Persistent pain, inflammation, instability, and limited range of motion are just a few of the signs your joint replacement is malfunctioning. If you believe your joint replacement no longer serves you, know that a revision is possible. In most cases, it’s necessary, as most prosthetics don’t last a lifetime.
Revision joint replacement surgery requires a lot of skill and experience, as it’s a very delicate procedure performed on tissues that have already undergone some damage.
After a joint replacement, the area surrounding the prosthetic is covered in scar tissue, making it harder for the surgeon to reach the joint without damaging the surrounding tissues. In addition, removing a well-fitted prosthetic is challenging, as this can cause more damage to the bone.
Our specialist, Dr. Thomas Kane III, located in Honolulu, Hawaii, is a pioneer in his field. He was the first surgeon in his state to introduce arthroscopic surgery. We asked him to explain when a revision joint replacement is needed and how to determine whether you are a good candidate for it.
Much like your natural joints and cartilage, your prosthetic joint can wear out over time due to constant movement and pressure. The prosthetics inserted during surgery don’t last forever, but most joint replacements last between 20 and 25 years.
Over time, the bond between the implant and the bone can weaken, causing the prosthetic to become loose. As a consequence, you may experience pain and instability. You may even hear clicking noises or popping in your joints.
Fractures around the prosthetic are of two kinds: caused by an injury or caused by the gradual weakening of the bone around the prosthetic. With a fracture, you’ll experience pain and difficulty in performing your daily tasks, making revision surgery a must.
Infections are serious and rare complications that appear shortly after joint replacement surgery or even a few years later. Patients with a compromised immune system are more likely to experience infections. Signs of infections include pain, swelling, redness, and warmth around the joint.
A revision joint replacement isn’t a surgery that every orthopedic surgeon can do. It requires special skills and expertise to be able to carry out successfully. Dr. Kane is one of the experts who can perform a revision joint replacement and help you continue living a healthy, active, pain-free life. If you are wondering what's causing your discomfort, contact us to schedule an appointment with Dr. Kane to receive expert advice on your joint replacement.
