cause pain much sooner than hoped or expected. In those cases, a revision joint replacement surgery may be indicated.
The need for a revision joint procedure can arise years, or even decades, after the initial joint replacement surgery – sometimes even up to 25 years later. Joint revision surgery is often necessary for patients who have previously undergone total hip, shoulder, or knee replacement surgeries but are experiencing complications or failures with the original implants that were once replaced. Approximately 10% of joint replacement patients will need to have revision surgery eventually.
What is Revision Joint Replacement Surgery?
During revision joint replacement surgery, the surgeon will replace part of or all of an artificial joint with a new implant. Implants can fail due to wear and tear over time, mechanical issues, or traumatic injuries around the joint replacement. Some patients may need a revision joint replacement procedure to address these problems.
Not all hospitals perform revision joint replacement surgery, as it is a specialized and complex procedure. Long Beach Medical Center features orthopedic surgeons experienced in joint replacement and revision surgeries, and are equipped to handle the unique challenges of such procedures.
Joint revision surgery involves managing scar tissue, bone grafts, and complications from the initial surgery. It requires advanced surgical skills, specialized implants, and thorough patient evaluation.
Doctors use imaging tests such as X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans to determine if revision joint replacement surgery is needed. Blood tests may also be ordered to check for infection.
Reasons for revision joint replacement surgery include:
- Infection: Severe infections may require replacing the infected implant.
- Wear and Tear: The implant can degrade, causing pain and decreased mobility.
- Loosening: High-impact activities or excessive body weight can loosen the implant.
- Fracture: A bone fracture around the implant can destabilize the joint.
- Stiffness: Scar tissue can limit the range of motion.
- Instability: An unstable joint can cause pain and, in severe instances, result in dislocations.
Regardless of the reason, Long Beach Medical Center performs these complex procedures with expertise in advanced orthopedic care.
Robotic Revision Surgery
Long Beach Medical Center is recognized for using the latest surgical technologies, including Mako™ Robotic-Arm Assisted Surgery, which offers unparalleled precision in patient-specific alignment and positioning for knee and hip joint replacements and revisions. This advanced approach leads to improved outcomes, faster recovery times, and enhanced quality of life for our patients.
Recently, Long Beach Medical Center made history by becoming the first hospital globally to successfully perform a robotic hip revision surgery utilizing Stryker’s groundbreaking Mako Total Hip with 5.0 Advanced Primary and Revision application. Additionally, Long Beach Medical Center is the first in California to employ the Mako 4 SmartRobotics™ in conjunction with the Q Guidance System.
The Mako 4 platform represents a significant advancement in robotic-assisted joint surgery. It combines 3D CT-based planning with AccuStop™ haptic technology to enable highly customized procedures that preserve healthy bone and soft tissue. When paired with the Q Guidance system, surgeons benefit from real-time tracking during surgery, enhancing accuracy even in the most complex cases.
The expanded Mako Total Hip 5.0 software offers advanced visualization of the femur-to-pelvis relationship, enabling surgeons to identify potential impingement risks and optimize implant positioning based on pelvic tilt in various positions—sitting, standing, and lying down. Its range-of-motion modeling supports precise preoperative planning tailored to each patient’s unique anatomy and movement patterns.
Robotic-assisted revision hip surgery offers numerous clinical benefits, including smaller incisions, reduced postoperative discomfort, shorter hospital stays, and faster return to mobility. The enhanced precision also contributes to longer-lasting implants and a lower risk of complications.
It’s important to note that early intervention is crucial in joint revision surgery, especially when bone loss is involved. Prompt action helps preserve remaining healthy bone tissue, simplifies reconstruction, and significantly improves patient outcomes.
The Importance of Quick Intervention
It is important for patients to pay attention to their bodies and address issues with their joint replacements promptly. Early intervention can help prevent the situation from becoming more complex and may lead to quicker, less invasive revision surgery. Delaying the procedure can complicate the surgery and result in a longer recovery period.
For example, a patient began to experience pain 20 years after her total hip replacement. She attributed the discomfort to aging and waited years before seeking help. Addressing the issue when the pain first began could have allowed exploration of less invasive options. Instead, the prolonged wear on her prosthesis led to a more serious complication, eventually resulting in a fracture.
It is advisable not to ignore any pain or discomfort after a joint replacement. Seeking a consultation as soon as an issue is noticed can help catch potential problems early and provide reassurance. Even if nothing serious is found, taking that step can help prevent complications and support long-term health and well-being.
Post-Operative Care and Recovery
The MemorialCare Joint Replacement Center specializes in a rapid rehabilitation program where patients walk the same day as surgery. This results in patients recovering sooner and going home after 1.77 days, compared to the national average of 2.7 days.
The post-operative phase of joint revision surgery is critical to ensure that patients have a successful recovery after their procedure. The MemorialCare Joint Replacement Center at Long Beach Medical Center emphasizes the importance of comprehensive post-operative care, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, and Rehabilitation. Patients will often need specialized rehabilitation to help them regain their strength and mobility following their joint procedures. Physical therapy is specifically tailored to fit the needs of each individual patient with their new or revised joints.
Long Beach Medical Center is staffed with individuals who work together to give the best care and achieve the best possible outcomes for their patients. Complex revision surgeries are often performed at Long Beach Medical Center, which is well equipped to help each patient find the best treatment options for their conditions.
To learn more, visit memorialcare.org/LBJointReplacement.
About Andrew Wassef M.D., medical director, MemorialCare Joint Replacement Center, Long Beach Medical Center:
Andrew J. Wassef, M.D. is a fellowship trained, board-certified orthopedic surgeon with Long Beach – Lakewood Orthopedic Institute in Long Beach. He serves as the medical director of the MemorialCare Joint Replacement Center at Long Beach Medical Center.
He specializes in joint replacement and the treatment of arthritic conditions affecting the hip, knee and shoulder. His clinical interests include complex reconstructions, hip resurfacing, joint replacements in the younger population, minimally invasive surgery, revision of failed total joint replacements, revision surgery and robotic-assisted surgery.
Dr. Wassef received his medical degree from Howard University College of Medicine in Washington D.C. and a residency in orthopedic surgery at the University of Toledo Medical Center in Toledo, OH. He them completed his fellowship in total joint replacements at the Joint Replacement Institute at St. Vincent Medical Center in Los Angeles, CA.
As medical director, Dr. Wassef partners with physician leadership at Long Beach Medical Center to advance innovative treatment options and undertake the MemorialCare Joint Replacement Center’s ongoing mission to improve patient outcomes. Dr. Wassef instills the rapid recovery philosophy pioneered by the MemorialCare Joint Replacement Center that encourages patients to stand the same day of surgery and participate in rehabilitation immediately following surgery. This philosophy results in faster and safer recovery, as well as improved patient outcomes.
He is a member of the fellowship program and supports fellow training. Dr. Wassef also is a member of the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons (AAHKS) and his work has been published in peer-reviewed journals. In addition, he was recognized as a Top Los Angeles Doctor by the Los Angeles Business Journal in 2021 and 2022.
His philosophy is based on providing his patients with the highest quality care possible and involving them in the decision-making process. Dr. Wassef strives to care for all his patients on a very personal level and appreciates all the relationships he makes with an individualized approach to caring for his patients.
