This new information has recently been incorporated into a series of algorithms for evaluating painful cemented and cementless total hip replacements. As the interpretation of many tests varies significantly between cemented and cementless components, the approach to these two situations differs accordingly. Careful review of sequential plain radiographs remains a mainstay of initial evaluation. The sedimentation rate is also a cost effective method of adding useful information. Based on this assessment, cemented and cementless components can be classified as loose, well fixed, or having lysis without being loose. Subsequent evaluation should incorporate new information regarding the effectiveness, limitations, and cost of various diagnostic tests available for the evaluation of the painful total hip replacement.