New pain in a hip or knee that was replaced years ago can raise an immediate question: Is something wrong with the implant? It is not always that simple. Steven Mennona, MD, a board-certified, dual fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeon with clinical interests that include revision joint replacement and periprosthetic fractures, evaluates complex joint problems with our OIBortho team. We perform both revision hip replacement and revision knee replacement for patients who need another operation after an earlier joint replacement.
Which Changes Are Worth Having Checked?
A sore day after unusual activity does not automatically point to implant failure. What matters more is a new, persistent, or worsening change in how the joint feels or functions. Reasons to speak with a joint replacement specialist can include:
- Pain that becomes more frequent or intense
- A sense that the hip or knee is unstable or giving way
- New swelling or stiffness
- Loss of motion that affects daily activities
- Increasing difficulty walking or putting weight on the joint
These changes can have more than one cause, so symptoms alone cannot tell you whether revision surgery is needed.
Why Would a Hip or Knee Replacement Need Revision?
Artificial joints are built for long-term use, but problems can develop over time. Wear, loosening, instability, infection, bone loss, or a fracture around the implant are among the issues that can lead to further treatment.
A revision procedure is different from an initial total hip replacement or total knee replacement. The surgeon may need to remove one or more existing components, work around changes in the surrounding bone and soft tissues, and place new implant parts. The exact approach depends on what is causing the problem.
How Is a Painful Joint Replacement Evaluated?
The first job is finding the source of the change, not assuming another surgery is the answer. Your evaluation may include a physical examination and X-rays to look at the implant, surrounding bone, alignment, and signs of wear or loosening. In some situations, additional imaging is useful. Blood work or joint-fluid testing may also be considered when infection is a concern.
Those findings are weighed alongside your original surgery, current mobility, and how much the problem is interfering with everyday life. If revision is appropriate, physical therapy is often part of rebuilding strength and movement afterward. Our broader joint replacement program includes care for both primary and revision procedures.
Talk With a Joint Replacement Specialist
When a previously replaced joint starts behaving differently, getting a clear explanation can help you make an informed decision about what comes next. Patients in Central and South New Jersey can contact us to meet with Dr. Mennona and the OIBortho joint replacement team. For appointment information, call 732-800-9000.