Replacing a damaged joint is a pretty major procedure that surgeons do not go into lightly. Usually, they attempt many solutions to joint damage before resorting to surgery. There are a couple of reasons for the reluctance. Replacing a joint is an expensive procedure involving anaesthesia. Depending on the age and medical conditions of a patient, anaesthesia itself can cause complications. Even if the surgery goes off without any complications, recovery from the replacement of larger joints can take three to six months. This is a long time to be out of commission.
One of the reasons that replacing a joint is considered a last resort is because, as with any surgery, there are some dangers. These dangers are very rare if you have a joint replacement by Real Life Performance. An expert surgical team will keep the chances of a complication very low.
Infection
Typically, replacing a joint is a success, but problems can occur. When there is a problem, it is usually treatable.
One of the most common complications is an infection. This happens in the area around the new joint or the surgical wound. This occurs because any time a wound is open, you run the risk of infection. This can occur at any time. It can happen as early as while you are still recovering in the hospital, or it can occur in the weeks following the operation. Usually, drugs are used to treat infections. If the infection is deep enough or allowed to spread, second surgery might be needed to remove the infected tissue.
Blood Clots
Another common and treatable complication is a blood clot. This is typically indicated by swelling and pain around the replaced joint. These occur when blood moves slowly and is allowed to lump together in the veins or arteries. This can be treated with blood flow increasing socks or stockings, blood thinning drugs, and blood flow increasing exercises.
Joint Loosening
Joint Loosening is another common complication. It is often painful. If the loosening becomes bad enough, another operation might be necessary to attach the joint differently.
If the loosening is bad enough, the joint can dislocate from its position. This occurs oftentimes in load bearing joint replacements such as hips or knees. The ball of the joint can become dislodged from the socket. This can typically be corrected by simply wearing a brace that repositions the bone and joint.
Wear and Tear
Wear and tear are unavoidable in all joints and replacements. If the wear becomes pronounced enough, then loosening and dislocation can occur. Depending on what is worn, the doctor might not need to replace the entire joint but just part of it.
Blood Vessel Injuries
The nerves and blood vessels near the replaced joint are especially vulnerable to damage. This is very rare, but it has occurred. Oftentimes, the damage to nerves improves and sometimes disappears altogether. Blood vessels can also be damaged. If they are only damaged a little bit, they might repair themselves. However, if the damage is pronounced enough, then clots can occur.
