Prosthetic joints are also vulnerable to wear and tear—just like our natural joints. This is why revision joint replacement procedures are common, especially in active patients who had joint surgery early in their lives.
If you are experiencing pain and swelling in the area of your prosthetic joint and wondering if these warrant a revision joint replacement, here are some FAQs to guide you.
Q: What exactly is revision surgery?
Revision surgery is a procedure for correcting a damaged or failed prosthetic joint. The most common revision surgeries are performed on the hip and knee.
Q: What are the signs of knee replacement failure?
Much like other surgical procedures, knee replacement surgeries also have their fair share of risks. These include infection, blood clots in the legs or lungs, and nerve damage, which can cause symptoms like high fever and chills and numbness, swelling, or redness on or around the surgery site.
Knee replacements also deteriorate naturally. If you start feeling pain or stiffness in your knee joints, it may be time to contemplate a revision joint replacement.
Q: When is joint revision surgery needed?
Prostheses can last for 10 to 15 years after the joint replacement surgery, so after that, you may already need to get them replaced. However, with the radical advances in prosthetic technology, artificial joints now have increased longevity.
Infection is one of the common reasons people with prosthetic joints need revision surgery. However, with the emergence of innovative methods—such as robotic surgery—the likelihood of infections in the surgery site and the need for revision surgeries have now been significantly reduced.
Q: Why do artificial joints wear out?
Physical activity and lifestyle are the common contributing factors to the wear and tear of artificial joints. According to a study by The Bone & Joint Journal, revision surgery is more prevalent among patients who had their first joint replacement procedure before age 50. Meanwhile, patients who had joint replacement surgery between ages 58 and 61 are less likely to need revision surgery.
In the case of artificial knee joints, being overweight can put a strain on your knees and increase your risk of needing revision surgery.
Q: How long does it take to recover from a revision knee replacement?
Recovery from a knee replacement revision takes up to three months on average. However, there are some patients who may need a longer time.
Your doctor will recommend physical therapy to speed up healing and recovery. You may also need assistive devices, such as a cane, to give you full support and stability.
Q: How long does it take to recover from a revision hip replacement?
Patients who had a revision hip replacement may need nearly three to six months to recover. Recovery here means being able to walk without pain and/or without using walking devices.
Experts emphasize the importance of closely adhering to rehabilitation programs to be able to achieve a successful recovery.
Revision Joint Replacement in Sarasota and Bradenton, FL
If you’re experiencing symptoms of a failed or damaged artificial joint, arrange an appointment with us at Intercoastal Medical Group. We will perform a comprehensive evaluation and make sure to exhaust all non-surgical treatment options before recommending a revision joint replacement.
If it is really necessary, you can rest assured that you will have all the help and guidance that you need. At Intercoastal Medical Group, we have board-certified orthopedic surgeons with exceptional qualifications, cutting-edge surgical instruments and techniques, and a talented team of physical therapists to ensure you will have a successful recovery.
