Revision Hip & Knee Replacement

What Is Joint Replacement Surgery?

Joint replacement surgery, also known as arthroplasty, involves the surgical reconstruction of a joint using artificial components. This type of surgery helps your joint to move more fluidly and prevent further damage. Hip replacement surgery and knee replacement surgery are two types of arthroplasty that can deliver improved mobility, pain reduction, and a better quality of life for patients who are facing conditions including:

• Osteoarthritis of the knee
• Post traumatic knee arthritis
• Osteoarthritis of the hip
• Post traumatic hip arthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Osteonecrosis or avascular necrosis

In most cases, joint replacement surgery is successful. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, approximately 95% of joint replacement surgeries performed in the U.S. each year are successful. However, joint replacement surgery can sometimes fail for a number of different reasons. Complications with joint replacement may arise shortly after surgery or they may not develop until years later. When this happens, a revision hip replacement or revision knee replacement may be necessary.

Risks Of Joint Replacement Surgery

As with any major surgery, there are certain risks involved and side effects that can occur when undergoing joint replacement surgery. Dr. Peter K. Sculco believes strongly in patient education and shared decision-making when it comes to your treatment plan. All potential risks and side effects will be explained to you in detail prior to surgery. Whenever possible, conservative treatment options will be considered before surgery is deemed necessary.

Complications Associated With Joint Replacement Surgery

Complications associated with hip replacement surgery and knee replacement surgery include:

• Infection in the prosthetic joint
• Loosening of the implant over time
• Wear and deterioration of the implant over time
• Joint instability, which occurs when the soft tissue surrounding the joint fails to provide stability needed for the prosthetic implant

Activity level, weight, age, personal medical history, and other factors can also influence the effectiveness and longevity of a hip or knee replacement surgery.

What Are The Symptoms That You May Need A Revision Joint Replacement?

While symptoms vary from patient to patient and may differ based on the type of joint replacement surgery performed, the following list of symptoms may all be indicative of problems with your prosthetic hip or knee implant. If you experience any of these symptoms, you should be evaluated by an experienced joint reconstruction specialist:

• Pain around the hip or knee joint
• Swelling around the hip or knee joint
• A feeling of instability within the joint
• Limited range of motion or reduced joint function
• Inability to stand or maintain balance
• Bone loss

Diagnosing A Revision Joint Replacement

Before any revision joint replacement surgery is considered, an accurate diagnosis for revision hip or knee replacement must be made by a trusted physician. The following tools may be used to help guide your doctor in making a diagnosis when a revision joint replacement is suspected:

• Physical examination
• Lab testing
• X-rays
• CT scans
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans

Speak with your doctor if you have any of the previously mentioned symptoms of a revision hip or knee replacement, and consult with an experienced joint replacement specialist, such as Peter K. Sculco, MD to determine the best treatment plan for your needs.

Revision Joint Replacement Surgery

If you are suffering from a hip replacement failure or knee replacement failure, you may be a good candidate for one of the following surgical procedures offered by Dr. Sculco:

• Revision hip replacement
• Revision knee replacement

Dr. Sculco is also a part of the Complex Joint Replacement Center which serves as a single point of access to medical care for patients with complex joint disorders.

Schedule A Consultation

If you’re experiencing knee or hip pain following joint replacement surgery, schedule an evaluation with an experienced orthopedic joint replacement specialist. Dr. Peter K. Sculco provides personalized care paired with world-class orthopedic training. Call 212.606.1771 today to request an appointment.