How To Tell If Your Joint Replacement Is Infected

[@rodhorton851]

I had 4 out of 5 of these symptoms. The doctor who performed the revision of the first replacement didn’t believe me when I told him something is wrong. Everything was moving in the wrong direction. Pain, range of motion, discharge, it was 2” larger than the other knee, etc. It took him 6 months to bring me in and take fluids to send to a lab. In the meantime, I went to a different doctor for a 2nd opinion. The 2nd doctor called me at home to tell me what I was infected with. The first doctor told me the knee was infected and needed another revision. I canceled the surgery with the first doctor and had the 2nd doctor do my surgery. First step was to remove the infected parts and put in an antibiotic spacer. After 3 months, that was removed and a new knee put in. I now have limited ROM in that knee, but I was able to avoid an amputation.

[@randolphstead2988]

I've had two knee replacements done by Dr. Weening. Happy to say, no incision infections. Follow your post-op instructions and take care of yourself. Good luck.

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Congrats Randy!

[@pamelabrooks1944]

I am 6 months out from my THR. No symptoms of infection. Praise God! Good to know what to look for, good to be well. 💙

[@cookiejones]

Please discuss treatment 🙂 great video guys..

[@chrisstepleton4761]

I had a hip replacement 5 years ago, and about a week or so later, the wound just started bleeding and just would not stop. Really concerned my ortho doctor. He had me come back in the hospital so he could explore the site. He concluded it was not infected and decided to take me off blood thinners. Once he did that, no more bleeding. So no more blood thinners for me, At least not Coumadin.

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Yes this can happen for sure

[@annielitton4622]

Yes, keep going. Tell us the whole entire process. Could there be a blood clot? from the infection? etc...

[@kellyminor4236]

Yes, treatment please!

[@TalkingWithDocs]

It's coming !

[@tstale6019]

This came up in my Feed too late. Infection never occurred to me until 7 months post Bilateral TKR, my stronger right knee began to become painful with reduced range of motion. I dismissed it to overdoing the exercises at first...until suddenly the knee turned red, hot & swollen & I could barely walk. With history of Cellulitis & Eczema, I quickly saw my Doc & after emergency aspiration, the bacteria was identified to be Streptococcus Group B. It turned out I had bad UTI (E Coli) at same time. Luckily the Metal prosthesis was left intact & the Surgeon only cleaned up & replaced the plastic Cap & parts. Now 2 weeks in hospital, I'm being treated with infusions of Benzylpenicillin & Gentamicin. CRP dropped from 644 initially to 19 within 2 weeks. Am hoping to be discharged next week. My advice is to regard any worsening pain & suspected infection with urgency & see your Surgeon quickly to catch it early.

[@GreggBB]

treatment please! Is an infection the thing you worry about the most happening, or are there worse things that you have seen?

[@evaboldt653]

Yes, please share a lot more information about joint infections and how they happen. A CT scan diagnosed my dislocated hip implant after many x-rays showed that all was fine.. Revision surgery diagnosed a broken, irreparable trochanter, AND required a gluteus maximus transfer, AND found a serious infection that requires a lifetime of very scarey antibiotics, AND wearing an uncomfortable hip brace for 3 months after surgery.

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Wow that’s tough. Hope you are ok

[@evaboldt653]

​@TalkingWithDocs thanks! I am concerned that new pain and soreness in my tendons and sharp pain and bruising in my calf may be related to Ciprofloxacin. Waiting to see a doctor on that.

[@PatriciaCorkell]

I would like information on the treatment. This was kind of like a cliff hanger. Both of you are very informative and I really like that. Thank you.

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Cliff hanger!! It's coming 😀

[@guydeswert9084]

At the beginning of this year I fell and the femoral head of my right hip was crushed. I had a successful hip replacement and quick recovery. However, the knee of my right leg was replaced in November 2004. I sometimes have pain in that knee and the lower part of the leg is now swollen. I do not think the knee/leg problem is related to the hip surgery, but one never knows. Is it also possible that the occasional knee problem is related to a thinning of the crosslinked high density polyethylene pacer or that microscopic polymer particles are the cause? After all, a few years ago I was told during a visit to emergency that my replacement knee was way beyond its life time. I am seeing my orthopedic surgeon in a few weeks. Can you suggest the questions I should ask. Many thanks, I much like your videos. Guy M. De Swert

[@PapasDino]

How about addressing how we can avoid a infection? Take antibiotics in anticipation of dental cleanings or other procedures? Cut myself...apply Betadine and a bandaid and hope for the best? I've got the hardware now, how do I keep from having to revise it because of an infection? Thanks guys as usual!

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Dino! Nice to see you again. That is a great topic that we most certainly will do!

[@halfabee]

For my second knee implant. I used redlight therapy to improve my healing. I know the person before and after me in the operating theater had an infection in their wound. I removed my staples removed at 12 days. Top 15 mm looked a little weepy. Cleared up rapidly with redlight laser therapy. On day 15 I received an urgent phone call from New Hall Hospital Salisbury UK . Inquiring how my wound was? I replied clear as a bell. Then the caller went on to explain there had been a failure in their operating room environment and people before and after me had infected wounds. The staples were advised to be removed at day 14. In Lithuania they removed them at day 12 I never bothered to read the instructions for my second TKA. New Hall Hospital supplied the tool to remove the staples. In the UK you can wait weeks for a nurse appointment. I removed the staples myself. The knee scar for my second TKA is very good all most plastic surgeon like. The First TKA scar is 3 times as wide.

[@cindipettigrew235]

@@TalkingWithDocs Hey Docs! Thanks for the informative videos. They have been very helpful for myself and my family. Seven years ago I had my first TRKR. It became infected at the end of Aug. 2024 and I had my first stage of the two stage revision surgery process on Sept. 25th. My daily IV antibiotics end next week. I am also trying to determine the source of my infection and how to avoid a reoccurrence. Looking forward to your video on this topic. Thanks!

[@cherylrobbins9926]

I ended up with an e coli infection in my knee. The knee swelled, range of motion was very minimal and the knee was fire red. The biggest trigger was pus pockets. I could just press on my knee and it would just pour out. Ended up in the hospital for 2 weeks They opened the knee up twice to wash all the infection out. It's nothing to play with.

[@lindamcclure3923]

What's your opinion on taking an antibiotic before dental appointment to prevent infection in the knee replacement

[@barbaragoodman1789]

More information is always better ! Thanks Docs, love the videos.

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Glad you like them!

[@sjbutler2330]

Video on treatments please! Antibiotics etc...?

[@mariacuachon3906]

Looks gross sorry for those who suffer😢 thanks for sharing docs 👍

[@erinrenee6825]

It took about a month after my hip replacement for the infection to be obvious - red, swelling and painful. I had to have 2 wash out surgeries, then a second antibiotic loaded replacement. A few months later I received my permanent replacement. A lot to go through but I’d do it again to not have to suffer the awful pain of bone on bone arthritis.

[@erinrenee6825]

Definitely a treatment video would be lovely 😊

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Yes it's a lot for sure. Hope you are ok now

[@sallymcmahan3896]

Thank you. Having a hip placement. I have and feel comfortable with my docs. I like it when you say Rember your incharge of your health. I took your advice. Now I'm ready for my hip surgery. Thanks for what you do.

[@bettyjeanpetrinovich7373]

Perfect timing. I had shoulder replacement surgery 2 days ago. Yes, treatment, just in case. Love you two!

[@cathydavis9259]

About 2 years ago we had 5 members of our small church have shoulder surgery almost at the same time. For about 3 months they had such a hard time doing with just 1 arm. We are so blessed to have such a good and supporting congregation that they went the extra mile helping with meals, childcare, running errands, cleaning whatever was needed. I hope and pray you and your family will the same love and support. Praying for you to have a speedy recovery. 🙏 God Bless

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Thanks! Congrats Betty

[@johnalldredge1285]

Yes, make a video on treatment of a joint infection.

[@4cornersgalsst415]

definitely want to hear about treatment! I'm trying to prepare myself both for a smooth experience and for a bumpier ride!

[@donnamariebrown2478]

Another great informative video from my fav docs in blue. Infection is one thing that I fear since I had two TKRs this year. Looking to your next video!!!

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Thanks so much Donna!

[@fjp3305]

I hope I'll never need a joint replacement! Good job, docs.

[@pamela8511]

Treatment please

[@barbarak8158]

Well ... thx for the vid! Always enjoy chillin with you docs! Be safe! 🤗

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Thanks, you too!

[@fraukeg.facchini2691]

Treatments, please.

[@jimm6810]

Please tell us about treatment

[@toryberch]

I can only speak for myself but 3 weeks ago I had my TKR and 4 days after I got sick Like the Dr Z & W said it's like the flu with body aches and pain in the knee. Mine got stiffer and redder until the On Call Doc (was Thanksgiving lol) called in an antibiotic of Kflex which for me I couldn't take so ended up on another one but for only 4 days. It was too strong on my stomach. I am a week behind in my progress but I will catch back up. That Ship isn't sailing without me lol

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Yes it is in the works

[@bansthakkar7431]

Waiting for treatment video as my mum went for knee replacement and post to it severe inflammation in body bad sores ulcer, pus, stiffness and too much pain. Can humira or omnacortil be given us it PJI or septic arthritis. Condition is worsen CRP n blood count is too high around 32000 please advise

[@suzannelegault4489]

Yes, I would like to hear about treatment of such an infection.

[@kat2878]

i freaked out because about a week after tkr my knee got crazy hot - like i didn't know it was possible for your body to generate that much heat in one spot - i called the nurse practitioner and she said to just keep icing it - but i really almost panicked - my knee was melting a bag of ice like every 10 minutes - but it was fine and it passed.

[@studentaccount4354]

I have RA and it does that. It even spreads. I see a rheumatologist.

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Yes it can get warm and not be infected. Glad you are ok

[@tonyclewes8]

Treatment options would be useful. Thanks for these videos really useful for the interested non professional. Merry Christmas from the UK

[@SHMB1999]

Yes. It was the hotness!!

[@suzannedonaldson3423]

Is it true you a more likely to get a joint infection if you are overweight?

[@CMRuffo16]

I had a TJR of my R knee. I was given antibiotics for two weeks post surgery. Three and a half weeks post-op I was diagnosed with a TJI - Sepsis, bacteria e-Coli. I could barely move my leg, range of motion about 2-3” steps. I felt okay the night before. Infectious Disease said that e-Coli is on our skin, so it wasn’t the hospital’s fault. I think the instruments weren’t autoclaved properly, or someone didn’t scrub properly. Important to note: you must take 1,000mg of antibiotics before any dental procedure, including cleaning to avoid a TJI. (I comply every single time I see my dentist, even after my surgeon says that you need not take antibiotics after 2 years post-op. I don’t dare take any chances after sepsis almost killed me.

[@vickiepatterson1748]

Another great and informative video Docs! I have total joint replacements but it's different than what you're used to for signs of infection and treatment. You probably remember that it's total joint prosthesis for my jaws. It's titanium, nichol with some other metal for the pins and it's been in since the 90's so I think I'm okay. But prior to getting these new joints, I had silicone placed in the joint areas to maintain separation and prevent scar tissue. They hadn't been in very long but before the allotted time, there was drainage and the inserts had broken through the skin. The surgeon had to remove them early so they didn't have a chance to do their job. It's not like he could just shove them back in. That was just one procedure besides the ten different bilateral surgeries on my jaws. There were no other symptoms than the draining and the material trying to escape. This happened earlier in my treatment of surgeries and if it had worked, it could have prevented more scar tissue from forming. But luckily, there was no infection after the final prosthesis was placed. Only one last surgery was performed after the placement of my prosthesis and it was for removal of the scar tissue that had built up after so many surgeries. You often have videos that rekindle the memories of my experiences during that 11 year duration of surgeries. None hold fond memories and they have been nightmares at times. Nonetheless, you two will never forget me!😋 I have a pretty good idea of the treatment required to treat the infection so I await your next video! Thanks for sharing another great video!👍

[@mary-anndyott794]

I'd love to learn the treatment of the infection. Thanks.

[@GONNALIVEHIKING]

Yes share infection treatment options :) Can you please do a video on tennis elbow treatments?

[@pegeggeggleston4315]

Hi Docs - Great video - Yes we are in charge of our own health - fabulous mantra. And yes, as Paul Harvey use to say, "And now the rest of the story." Enjoy all your videos. Getting ready for knee surgery, but not til I loose weight - Ugggg. But very motivated. Amazing how the donut doesn't look so good when you have to walk across the room and your bone on bone knee screams, "No Donut." Tee Hee. Continued success. Love PegEgg

[@denisebiendarra5996]

I just got a left TJR two days ago, and I would like a video on treatment. TIA

[@TalkingWithDocs]

We have lots of videos about total joint replacement and an infection treatment video is coming!

[@michaelloudaros9953]

Thank you gentlemen for sharing your valuable time knowledge and expertise. Keep well and best wishes to you and yours for the fastive season

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Thanks so much! You too

[@TorgerVedeler]

With all the hardware I’m carrying around, this video is invaluable. Thanks! Question: How fast do these sorts of infections move? I’m eagerly awaiting the treatment video!

[@TalkingWithDocs]

It depends. Often slowly and then quickly.

[@joanrysavy7373]

What would we do without your videos!

[@johncasper8193]

Rotator cuff, surgery, five anchors. Week 2 after surgery started draining. Back into surgery for 2 wash out surgeries. then Infectious Disease took over. every day, IV antibiotics for 6 weeks. Then, 3 months of oral anabiotic’s. - that was the protocol. By the way, it worked. I’m fine now.

[@elizabethv1559]

Treatment video please

[@darlenericotta]

Thanks very much DOCS! I have had infection before so this is good to know! Bless you two for❤❤caring!!!

[@michelleclay4855]

Treatment

[@pounderish]

All I can say is you guys are awesome 👌 I'm going in for knee replacement on Monday and I've been researching everything on line to make this surgery as smooth as possible and hope all goes well. Thanks for filling in some voids that dont get told to us👍 BTW what can we do if it does get infected while we are getting checked out??

[@sjbutler2330]

Also, how long can a knee replacement last? 15 -20 years or so! Thanks

[@pounderish]

That's what I was told but it all depends on your lifestyle, like are you active or layed back.

[@DonnaB-P]

Thank you for the information. It made me think of some questions I have that you might be able to answer that might be good for a new presentation. 1) How long should a person continue to take an antibiotics before having dental or colonoscopy or other procedures after having a joint replacement. My surgeon for my first hip replace 10 years ago recommends lifetime and my current surgeon for my second hip replacement recommended 1 year, but my husbands knee replacement surgeon recommends 3 years. My dentist just follows that the orthopedic surgeon recommends. What is the current recommendation? And what procedures are recommended for taking antibiotics? It is very confusing. 2) Are there any treatments or recommendations for hand osteoarthritis, especially when the thumb starts to turn inward and finger joint arthritis start to make the fingers deform.

[@macha1617]

After 11 years I got mrsa infection in hip tjr I was in severe pain for 2 weeks had to take an ambulance to hospital couldn't walk. Had surgery and 6 weeks of 2 different kinds of antibiotics by IV. On antibiotics for rest of my life. Had no idea you could get an infection so long after having TJR

[@patriciasnead9254]

I had a knee replacement about 5 years ago. At year 3, I developed a red area under my knee . I've been to my PC, dermatologist and my surgeon and everything looks ok. Can you develop a skin sensitivy to the articial parts in a knee replacement.? It burns at times, but doesn't itch or hurt. Would like to know if you have ever seen this with any of your patients?

[@sharonchancey8938]

Treatment plz. Husband having knee replacement after Christmas then another 6 weeks later

[@elizabethannferrario7113]

Thank god mine was fine !

[@kmgreenrph]

Thanks very good video

[@robroberton2667]

Do you recommend penicillin before dental procedures many years after total knee replacements to prevent joint infection?

[@nonaloeffler308]

Treatment

[@Kerri_Kristina_Z]

Can infection happen at anytime after a joint replacement or just the weeks following?

[@leongasperment3343]

A doctor told me many years ago have a knee replacement when you go in on a strectcher that was thirty years ago i still have that knee. and its working fine

[@rongarris8574]

Is it possible to replace a second knee prothesis that has become infected with a third prothesis? I have heard that some surgeons as a last ditch effort, will only insert a titanium rod that fuses the tibia and the femur or perform an above knee amputation.

[@joanrysavy7373]

Thanks!

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Thanks so much Joan!!!

[@gaylecook4101]

I had a total knee replacement infection after my 2nd knee surgery of my same knee. It was in April 2020. I was in my surgeon’s office at 8am and by 11am I was in surgery! The surgeon took my knee replacement out, put in a cement spacer and I spent 6 weeks in the nursing home on Vancomycin every day for 6 weeks. Then I went home and I couldn’t walk on my left knee for 8 weeks. On July 2, 2020 the surgeon did surgery and put a new total knee replacement in. Could I possibly have another knee infection even after I have already had one?

[@halfabee]

What do you do if the knee implant is coming loose? From the Radiology Report. There is a right knee arthroplasty, please to see radiography for its position and appearance. There is a very minor lucency adjacent to the posterior aspect of the femoral component of the prosthesis on the lateral radiography, which is new when compared with the previous radiograph of 15/08.2023. This appearance is nonspecific but can be seen with metalwork loosening. Otherwise no adverse features have been demonstrated.

[@Julie_at_MyWonderfulBCLife]

Hi guys! My mom had both of her knees replaced, and she had terrible swelling in both knees that persisted for the remaining years of her life. There were times when her surgeon would drain excess fluid from her knees, but it would always come back, and she was in constant pain. Do you have any idea why that would be?

[@kirbycairo]

I have RA fairly severely, does that increase my risk of infection and does that make infection more difficult to diagnose because it can already raise WBC?

[@rbiebrich]

I had a TKR in Jan this year, tore the quad tendon after a slip off a step in April>repaired in May. Late Sept got a BAD infection, Dr not sure where it came from though. They ended up up removing the replacement & installing a spacer knee(2 Stage knee replacement), after the bacteria had created a biofilm around the replacement parts. Currently awaiting the return of a proper replacement in 2-4 weeks. The health care has been amazing in Winnipeg but man I wouldn't wish an infection on anyone. Looking forward to any video on this topic. Thx

[@priscillaavery3117]

I currently have an infected joint. My white count was 14665. I’m scheduled for surgery tomorrow. I have had pain since August. It’s now November.

[@priscillaavery3117]

I forgot to mention that I had my replacement April of 2023

[@suzierice9730]

Another great video! Have you ever made a video about the different tx/ surgeries to deal with female urinary incontinence? Im also curious about what you do with the $ that you get from 600,000 + subscribers? Do you donate some to the hospital? Thank you.

[@sheagoff6009]

My great uncle had his artificial hip get infected three times. He would get a hip replacement, it would get infected and they would have to take it out. And that happened three times!!!! He hasn’t really been able to walk independently since.

[@dennisobrien3133]

Been concerned with the knee but unclear on it. I did a short hike yesterday and it hurt like the early days,kept waking me up. I had a low grade fever that’s gone but I get sweaty and chills for brief periods. I’m about 3.5 months out.

[@markconner7611]

Dentist here... antibiotics or not before dental care?

[@MynewTennesseeHome]

Did I miss, heat/fever in the joint? Isn't that a common symptom of infection? I haven't had a joint replaced but have had several surgeries and with one the area started heating up... Yep, infection.

[@DB-pm2vy]

They called it inflammation 🤗

[@TalkingWithDocs]

So yes warmth can be a sign. Or a fever or other signs of being sick for sure

[@halfabee]

I was in a SPA in Lithuania (A very nice spar with 24 hour nurse cover and day time GP cover) One lunch time I was just entering the refectory and a couple came in at the same time the man pointed to his partners leg which was running yellow puss. Requesting advice on what to do. I pointed to the nurse surgery "Stating nurse now" They went to the nurses surgery and I never saw them again. I only hope she was sorted out.

[@ClareHarrison-qi3bw]

Queasy factor now ratcheted up to 11.

[@N3KO_79]

Can you maybe do a video about anxiety/panic attacks? Will be helpfull for people like me, i suffer about anxiety and panic attacks since 20 years... Those are so scary and when they come, the person feels so helpless...the symptoms are so scary...

[@TalkingWithDocs]

So sorry to hear this. Great topic. We will work to find a specialist to discuss this

[@SHMB1999]

Happened to me. 2x same knee. First time horrible. Second time a charm.

[@JimsPub-ds3qs]

My friend has an infection in his replacement ankle. NOT good.

[@sjbutler2330]

I did not know that doctors can replace ankles?

[@JimsPub-ds3qs]

Now you know, and knowing is half the battle!@@sjbutler2330

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Yes it's awful

[@bairdedmonds4465]

@@sjbutler2330 tibiotalar fusion is usually a better choice according to my docs, ankle replacements may be appropriate for relatively moderate activity but long term stability is a real problem

[@darcydewald1757]

I had major infection I had a surgery extra cause of it then put on ivs go home it suck my appetite was not like was cause infection

[@slomo1716]

Are you saying that the symptoms of a raised TEMP OR the surgery site is HOT- RED AND SWOLLEN are not signs of infection? Aren't patients sent home with drains? How about sending patients home with antibiotics to prevent infection? oh well guess I'll find out more in the next video.

[@MrMockingbird1313]

I ask a famous uroligist to do a penis implant for ED. This man does 500-1000 implants every year, for the last 15 years. He is a legend in the field. Anyway, he explained the biggest problem was device infection and he has the lowest infection rarte in the country. He explained all the things he does to prevent device infections. It was an interesting discussion.

[@mmcguire5687]

10 yrs ago I had an accident with a non displaced patellar fracture. At that time I was diagnosed with CRPS, Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome. 10 weeks ago I finally got my TKR, after waiting 13 months . AB Health care at its finest. In any event, my CRPS has reared its ugly head again….suggestions? Please don’t say gabapentin, that stuff turns your brain to jello!

[@malekodesouza7255]

None of that sounds good…

[@oldschooljeremy8124]

Or a carnivore spitting out kale.

[@chancery]

With all the talk about athletes getting hip resurfacing surgery, why not do an episode on it, including indications, contra indications, rehab time and pluses or minuses vs total hip replacement. Too late for me .

[@artkyger3425]

God forbid it's the flesh eating bact

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Agreed. Strep A

[@lindaharris7728]

No I'm not getting surgery that's what scares me infection I'm type 2 diabetes and my blood pressure goes up and down my friend had surgery and had a stroke I've had two back surgery she is bed ridden no thanks

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Yes it can be tricky with diabetes

[@franciadiaz1894]

❤❤

[@luvmechanix]

Why are they wearing Hamas bandanas?

[@ronintheamazon1492]

Do you guys ever implement the use of prophylactic negative pressure dressings on your higher risk patients to avoid post op ssi + ssc?

[@lemapr0d826]

Joint infection 1 week after ACL surgery is the life I chose🫡🫡

[@charlespowell5877]

Treatment