OSMS Orthopedic Surgeon and Hip & Knee Replacement Specialist, Dr. Gordon Roedel joins Dr. Larry Loewen, chiropractor, and host of the Dr. Larry Radio Show, to talk about Hip and Knee Replacement Revisions, along with managing Joint Replacement Infections. 

Adult reconstruction focuses on the replacement of arthritic hips and knees with metal and plastic components. Dr. Roedel performs both primary hip & knee joint replacements, along with revisions of failed joint replacements.  

A failed joint replacement is when a replaced joint is painful or dysfunctional, has progressive bone loss or fracture around the component, or has an infection.  

Common causes of Joint Replacement Failures include: 

• Loosening of the component 
• Infections 
• Instability of the Joint 

When a patient comes in with pain from a previous hip or knee joint replacement, sometimes the reason for failure is obvious; however, more often, a failed joint presents in a more subtle way. To determine whether a joint replacement has failed, Dr. Roedel follows a standard pattern examination.  

First, Dr. Roedel works to understand the patient’s pain, where it comes from, and when it bothers them. Then Dr. Roedel will perform a physical examination, review X-rays, and gather other diagnostics if deemed necessary.  

Dr. Roedel discusses that complicated cases such as failed hip and knee replacements often cause patients to have a weary disposition when they first start the revision process. However, Dr. Roedel encourages his patients to approach their journey with a patient and cooperative mindset, regardless of the reason of the joint failure, so that he can help them get the best possible outcome.

The first and most important step is identifying the problem, and from there, Dr. Roedel can work to figure out what the least invasive process of revising the joint is. In many cases of revisions, only a portion of the existing compartment needs to be revised. However, in some other cases, the whole replacement may need to be taken out and replaced again with a completely new hip or knee.  

Additionally, Dr. Roedel talks through the process of determining or detecting an infected joint is and what treating an infected joint would entail. 

Finally, three joint replacement revision success stories are shared, where each patient had a unique case, with its own unique and positive outcome. Dr. Roedel’s philosophy is to revise failed joint replacements in the least invasive way, getting patients back to what they love, with little to no pain.   

If you think you may need a Hip or Knee Joint Replacement, or are suffering with pain from a previous hip or knee joint replacement, schedule an appointment with Dr. Roedel here: Schedule an Appointment

To watch Part 2 of Dr. Roedel’s interview with Dr. Larry, click here: https://youtu.be/VQCN3tG8QNE