Revision Joint Replacement Specialist

Nathanael D. Heckmann, MD

Adult Reconstruction Orthopedic Surgeon in Los Angeles, Pasadena, and Glendale, CA

With people living longer than ever, this means that if you have a joint replacement relatively early in adulthood, you’ll may need a revision joint replacement at some point. Leading orthopedic surgeon Nathanael Heckmann, MD, uses state-of-the-art surgical technology to repair or replace previous joint replacements at offices located in the Boyle Heights neighborhood of Los Angeles, and in Glendale, California, near La Cañada. Call or schedule a consultation online today to find out if a revision joint replacement is right for you.

Revision Joint Replacement Q&A

What is a revision joint replacement?

Joint replacements don’t last forever, and, in some cases, the original replacement doesn’t turn out as planned. A revision joint replacement is a procedure to repair or replace a prior joint replacement. Dr. Heckmann specializes in knee and hip revision surgery.

Revision joint replacement is more complicated than a standard joint replacement procedure, as Dr. Heckmann may need to remove your implant, which has bonded with the existing bone. Additionally, you often have less bone available as your surgeon removed bone during your first surgery.

What are the signs I need a revision joint replacement?

Signs of a failing joint replacement include pain, loss of motion, instability, or a decrease in function. In some cases, you may develop pain or infection soon after your initial.

Dr. Heckmann provides a patient-focused and holistic approach to treating these issues. If you’re showing signs of joint replacement failure, he will guide you through a personalized diagnostic plan and discuss various treatment options. However, in some cases, revision joint replacement surgery is the best option.

What happens during a revision joint replacement?

During your revision joint replacement, Dr. Heckmann carefully removes some or all of the prosthetic parts of your joint and any other damaged tissue. Then, he replaces your joint with high-quality metal or plastic parts. Dr. Heckmann might also place a bone or synthetic graft into your joint to increase fixation or stimulate new bone growth.

What should I expect while recovering from revision joint replacement?

Your recovery and rehabilitation may be different from your original joint replacement. Dr. Heckmann prescribes medicine to reduce your pain and risk of infection, and you start physical therapy soon after your surgery. A full recovery may take up to a year, but with personalized therapy, you can begin to get back to some regular activities like work and walking with a cane or crutch within a few months.

If you’re having trouble with a prosthetic joint, call the office of Nathanael Heckmann, MD, or make an appointment online to discuss revision joint replacement today.

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