Joint Replacement and Revision Surgery

Joint replacement and revision surgery are effective treatments for joint pain and mobility problems. In this article, you will learn about the different treatment options available and discover who is a good candidate for this type of surgery. We will also discuss recovery and the success of these treatments.

For personalized orthopaedic care in Zanesville, Ohio, trust Orthopaedic Associates of Zanesville to deliver compassionate and expert treatment tailored to your needs. Schedule your consultation today to explore your options and take the first step toward a pain-free life!

Understanding Joint Replacement Surgery and Revision Procedures

Joint replacement surgery is a surgical procedure that involves replacing arthritic or damaged parts of a joint with artificial parts. These artificial parts are called prostheses and can be made of metal, plastic, or ceramic. The purpose of the replacement is to restore the movement of the joint and relieve pain.

Replacement surgery commonly includes hip and knee replacements. However, other joints can be replaced, including the shoulder.

Revision surgery is a surgical procedure used to correct a failed joint replacement. Your surgeon can correct the problem while sometimes replacing parts or all of the existing prosthesis with new parts.

Types of Surgery Offered

At Orthopaedic Associates of Zanesville, we offer the following joint replacement procedures:

These treatments can be performed using minimally invasive and robotic-assisted procedures. As the incisions are smaller and the instruments are smaller, there is less damage to the surrounding soft tissues. This often results in a faster recovery than open surgery. Speak to your doctor to see if minimally invasive or robotic surgery is right for you.

Conditions We Treat

Several conditions can cause joint pain and disability and lead patients to consider joint replacement surgery. In many cases, joint pain is caused by damage to the cartilage that lines the ends of the bones (articular cartilage)—either from arthritis, a fracture, or another condition.

If non-surgical treatments like medications, physical therapy, and activity modifications do not relieve your pain and disability, your doctor may recommend total joint replacement.

Reasons for Joint Replacement Surgery

Joint replacement surgery may be necessary when you have joint pain and loss of function due to damage within the joint. There is usually damage to the cartilage at the ends of the bones that makes joint replacement necessary. There may be several reasons why your joints could get damaged, including arthritis or a fracture.

Patients will have usually tried non-surgical treatments first such as physical therapy, medications, and activity modifications. When these no longer provide relief, joint replacement surgery may be recommended.

Reasons for Revision Surgery

Joint replacement surgery is usually successful and the replacement will last for many years. However, in some cases, the joint replacement may fail. The following are some of the reasons you may need revision joint replacement surgery:

Implant Loosening and Wear: Over time, the knee implant may loosen from the bone due to factors like high-impact activities, excessive body weight, or wear of the plastic spacer. This can cause pain and instability, often necessitating revision surgery.
Infection: Infection can occur after the initial knee replacement surgery. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and drainage. Revision for infection can involve debridement and implant retention or staged surgery, depending on the severity and duration of the infection.
Instability: Damage or imbalance in the ligaments around the knee can lead to instability, causing recurrent swelling and a feeling of the knee “giving way.” If nonsurgical treatments like bracing and physical therapy are ineffective, revision surgery may be necessary.
Stiffness: Excessive scar tissue buildup around the knee joint can limit the range of motion. While manipulation under anesthesia may help in some cases, revision surgery may be required if stiffness persists due to extensive scar tissue or component positioning.
Fractures: Periprosthetic fractures, which occur around the components of the knee replacement, often result from falls. These fractures may require revision surgery.

Recovery After a Joint Replacement Surgery

Your recovery will depend on the joint replacement procedure you had and your previous health and activity level. You will usually be encouraged to use your new joint soon after surgery to prevent stiffness and blood clots. Although this may cause some discomfort, movement will help with your recovery.

You are likely to experience some pain after surgery as the surrounding tissues are healing and adjusting to the new joint. This pain should reside after a few months.

Your doctor or physical therapist may give you exercises following surgery to help you with your recovery. Exercise will help restore range of motion and strengthen the muscles that support the joint.

Results of Joint Replacements

Most patients who have undergone joint replacement surgery have experienced an improvement in strength, mobility, and pain relief. These improvements allow many patients to enjoy a higher quality of life that allows them to do more activities than they could before surgery.

Schedule a Consultation Today

To schedule an appointment with our experienced orthopedic team, contact us at Orthopaedic Associates of Zanesville. Don’t let joint pain hold you back—take control of your orthopedic health today. Visit our office in Zanesville, OH, today!

Medically reviewed by Benjamin R. Pulley, MD, FAAOS

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