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Joint Replacement: The Sequel

87 views · Published 13 March 2016 · 1:30 · Indexed 26 October 2026

Channel: Lee Health · 2016 · Science & Technology

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Over time, some people develop problems with their replacement joints, or implants and revision surgery to replace a worn-out, loosened, or otherwise “failed” artificial joint may be necessary. Artificial joints do have a lifespan and that lifespan depends on various factors.

“How long it’s been in is a factor. How large the individual is, how much wear and tear they put on the new joint all plays a role in how long a mechanical device such as a knee will last,” says Dr. Charles Springer, an orthopedic surgeon on the Lee Memorial Health System medical staff.

Often times it does not come down to a total joint breakdown. As parts within an artificial joint loosen or wear out, surgeons can identify the problem and many times swap out just the worn out hardware. The procedure is called a joint revision.

“When you’re doing a revision you want to try to do the least amount to provide the best benefit. Sometimes you can do a minor surgery such as changing out a plastic spacer, which is a much quicker and easier recovery as opposed to taking the whole implant out and starting from scratch,” says Dr. Springer.

For many, revision surgery can relieve the pain and lessen the disability caused by a failed implant. However, revisions do not have as high a rate of success as first-time joint replacements, and revisions usually take more time in the operating room and require more rehabilitation time. 

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Lee Memorial Health System in Fort Myers, FL is the largest network of medical care facilities in Southwest Florida and is highly respected for its expertise, innovation and quality of care. For nearly a century, we’ve been providing our community with everything from primary care treatment to highly specialized care services and robotic assisted surgeries.

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