When to get Joint Revision Surgery After a Joint Replacement
Joint replacements are designed to last for years, but joint revision surgery may be necessary for younger or more active people over time. This article explains how to recognize the signs of a failed joint replacement, when revision joint replacement surgery may be recommended, and where to find the best orthopedic surgeon in San Francisco for expert care.
Contents
Joint replacement offers a life-changing improvement in quality of life for people who are unable to work or enjoy hobbies due to unrelenting pain from chronic joint pain. While hip, knee, and shoulder replacements are built to last for years, they are not indestructible. And those who received a joint replacement before age 60 have a higher likelihood of needing joint replacement revision surgery later in life. Studies show that up to 10% of joint replacements require revision within 10 years, particularly as activity levels and implant stress increase over time.
Read on to learn the common warning signs that may indicate you need a joint revision, what to expect during joint revision surgery, and where to find the best orthopedic surgeon in San Francisco for joint replacement revision surgery.
Signs of a Failing Joint Replacement
Anyone who has had a joint replacement can experience a failed joint replacement, including those who had a partial knee or total knee replacement or a partial or total shoulder replacement. For many people, the first signs of a failing joint replacement begin with pain that feels sharper or more intense than usual. You might also notice swelling that lingers longer than before, with a joint that looks puffy by evening and feels stiff in the morning. Everyday activities can become unstable, such as needing to pause before standing or avoiding stairs because the joint no longer feels strong enough to hold your weight. Some people also notice new sounds, such as clicking, grinding, or popping, that were never there before.
Common Reasons Why You May Need Joint Revision Surgery
Joint replacements can run into trouble for a couple of reasons:
Loosening or wear of the joint implant, which can cause instability and pain
A piece of the implant can crack or shift, leading to sudden pain or a sharp change in how the joint handles weight
In rare circumstances, an infection can develop. This complication usually happens shortly after a joint replacement and includes symptoms like ongoing joint pain, swelling, skin that feels warm or looks red, or fluid that leaks from the incision site long after it should have healed. Most people also feel generally unwell, with fatigue or fever that does not have a clear explanation.
When to See an Orthopedic Surgeon for Joint Revision Surgery
In general, you should call your surgeon when a new problem shows up and does not fade after a day or two of rest, especially if pain or swelling is involved. Other reasons to follow up with your surgeon include:
Drainage from the incision
A joint that seems to slip out of place
A sudden decrease in strength or movement
At your visit, you can expect your orthopedic surgeon to start with a physical exam and detailed imaging, including X-rays or an MRI, to look at how the joint implant and surrounding bone are holding up. If infection is a concern, blood tests may be ordered, and in some cases, fluid is gently drawn from the joint to check for bacteria.
What to Expect During and After Joint Revision Surgery
Revision joint replacement surgery is different from a joint replacement operation, both in the way it is planned and in how recovery unfolds. Because the surgeon is working around an existing implant, the procedure can take longer and requires careful planning. Surgery itself takes around two to four hours, and you’ll be fully asleep with general anesthesia.
After surgery, you will stay at the hospital for a day or two. Within a few hours of surgery, you’ll be taking your first steps. From that point on, you’ll make steady progress with close monitoring. Most people will begin physical therapy by the second or third day after surgery. If you underwent a complex revision or had an infection, you may spend some time in a rehabilitation facility to help rebuild strength before going home.
Finding the Best Orthopedic Surgeon in San Francisco for Joint Revision Surgery
Choosing joint revision surgery usually means you have been dealing with pain, uncertainty, or a joint that you can’t trust anymore. If you are at that point, Dr. James Chen can make your joint revision surgery more manageable with his commitment to patient-centered care.
Dr. Chen’s approach is grounded in listening first and operating second. By slowing the conversation and answering questions without rushing, he helps all his patients feel informed and involved in their decisions, restoring a sense of control to a process that often feels uncertain.
Ready to get relief from pain and other joint failure symptoms with joint revision surgery with the best orthopedic surgeon in San Francisco?
