What Does Arthritis Pain Feel Like?
Do you often experience aches and pains in your joints and wonder what might be causing them? Read on to learn whether your symptoms could be a sign of arthritis.
When Do I Need Revision Joint Replacement?
Joint replacements are life-changing for patients who live with chronic pain and limited mobility. However, like your natural joints, joint replacements can experience wear and tear, and occasionally unexpected complications that cause the prosthesis to fail.
The average joint replacement lasts about 10 to 15 years when other issues, such as infections or injuries, aren’t present.
Factors such as activity level, body weight, and underlying health conditions can affect durability. Younger, more active patients may find they need revision sooner, while others enjoy decades of pain‑free movement.
Do you experience unpleasant symptoms after a joint replacement? We asked our expert, Dr. Thomas Kane III, what signs indicate you may need a revision joint replacement.
Persistent pain and inflammation
If you experience ongoing pain in or around your replaced joint, especially after standard treatments like rest, physical therapy, or medication, it could signal that your prosthesis is loosening or wearing out.
Joint instability or dislocation
A secure implant should feel stable during walking or lifting. If your joint feels unstable or “wobbly,” it may be partially dislocated due to scar tissue formation, muscle weakness, or prosthesis misalignment.
Fracture around the implant
Fractures can occur due to trauma, such as falls or direct impact on the prosthetic, or from the gradual weakening of the bone around the implant. Signs of a fracture include sudden pain, swelling, or difficulty moving the joint.
An infection
Sometimes an infection can compromise the prosthesis; in such cases, early diagnosis and prompt treatment are crucial to prevent bone loss. Signs of infection include localized redness, warmth, and swelling around the joint. A fever may also indicate that your body is fighting an infection.
Unusual noises
Clicking, popping, or grinding sounds during movement can signal that components of your prosthesis are loose or misaligned.
The differences between a revision and a joint replacement surgery
Revision surgery is more challenging than the original replacement, as scarring from the first operation can make tissue access more delicate. Removing a well‑fixed implant without causing further bone damage requires specialized instruments and techniques. If there’s an infection, the first step is to remove the prosthesis and insert an antibiotic spacer. Once the infection is gone, a new joint can be put in.
Revision joint replacement may also require bone grafting, ligament repair, or the use of specialized implant components designed for weaker bone.
If you suspect your joint may need revision, or if you simply want to check the status of your replacement, contact us to schedule an appointment in Honolulu, Hawaii, for expert advice from the first orthopedic surgeon to perform arthroscopic hip surgery in the state.
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