Total hip and knee replacement surgeries are probably more common than you think. In fact, patients with the need for joint replacement surgery are becoming younger. With more replacement surgeries being performed on younger patients, the need for possible joint revision surgery increases. Hip and knee replacements are generally good for 10-20 years, but with life expediencies lengthening and younger patients getting replacements, this means that it’s very possible that the replacement might wear out. If this happens to you, you’ll want the best orthopedic surgeons in Jacksonville, FL, to evaluate your situation and perform joint revision surgery if necessary. If you’ve had an orthopedic joint replacement, here are some reasons that you might need joint revision surgery.

Your Implant Is Too Loose

This is the most common reason for joint revision surgery. With time, the friction placed on the joint replacement breaks off tiny particles of the replacement, loosening the bond between the bone and the implant. You’ll experience pain in your joint and a feeling of instability if your implant is loose. It’s important to talk to an orthopedic specialist if you’re feeling pain in your joint replacements.

Dislocation

Sometimes the joint can get dislocated or pop out because of interfering scar tissue, weak surrounding joint muscles, or if you didn’t follow the instructions of your doctor following surgery. Dislocation is more common in hip replacements. Be sure to follow the advice and instructions of your physician following any joint replacement or revision surgery.

Infection

Serious infections can cause the need for joint revision surgery. The risk of getting an infection from a joint replacement is very small today. Most infections can be taken care of using antibiotics without ever getting serious enough for a revision. However, if there is enough pain and swelling, than a revision might be necessary. You’ll probably need a blood test or a joint aspiration in order to determine the seriousness of the infection.

Deteriorating Joint Problems

Any issues with the joint replacement that are only going to get worse and that might cause damage to the surrounding bone, continue to loosen, or deteriorate so far they can’t be corrected will need to be revised. An x-ray can often give enough information to determine if a revision surgery is necessary.

Joint revision surgeries are more difficult and have a higher risk for complications than first time joint replacement surgeries, so it’s important to talk to your orthopedic physician about all the risks involved. It also means that for younger patients considering joint replacement surgery for the first time, you’ll want to be sure your doctor makes the advantages and disadvantages clear. The earlier you get a joint replacement, the more likely it is that you might need revision surgery during your lifetime.

If you need to schedule a consultation or want more information, give Southeast Orthopedic Specialist a call.