Hip & Knee Replacement in the Long Term
Top frequently-asked-questions six months or more after surgery
Have questions after your joint replacement? Our team provides some answers to questions many patients have after hip or knee replacement, especially six months or more after surgery:
Should I take antibiotics if I am having dental work?
How long will my joint replacement last?
Most modern hip and knee replacements last longer than you might think. Although there are no guarantees, reports show that on average, most hip and knee replacements last 15 to 20 years, with many (58 per cent) lasting for 25 years.
Evans JT, Evans JP, Walker R et al. How long does a hip replacement last? A systematic review and meta-analysis of case series and national registry reports with more than 15 years of follow-up. Lancet. 2019;393:647-54.
Cook R, Davidson P, Martin R; NIHR Dissemination Centre. More than 50% of hip replacements seem to last 25 years. BMJ. 2019 Dec 31;367:5681. doi: 10.1136/bmj.l5681.What kinds of problems should prompt me to come back to my surgeon for a review?
After a few years, you will know your joint replacement and how it feels. If you experience new issues, such as buckling (giving way), new pain, new swelling, new clicking OR the behaviour of your joint replacement changes in any way and you’re not sure why, you can call the Advanced Practice Provider Team at 416-967-8526 to discuss your symptoms. They can help you figure out if you need to come back for a check-up of your joint replacement. You can also book an appointment in your surgeon’s review clinic (without needing a new referral if it’s for the joint they replaced).
Examples of when to book an appointment include:
- If you are experiencing new, ongoing pain in your replaced joint with activity, that is not relieved with rest and medication.
- If your joint feels “unstable” or “buckles” during activity (walking, hiking, climbing stairs)
What should I do if I fall on my joint replacement?
If the fall causes significant pain, difficulty putting weight through your leg, a feeling of instability, significant bruising and/or swelling, you should visit your local ER.
If you fall, but can get up and keep going, then continue to monitor your symptoms. If they last for more than two weeks or seem to be getting worse, and you are having difficulty doing your usual activities, please give us a call to book a review of your joint replacement.
NOTE: if you had your surgery less than six weeks ago, please contact your surgeon’s office and let them know you have had a fall.Why do I still have numbness around my scar? Will I have this forever?
What activities should I be careful about? Are there any do’s or don’ts?
You should generally be careful about activities that are high impact (e.g. running or jumping) or that put you at high risk of falling. Activities that require heavy lifting or extreme twisting of your joint (e.g. some yoga positions) may also be hard on the replaced joint.
For more details on safe long-term activity, please consult the Canadian Orthopaedic Foundation’s booklet on maximizing activity after hip or knee replacement
If you still have questions, please contact your surgeon’s office for more guidance.How can I help my scar more than six months after surgery?
Your body knows how to heal itself, and a visible scar is a normal part of your healing from surgery. In fact, your scar is changing and still maturing up to 18 months after your surgery. Keep in mind, you can never get rid of a scar altogether; only help its appearance somewhat.
The way your scars heal is mostly determined by your genetics.
- Avoiding direct exposure to UV light or using high SPF sunblock on the scar will help keep it less visible.
- Massaging the scar with non-irritating oil or cream will help the appearance and flexibility of the scar. The following document from Leeds Teaching Hospitals (NHS) gives excellent information on taking care of a surgical scar
