Revision Joint Replacement Specialists

What is revision joint replacement?

Revision joint replacement is a type of surgery that might be necessary if something goes wrong with your prosthetic joint. While it's possible to have an artificial knee, hip, wrist, ankle, or thumb, Dr. Schofield specializes in elbow and shoulder revision joint replacements. Dr. Bright specializes in hip and knee revision joint replacements.

Joint replacement surgery is an effective way of relieving symptoms of advanced arthritis and other chronic pain conditions for which nonsurgical treatments are making little difference.

Replacement joints typically work well in replicating normal joint function, and they can last for many years. However, in some instances, replacement joints develop faults that require surgical intervention before the implant reaches the end of its expected lifespan.

What faults can develop that require revision joint replacement?

One of the main faults a prosthesis can develop that requires revision joint replacement is loosening, as the prosthetic joint needs to be securely connected to your natural bone to work properly.

A press-fit implant can become loose if the bone hasn't grown sufficiently to fuse the prosthesis in place. With a cemented implant, the component can work loose if the cement deteriorates. This problem is more likely to occur if you're overweight or obese or you frequently take part in high-impact activities following your joint replacement surgery.

Other issues include traumatic injuries from falls or auto accidents that could fracture or dislocate the joint, reactions to the implant, and allergies to particles the prosthesis might shed, like metal ions.

Infection can also be a problem. Joint replacement infections can be painful and cause loosening or instability, and destroying the bacteria with antibiotics may not be successful. Revision joint replacement might be the only way to eradicate the infection.

What does revision joint replacement surgery involve?

Revision joint replacement surgery is more challenging than performing the initial joint replacement. It requires an exceptional degree of expertise as well as experience using specialized instruments and implants.

The work Dr. Schofield or Dr. Bright needs to carry out when doing your revision joint replacement depends on what's causing the problem. You might need a whole new joint, or if some parts are still working well, you may only need a partial new implant.

If there's fresh bone damage in the joint, Dr. Schofield or Dr. Bright might rebuild the affected area with bone grafts or metal augments (bone substitutes).

If your replacement joint is causing you problems or has become painful, call Schofield, Hand and Bright Orthopaedics, or book an appointment online today.