Home › Revision Hip & Knee Replacement

Revision Hip & Knee Replacement

Revision joint replacement is surgery to repair or replace a hip or knee replacement that has worn out, loosened, become infected, or is no longer working well. Dr. Dattilo performs revision hip and knee surgery — including complex cases — for patients across the Tampa Bay area, and welcomes second opinions if you’re living with a painful or failing replacement.

Why a joint replacement may need revision

Modern hip and knee replacements commonly last 15 to 20 years or more, but no implant lasts forever — and occasionally problems arise sooner. A replacement may need to be revised because of:

X-ray of a revision hip and knee replacement

When to seek an evaluation — or a second opinion

Warning signs include new or worsening pain, a feeling of looseness or instability, recurrent dislocation, swelling or warmth that could suggest infection, or a clear loss of function. If your replacement simply doesn’t feel right — even if you’ve been told little can be done — a focused evaluation with X-rays is worthwhile.

Dr. Dattilo welcomes second-opinion consultations for painful or poorly functioning hip and knee replacements.

What revision surgery involves

Revision is more complex than a first-time (primary) replacement. It often involves carefully removing the existing implant, addressing any bone loss, and placing new, specialized components designed for revision. Dr. Dattilo uses modern implants and techniques to rebuild and support bone, restore stability, and get you back to comfortable function.

Why patients choose Dr. Dattilo for revision

Revision surgery rewards experience — and it’s an area Dr. Dattilo has studied, published on, and taught. He is a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon who completed fellowship training at the Anderson Orthopaedic Research Institute, a leading center for hip and knee replacement, after medical school at Johns Hopkins and residency at the University of Pennsylvania. He has authored 45+ peer-reviewed publications and a textbook chapter, with a particular focus on revision knee replacement.

He sees patients at four Tampa Bay locations — St. Petersburg, Largo, Palm Harbor, and Sarasota. Learn more about Dr. Dattilo ›

Frequently asked questions

What is revision joint replacement?
Revision joint replacement is surgery to repair or replace a hip or knee replacement that has worn out, loosened, become infected, or is no longer working well. It restores stability, function, and pain relief when a previous replacement is failing.
Why might a hip or knee replacement need to be revised?
Common reasons include wear of the implant over time, loosening, instability or recurrent dislocation, infection, a fracture around the implant, stiffness, or a replacement that never felt right. Modern replacements commonly last 15 to 20 years or more, but no implant lasts forever and occasionally problems arise sooner.
How do I know if I need revision surgery?
Warning signs include new or worsening pain, a sense of looseness or instability, recurrent dislocation, swelling or warmth that could suggest infection, or a clear loss of function. If your replacement simply doesn’t feel right, an evaluation with X-rays is the best way to find out what’s going on.
Is revision surgery more difficult than the first replacement?
Yes. Revision is more complex than a first-time (primary) replacement — it often involves removing the existing implant, addressing bone loss, and placing specialized components. Because of that complexity, revision surgery rewards a surgeon with specific experience in it.
Should I get a second opinion about a painful replacement?
Absolutely. If you’re living with a painful or poorly functioning replacement — even if you’ve been told little can be done — a focused second opinion is worthwhile. Dr. Dattilo welcomes second-opinion consultations.
What is recovery like after revision surgery?
Recovery after revision is often a bit longer and more individualized than after a first-time replacement, because the surgery is more complex and depends on what needed to be addressed. Dr. Dattilo and his team will give you a plan tailored to your specific revision.

Learn more from trusted sources

Living with a painful or failing replacement?

Dr. Dattilo welcomes second opinions for hip and knee replacements that aren’t working the way they should.

Call (727) 547-4700 Request an Appointment

This information is general and educational and is not a substitute for an individual medical consultation. Please see Dr. Dattilo or your own physician for advice about your specific situation.