Total joint replacement surgery is becoming increasingly popular among people of virtually all ages, with more than 1 million procedures being performed in the U.S. every year. Joint replacement surgery involves removing and replacing certain parts of an arthritic or damaged joint with an artificial joint, which is designed to move just like the original healthy joint and with much less or no pain than before.
Joint replacements can last for 20 years or more, but over time they may need replacing as a result of factors such as wear and tear or injury. A joint revision involves removing and replacing some or all of the original prosthesis with new prosthetic parts.
Joint replacement surgery can be performed on many joints in the body, such as the ankle, wrist, shoulder, and elbow. The most common types are hip and knee replacements. Let’s talk about when a revision surgery may be necessary, and where you can go to get a professional medical opinion about treatment for your hurting joint.
Why Do I Need Joint Revision Surgery?
Reasons, why joint revision surgery may be required, include:
An Implant or Prosthesis Can Become Loose
Loosening of an artificial implant (prosthesis) is the most common problem associated with a joint replacement. When a joint is first replaced, the new components are fitted or cemented firmly into place – but over time, the prosthetic material can become loose and cause pain in the joint. This is where joint revision surgery comes into play, to fix the problem.
Joint Instability
If ligaments and muscles around a prosthetic joint become damaged through injury or improperly balanced, the joint can become unstable. Implants are designed to work with patients’ existing tissues, but any natural or unnatural changes to those tissues can cause instability and prevent the joint from working properly.
Infection
An infection can occur following any type of surgical procedure, although it is more common within the early stages of a joint replacement. If an artificial joint and the tissue surrounding it becomes infected, it can cause pain and stiffness and even lose its attachment to the bone. Revision surgery may be required to repair the new prosthetic joint and to remove the damaged tissue that is attached to it.
A Fracture
Breaks that occur in the bones around the prosthetic components of a joint replacement are known as periprosthetic fractures. This type of fracture often results from an accident or injury such as a fall. The type of revision surgery required will depend on the extent of the damage, the location of the fracture, the quality of the remaining natural bone, and the condition of the prosthetic material.
Joint Replacement Surgery in Southwest Florida
If you suspect that you may need a total joint replacement or a joint revision surgery to relieve joint pain and improve your mobility, contact the compassionate and highly skilled orthopedic surgeons at the Joint Replacement Institute in Naples.
For more information about our joint replacement surgery services or to discuss your options for pain relief, schedule an appointment with one of our outstanding orthopedists by calling us today at (239) 261-2663 or by filling out our appointment request form online now. We look forward to seeing you here!
