No, they are not that common. Most joint replacement surgeries are successful. However, when things go wrong, they can be really bad, which is why these horror stories stand out. The vast majority of patients experience improved quality of life after surgery. But there are always risks, and in a small percentage of cases, problems like infection or implant failure can occur.
One common horror story is infection. After the surgery, some patients develop serious infections that can be difficult to treat. This may lead to prolonged hospital stays, additional surgeries to clean the infected area, and a lot of pain. Another is improper alignment. If the replacement joint isn't properly aligned, it can cause abnormal wear and tear, resulting in more pain and a reduced range of motion. Some patients also experience nerve damage during the surgery, which can lead to numbness or even permanent loss of function in certain areas.
One of the common horror stories is infection. After the surgery, if proper sterile procedures weren't followed during the operation or post - op care was lacking, bacteria can infect the surgical site. This can lead to severe pain, swelling, and may require additional surgeries to clean out the infection. Another issue could be improper implant fit. If the implant is not sized correctly or placed accurately, it can cause abnormal wear and tear on the surrounding bones and tissues, resulting in long - term pain and reduced mobility.
One way to avoid the bad outcomes is through proper pre - surgical preparation. This includes getting a full medical evaluation to check for any underlying health conditions that could complicate the surgery. During the surgery, modern imaging techniques can be used to ensure accurate placement of the joint. After the surgery, patients should be vigilant about any signs of complications such as fever (which could indicate infection) or swelling. Early detection and treatment of problems can prevent them from becoming serious 'horror story' situations. Also, using high - quality implants can reduce the risk of loosening or failure over time.
My neighbor had knee replacement surgery. After it, he could walk his dog again. Simple as it may seem, before the surgery, his knee pain made this a near - impossible task. It was a great success for him.
A woman I know had a very successful hip replacement. Before it, she was in constant pain and had to use a cane. After the surgery, within a short time, she was walking without any assistance. She's now back to playing with her grandchildren, which she couldn't do before.
A friend of mine underwent knee replacement surgery. Initially, she was worried about the outcome. But the surgery was a great success. The surgeons did an excellent job. She had physical therapy post - surgery. Within a few months, she was back to her normal activities like dancing and cycling. It really improved her quality of life as she was no longer in constant pain.
I heard about a man who had a hip replacement surgery. His hip problem was so severe that it affected his daily activities like getting in and out of a car or climbing stairs. After the successful hip replacement, he started with light exercises as per the doctor's advice. As time passed, he got stronger. He is now into gardening and enjoys long walks in the park. The key to his success was not only the surgery but also his positive attitude towards recovery.
It depends on how you look at it. In the grand scheme of all knee replacement surgeries, the number of 'horror stories' is relatively small. But for those who experience problems like infections, implant failures or nerve damage, it feels all too common. These issues can cause a great deal of pain and long - term problems, but they are not the norm.
Some patients have horror stories about improper implant fitting. The shoulder might not move properly after the replacement. It could feel like it's grinding or clicking all the time. They may have limited range of motion, and simple tasks like reaching for a glass on a high shelf become extremely difficult and painful.