Key Takeaways
- Watch for important signs that your joint replacement may need attention, such as new pain, instability, swelling, or stiffness.
- Common reasons for revision surgery include implant loosening, wear and tear, infection, and changes in function or comfort.
- The evaluation for revision surgery involves a careful assessment of your symptoms, physical exam, and imaging.
- Dr. Kyle Stoops is a fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon in the Indianapolis area who specializes in complex revision joint replacements and can offer the advanced care you need. To explore your options, request an appointment with his expert team.
Understanding Revision Joint Replacement Surgery
A primary joint replacement is the first time a damaged joint, like a hip or knee, is replaced with an artificial one. This procedure has an incredible track record of success. However, no implant is designed to last forever. Over time, for various reasons, an artificial joint can wear out or fail. When this happens, a second surgery is needed to remove some or all of the original implant components and replace them with new ones. This procedure is called a revision joint replacement.
Revision surgery is often more complex than the initial replacement. It requires a surgeon with specialized skills and experience in handling these intricate cases. Dr. Kyle Stoops is a fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon who specializes in these complex procedures, offering his patients a high level of expertise and care.
4 Signs It Might Be Time to Consider Revision Surgery
How do you know if the discomfort you’re feeling is a normal part of having an implant or a sign of a bigger problem? Here are five common indicators that you should seek an evaluation from a specialist like Dr. Stoops:
1. New or Worsening Pain
Pain is the most common signal that something is wrong. While some minor discomfort can be normal, a significant increase in pain is a red flag. This pain might be felt deep within the joint, or it could be a sharp, sudden pain that occurs with certain movements. You might notice it’s different from the arthritis pain you had before your first surgery. If you find yourself reaching for pain medication more often or if the pain starts to limit your daily activities again, it’s time to get it checked.
2. A Feeling of Instability
Your joint replacement should feel stable and reliable. If you start to feel like your knee might 'give out' or your hip feels wobbly, it could be a sign that the implant is loosening from the bone. You might feel unsteady on your feet or hear a clunking or clicking sound when you move. This feeling of instability can make it difficult to walk with confidence and is a clear reason to see a knee or hip specialist.
3. Increased Stiffness or Loss of Motion
A successful joint replacement should improve your range of motion. If you notice that your joint is becoming stiffer and you can’t bend or straighten it as well as you used to, it may be a cause for concern. This stiffness can develop gradually and make simple tasks like climbing stairs or getting out of a chair difficult again. It could be due to scar tissue, inflammation, or a problem with the implant’s position.
4. Swelling Around the Joint
Persistent or new swelling around your joint replacement that doesn’t go away with rest or ice can be another warning sign. Swelling is the body’s response to irritation or inflammation. It could indicate that the implant components are wearing down, causing an inflammatory reaction in the surrounding tissues. In some cases, it could also be a sign of a low-grade infection.
The Evaluation Process: What to Expect
If these signs sound familiar, the next step is to schedule an appointment with an orthopedic surgeon who specializes in revision joint replacement. The goal of this consultation is to find the exact cause of your problem so you can get the right treatment.
Here’s what the evaluation with a specialist like Dr. Stoops typically involves:
- A Detailed Conversation: Your visit will start with a conversation about your symptoms, your medical history, and the details of your first surgery. Dr. Stoops will take the time to listen to your story to understand how your symptoms are impacting your life.
- A Physical Examination: Dr. Stoops will carefully examine your joint, checking its stability, range of motion, and strength. He will watch you walk to look for any issues with your gait.
- Imaging Tests: X-rays are always the first step to see how the implant looks and whether it has loosened or shifted. In some cases, more advanced imaging, like a CT scan or MRI, might be needed to get a better look at the bone and soft tissues around the implant.
Based on all this information, Dr. Stoops will be able to provide you with a clear diagnosis and discuss your treatment options.
How Dr. Kyle Stoops Can Help
Facing the possibility of another surgery can feel overwhelming, which is why it’s so important to have a surgeon you trust. Dr. Kyle Stoops has dedicated his career to helping patients in your exact situation. His fellowship training provided him with specialized expertise in complex hip and knee reconstructions, including revision surgeries. He understands the unique challenges of these procedures and uses the most advanced techniques to help his patients achieve the best possible outcomes.
A key part of modern revision surgery is access to the latest technology and implant options. Dr. Stoops is proud to utilize innovative solutions like the Enovis EXPRT Revision Hip System and the Enovis EMPOWR Revision Knee System. These systems are thoughtfully engineered for complex revision procedures, offering reliable stability and flexibility to adapt to your unique anatomy. By incorporating advanced implants like these, Dr. Stoops can address challenging cases and support better outcomes for his patients.
He believes in a patient-first approach, taking the time to explain your condition and all your options in a way that is easy to understand. He will partner with you to create a treatment plan that aligns with your personal goals, helping you feel confident and supported every step of the way.
Your Next Step Toward Relief
Living with a painful or unstable joint replacement isn’t something you have to accept. If you are experiencing any of the signs discussed in this article, it may be time to seek a second opinion. A simple evaluation can give you the answers and peace of mind you deserve.
We invite you to request an appointment with Dr. Kyle Stoops. Take the first step toward understanding your pain and getting back to the active life you enjoy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why does a joint replacement fail?
Joint replacements can fail for several reasons. The most common causes are the gradual loosening of the implant from the bone over time, wear and tear of the plastic liner between the metal components, and instability. Less common causes include infection, dislocation of the joint, or a fracture of the bone around the implant.
Is revision surgery more difficult than the first surgery?
Revision surgery is typically a longer and more complex procedure. It often requires special tools to remove the original implant and may involve rebuilding bone that has been lost. This is why it’s so important to choose a surgeon with specific experience in revision procedures.
How long does recovery from revision surgery take?
Recovery from a revision joint replacement is often slower and more involved than after a primary surgery. The specifics will depend on the complexity of your procedure. Your surgeon and physical therapist will provide you with a personalized rehabilitation plan to help you regain your strength and mobility.
