Unfortunately, everyone’s bodies wear down as they age. One area of the body where this aging becomes noticeable is in people’s knees. People living with osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis can need knee replacement surgery. This surgery is also sometimes required to repair damage caused by anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and meniscus tears. Unfortunately, not every knee replacement surgery in Illinois or Indiana are successful.
What are the signs of a failed knee replacement?
Knee replacement surgeries take time to recover from. In some cases, these surgeries can take up to one year before patients fully recover. During this recovery period, pain, swelling and loss of mobility are common side effects.
Problems become apparent when your surgically replaced knee or knees aren’t showing signs of recovery. If a knee replacement fails, you can notice any of the following symptoms:
- Decreased knee mobility
- Knee pain that fails to go away
- Swelling in and around your knees
Next steps after a failed knee replacement
There are two main goals people typically have after botched knee surgeries: fixing the issue and learning if they have valid medical malpractice claims. Resolving this situation often happens by undergoing revision replacement surgery. This surgery can successfully repair or replace parts of your knee. Depending on the extent of your knee-related procedure, you may also require treatment for infections in or near where your surgery took place.
Learning you’re dealing with a botched surgery can make you understandably frustrated. As you feel the ongoing symptoms of this painful situation, ensure you’re keeping follow-up medical records and taking accurate notes. These habits can provide evidence of malpractice.