Do you need a referral for revision joint replacement?

Revision joint replacement replaces or repairs part or all of an earlier joint replacement. Pain, stiffness, instability, wear, loosening, fracture, or infection can have different causes, and treatment depends on the joint, implant, bone, and surrounding tissue. An orthopedic surgeon may review your history, examine the joint, and request imaging or blood tests. A specialist assessment can also identify non-surgical care when revision is not the immediate answer.

Ask your family doctor or current orthopedic team for a referral, and check whether the surgical service has a specific pathway. Collect previous operation reports, implant information if available, scan images and reports, medication details, and a timeline of symptoms. Mention dental or other infections, fever, wound drainage, falls, and any sudden change in function. Do not delay contact if symptoms began abruptly after an injury.

Seek urgent medical attention for fever with a hot, red, or draining joint, sudden inability to use the limb, a suspected fracture, severe new pain after a fall, or a leg that becomes cold or discoloured. Chest pain or sudden breathlessness is an emergency. These signs need prompt assessment while referral arrangements are being made.

Ask what may be causing the problem, which tests are needed, whether infection must be excluded, what non-surgical options remain, and which surgeon or service should review the implant.