Most patients facing joint replacement are focused on feeling better, however it seems few are aware of the high potential for risks. A 2020 study in the British Medical Journal showed complication rates for total hip and total knee replacements as 39.7% and 53.6% respectively (1). Previous studies showed risks for certain very common complications to be as high as 62%. Complications include infection, incorrect fit, prosthetic rejection and thrombosis.
Another study published in 2021 showed the prevalence of amputation as a complication of total knee replacement as high as 10%, depending on the health status of the patient (2). Fortunately, now patients with failing joints can get help with regenerative medicine and avoid rolling the dice with surgery!
It should also be noted that the risks mentioned here pertain to patients who also have certain contributing factors, however these are extremely common, especially to the population of patients who need joint replacements. Contributing factors include increased BMI, bilateral surgery, heart disease, neurological disease, back pain and arthritis in a separate joint. Being female and previous total knee replacement also increased the risk for complications after knee replacement surgery (1).
With risks so great, it behooves all chronic joint pain patients to get an evaluation at a regenerative medicine clinic as soon as possible. Regenerative medicine is a natural way of helping the body repair damaged connective tissue and has been proven effective to improve joint space in osteoarthritic joints. Unlike surgery, there are virtually no risks as the procedure is often no more than a joint injection. The treatment is completely natural, so no steroids or addictive drugs are involved. However time is of the essence; patients with less deterioration typically have better chances for the most complete and fastest recovery and best chance for avoiding future surgery.
If you’re facing knee or hip replacement surgery, come to Solutions Integrated Medicine for the most thorough evaluation in Tri Cities, TN. Our regenerative medicine program uses the most powerful products available combined with the latest methods of rehab and advanced healing techniques so our patients have every advantage. Come in and let our highly experienced team of professionals determine if regenerative medicine can save you from risky surgery.
- Heo, S.M., Harris, I., Naylor, J. et al. Complications to 6 months following total hip or knee arthroplasty: observations from an Australian clinical outcomes registry. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 21, 602 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12891-020-03612-8
- Mousavian A, Sabzevari S, Ghiasi S, et al. Amputation as a Complication after Total Knee Replacement, is it a Real Concern to be Discussed: A Systematic Review. Arch Bone Jt Surg. 2021;9(1):9-21. doi:10.22038/abjs.2020.53892.2692
