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Expert Care for Complex Joint Replacements
At Orthopedic Specialists, our board-certified orthopedic surgeons have extensive experience performing hip, knee, and shoulder revision surgeries (also known as revision total joint arthroplasty).
For nearly a decade, we’ve helped patients across Fort Dodge, Iowa, and throughout the Midwest restore comfort, stability, and movement after a failed or worn-out joint replacement.
What Is Joint Revision Surgery?
Joint revision surgery is a procedure to replace or repair an artificial joint implant that is no longer functioning properly. During this “redo” surgery, your surgeon removes the old implant—sometimes in whole, sometimes in part—and places a new one designed to restore strength, mobility, and alignment.
While most hip, knee, and shoulder replacements last between 10 and 20 years or even longer, revision surgery may be needed when a joint becomes loose, worn, unstable, or infected. Because revision procedures are often more complex than the original surgery, they require advanced skill, precise planning, and specialized tools.
Common Reasons for Revision Joint Surgery
You may need a revision procedure if you experience ongoing pain, stiffness, or instability in a previously replaced joint.
Common causes include:
- Implant wear and tear: Over time, artificial components naturally degrade.
- Implant loosening or failure: The prosthetic joint may shift or detach from the bone.
- Infection: Bacteria around the implant can cause swelling, drainage, and pain.
- Instability or dislocation: The joint feels unstable or “gives out.”
- Fracture or bone loss: Injury or weakened bone can affect the implant’s position.
- Mechanical malfunction: Rarely, an implant part breaks or fails.
Your orthopedic specialist will evaluate your symptoms, imaging, and history to determine whether revision surgery is appropriate.
How Revision Surgery Works
Revision joint surgery typically involves three key steps:
- Removal of the old implant: The damaged or loose components are carefully taken out.
- Bone repair or reconstruction: If bone has been lost, your surgeon may use grafts or specialized implants to rebuild support.
- Placement of the new implant: A modern, precisely fitted replacement is inserted to restore function and alignment.
Because revision surgery often involves scar tissue or bone loss from previous procedures, it requires advanced surgical planning and precise execution.
Types of Revision Procedures
Hip Revision Surgery
- Removes worn or dislocated hip implant components and replaces them with new, stable parts.
- It may involve bone grafting if the bone around the implant has weakened.
- Common reasons include implant loosening, recurrent dislocation, infection, or fracture.
Knee Revision Surgery
- Replaces a loose or damaged knee implant with new components.
- May involve a one- or two-stage process if infection is present.
- Bone grafts or metal wedges may be used for added stability.
Shoulder Revision Surgery
- Replaces part or all of a failed artificial shoulder joint.
- If the rotator cuff is damaged, a reverse total shoulder replacement may be performed.
- Common causes include implant loosening, instability, or rotator cuff failure.
Recovery and Results
After revision surgery, most patients experience less pain, improved stability, and a better range of motion. Recovery typically takes six weeks or more, depending on the joint and the complexity of the procedure. Physical therapy is a key part of the healing process, helping rebuild strength, flexibility, and function.
As with all major surgeries, recovery times vary, but your care team will guide you through each stage, from hospital stay to full rehabilitation.
To learn more about what to expect when you undergo joint revision surgery, please visit our Surgery Preparation/Recovery page.
Why Choose Orthopedic Specialists
- Nearly a decade of experience performing successful joint revision surgeries.
- Advanced imaging and surgical planning for complex cases.
- Customized treatment based on your anatomy, activity level, and goals.
- Collaborative care with physical therapists and your referring provider.
- A commitment to helping you move with confidence and comfort again.
When to Talk to a Surgeon
If you’ve had a joint replacement and are now noticing pain, swelling, clicking, or reduced mobility, don’t wait for symptoms to worsen.
A consultation can help identify whether your implant is wearing out or if something else may be causing discomfort.
Take the Next Step Toward Relief
You don’t have to live with pain or instability in a replaced joint. The experienced team at Orthopedic Specialists is here to help you regain movement, confidence, and quality of life.
Call us today at (515) 955-6767 or toll-free at (800) 443-0396, or request an appointment online to learn more about your options for hip, knee, or shoulder revision surgery.
