Ongoing Concerns With Your New Joint

New developments in materials and surgical procedures mean that artificial knees and hips now last longer than ever. However, you may still experience infection or a wearing down or loosening of the prosthesis.

• Infection – Continue to watch for warning signs of infection: fever over 100 degrees, shaking chills, warmth at the site and increasing pain in the knee or hip.
   
• Wearing of the prosthesis – This may occur over the life of the prosthesis. Because part of your new joint may be plastic, it can wear thin over time and result in some loosening. If this happens, your doctor may want to replace the plastic part without replacing the rest of the prosthesis.
   
• Loosening of the prosthesis – If this happens, you may need a second surgery, also known as revision surgery.

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