⚠️ Medical Disclaimer: This page is for general information only. It is not medical advice and cannot replace a personal exam by a qualified doctor. Always consult an orthopedic surgeon or your physician about your own symptoms and options. If you have sudden severe pain, a joint that gives way, a high fever, or a wound that looks infected near a previous replacement, seek care right away.
✅ Quick Answer
A failed joint replacement is a hip or knee replacement that no longer works as it should. It may hurt, feel loose, feel unstable, or simply stop improving. This can sometimes be treated, often with help from a specialist. Only a specialist can tell you what is wrong and what to do, after a proper evaluation. This page explains the basics simply and points you to the right next step.
Maybe your old hip or knee replacement has started to ache again. Maybe it feels loose, or it just is not getting better.
That worry is real, and you are not alone in it.
This page explains what a failed joint replacement means in plain words. Then it helps you find the right path for your case.
What Does a Failed Joint Replacement Mean?
A failed joint replacement means an earlier hip or knee replacement is no longer working well. It may hurt, feel loose, or stop improving over time.
You may also see it called joint replacement not working or problems after joint replacement. These all point to the same worry: a replaced joint that is not doing its job.
According to the NHS, most replacements last many years, but some can wear or loosen over time. When that happens, a specialist can check what is going on.
The important thing to know is this: a problem does not always mean the worst. It means it is time for a proper check.
Signs Your Hip or Knee Replacement May Not Be Working
Common signs include new or returning pain, a feeling of looseness or instability, swelling, or a joint that is not improving. These are broad clues, not a diagnosis.
You might notice the joint feels different when you walk or stand. It may click, give way, or simply not feel steady.
Only a specialist can tell what is causing these signs, after a proper check. What you feel is a signal to get looked at, not a verdict.
For a fuller look at hip or knee failure signs, follow the right path below.
Is It a Hip Problem or a Knee Problem?
The right next step depends on which joint is affected. Pick the card that matches your case:
My hip replacement is the concern
It hurts, feels loose, or is not improving as expected.
My knee replacement is the concern
It hurts, feels unstable, or is not getting better.
Why Might a Joint Replacement Fail?
A joint replacement can stop working for several reasons over time. A specialist finds the real cause through a proper evaluation, not a guess.
Hip replacement failure and knee replacement failure can happen for different reasons. Some are linked to wear over the years. Others show up sooner.
We keep this brief on purpose. The deeper “why” for your joint belongs on the page for that joint. For the full picture, follow your hip or knee path above.
What Can Be Done About a Failed Joint Replacement?
Many failed joint replacements can be treated. Sometimes this means a second operation, known as revision joint replacement, but the right option is always decided with a specialist.
Not every case needs surgery. Some problems are managed in other ways.
What matters is a clear check first, then an honest plan built around your case. Nothing moves forward until you understand your options and agree.
For how revision surgery actually works, see our Revision Hip Replacement or Revision Knee Replacement page.
When to Seek Care
Some signs need prompt medical care. If you notice any of the following, do not wait — seek help quickly:
Sudden Severe Pain
Sharp, sudden pain in or around the replaced joint that came on quickly.
Joint Gives Way
The joint feels completely unstable or collapses when you try to use it.
High Fever
A fever alongside joint pain or swelling after a replacement — this needs urgent attention.
Signs of Infection
A wound near the replacement that looks red, swollen, warm, or is leaking.
When in doubt, it is always safer to get checked. Trust your instinct and reach out. For more on urgent warning signs, see our Warning Signs / Seek Care page.
Meet Your Revision Joint Replacement Specialist in Dhaka
Dr. Tanvir Hasan Siddique is an orthopedic surgeon in Dhaka who reviews failed and failing hip and knee replacements. Dr. Tanvir Hasan Siddique looks at your case calmly and explains your options plainly.
Dr. Tanvir Hasan Siddique sees patients at two chambers:
- IBN Sina D. Lab, Malibagh
- Rashmono Specialized Hospital, Moghbazar
Visiting hours: Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday evenings.
Whether your worry is a hip or a knee, Dr. Tanvir Hasan Siddique reviews your case first, then guides your next steps honestly. Phone, WhatsApp, and appointment links are easy to reach when you are ready to book.
Please do not share private medical records through web forms — bring them to your visit instead.
Book an Appointment with Dr. Tanvir →
Where to Go Next
This page gives you the broad picture. For deeper answers, follow the right link below:
- If your hip replacement is failing → see our Failed Hip Replacement page.
- If your knee replacement is failing → see our Failed Knee Replacement page.
- How revision hip surgery works → see our Revision Hip Replacement page.
- How revision knee surgery works → see our Revision Knee Replacement page.
- Warning signs that need prompt care → see our Warning Signs / Seek Care page.
- To book a visit → see our Appointment / Chambers page.
Frequently Asked Questions About Failed Joint Replacement
What is a failed joint replacement?
A failed joint replacement is a hip or knee replacement that no longer works well. It may hurt, feel loose, feel unstable, or stop improving. A specialist decides what is wrong after a proper evaluation.
What are the signs my joint replacement is not working?
Common signs include new or returning pain, a feeling of looseness or instability, swelling, or a joint that is not improving. Only a specialist can tell what is causing them, after a proper check. See our Failed Hip Replacement or Failed Knee Replacement page for more.
Why do hip or knee replacements fail?
A replacement can stop working for several reasons over time, some linked to wear and some appearing sooner. According to the NHS, most replacements last many years, but some loosen or wear. A specialist finds the real cause through a proper evaluation.
Can a failed joint replacement be fixed?
Many can. Sometimes this means a second operation called revision joint replacement, and sometimes the problem is managed in other ways. The right option is decided with a specialist. For how the surgery works, see our Revision Hip Replacement or Revision Knee Replacement page.
Is a failed joint replacement an emergency?
Usually not, but some signs need prompt care. Sudden severe pain, a joint that gives way, a high fever, or a wound that looks infected near a replacement should be checked quickly. See our Warning Signs / Seek Care page for more.
Where can I see a specialist for a failed joint replacement in Dhaka?
You can see Dr. Tanvir Hasan Siddique, an orthopedic surgeon in Dhaka, at IBN Sina D. Lab in Malibagh or Rashmono Specialized Hospital in Moghbazar. Visiting hours are Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday evenings.
How do I book an appointment with Dr. Tanvir Hasan Siddique?
You can book through phone, WhatsApp, or the direction links on this site. Please avoid sharing private medical records through web forms, and bring them to your visit instead. Visit our Appointment / Chambers page to get started.
Take the Next Step
You do not have to guess whether your hip or knee replacement is failing. A clear consultation gives you honest answers and a calm plan.
Book an Appointment with Dr. Tanvir →
Helpful pages for more detail:
- If your hip is the concern → Failed Hip Replacement page
- If your knee is the concern → Failed Knee Replacement page
- How revision surgery works → Revision Hip Replacement or Revision Knee Replacement page
- Urgent warning signs → Warning Signs / Seek Care page
About Author
Written by: Md. Salauddin Biswas
MA in Medical Anthropology, University of Heidelberg, Germany | Former Senior Research Associate, James P Grant School of Public Health, BRAC University | Health Content Writer & SEO Specialist | Published in BMC Human Resources for Health | EEAT-Optimized Medical Content. Visit Website: salauddinbiswas.com
Medically reviewed by: Dr. Tanvir Hasan Siddique
MBBS, BCS Health, FACS (USA), MS Orthopedic Surgery, Fellowship in Arthroplasty | Associate Professor, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Sir Salimullah Medical College & Mitford Hospital
Last updated: August 2, 2026 | Last medically reviewed: August 2, 2026
References
- National Health Service (NHS) — Hip replacement. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hip-replacement/
- National Health Service (NHS) — Knee replacement. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/knee-replacement/
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (OrthoInfo) — Revision Total Hip Replacement. https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/treatment/revision-total-hip-replacement/
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (OrthoInfo) — Revision Total Knee Replacement. https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/treatment/revision-total-knee-replacement/