Neel Patel, M.D.Hip & Knee Replacement(317) 620-0232Request Appointment
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What changes the risk of infection or another operation?

The risk factors that matter, the health preparation that changes them, and how implant problems and revision conversations work.

The direct answer

Risk is never zero. Infection, wound problems, blood clots, instability, fracture, stiffness, implant wear or loosening, and medical complications are among the issues discussed before joint replacement. Personal risk changes with health, anatomy, prior surgery, the operation, medications, support, and factors that may be improved before surgery.

Make the risk conversation specific to you

The honest group numbers first: in the AAOS patient materials linked below, infection after knee replacement occurs in fewer than 2 in 100 patients. In pooled registry data, about 82% of total knees are still in place at 25 years (Evans et al., The Lancet, 2019) and about 92% of modern total hips at 30 years (Pentland et al., The Lancet, 2026). Your own numbers move with your health, and that is the useful conversation.

A percentage from a website cannot replace an individual risk discussion. Ask which risks are most relevant to you, what can be modified, and what tradeoffs come with waiting.

Smoking, diabetes control, nutrition, medication management, skin problems, dental or other active infections, and cardiovascular health may enter the preparation plan. The exact priorities vary.

Another operation has several possible causes

Some revisions address infection, instability, fracture, stiffness, wear, loosening, or another defined problem. Pain alone does not tell the clinician which cause is present.

If a previous replacement is the concern, bring operative reports, implant information, and older images when possible.

What to ask at the visit

  • Which of these risks matter most in my case?
  • Which of my health factors can be improved before surgery, and is it worth waiting to improve them?
  • What would make surgery too risky for me right now?

Sources and further reading

Clinical author and reviewer

Neel Patel, M.D. · Clinically reviewed 2026-07-29

Reviewed at least annually, and whenever major clinical guidance, source references, or practice facts change.

People deciding this also ask

How do I know when it is time to consider joint replacement?

There is no single X-ray, pain score, age, or birthday that decides the date. A replacement conversation becomes reasonable when a diagnosed joint problem causes meaningful pain or loss of function, appropriate non-surgical care has not provided enough help, the tradeoffs are understood, and the patient feels ready to discuss surgery.

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How long do hip and knee replacements last?

Most modern hip and knee replacements are still working twenty years on. Pooled registry data puts about 92% of modern total hips still in place at 30 years (Pentland et al., The Lancet, 2026, extrapolated from registry data on roughly 1.9 million hips) and about 82% of total knees still in place at 25 years (Evans et al., The Lancet, 2019). Those are group numbers, not a promise for your joint: age, activity, implant, fixation, and complications all change the answer.

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Should I get a second opinion before joint replacement?

Yes: a second opinion is a reasonable step before any elective operation, and it is welcome here. It is most useful when the diagnosis feels uncertain, the recommendation surprised you, options were not compared, or you simply want the decision to feel like yours. Dr. Patel sees patients for second opinions, and patients who want one elsewhere can request their records from the office at any time.

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Still deciding what comes next?

Bring the question, your prior treatment, and the activity you want to regain. A consultation does not mean surgery is scheduled.

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