Joint Arthroplasty Failure: from Diagnosis to Revision Surgery

Joint arthroplasty, including hip, knee, and shoulder replacements, is a widely performed surgical procedure aimed at relieving pain and restoring function in patients with severe joint diseases. Over the past few decades, advancements in implant design, surgical techniques, and perioperative management have significantly improved patient outcomes and the longevity of the implants. Despite advancements in preoperative planning, surgical techniques and technologies, joint arthroplasty failure remains a significant clinical challenge, often necessitating revision surgery.

Implant failure can result from various factors, including aseptic loosening, infection, implant wear, instability, and periprosthetic fractures. Early detection and precise diagnosis of these failures are crucial for implementing timely and effective interventions. Complications not adequately managed can lead to significant morbidity, impaired function, and the need for complex revision surgery.

Revision surgery itself presents numerous challenges, including the management of bone loss, infection control, restoration of joint stability, and preservation of soft tissue integrity. The choice of surgical technique, implant selection, and rehabilitation protocols play a critical role in determining the success of these procedures. Consequently, a multidisciplinary approach involving orthopedic surgeons, infectious disease specialists, radiologists, and rehabilitation experts is essential for optimizing outcomes.

This Research Topic on joint arthroplasty aims to provide clinicians with advanced and innovative research in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of joint arthroplasty failure. In this Research Topic, original research articles, reviews, and clinical case studies are welcome. Research areas may include (but are not limited to) the following:

o Preoperative planning.
o Diagnostic and imaging techniques for detecting implant failure
o Biomaterial issues and wear-related complications
o The role of periprosthetic fractures in joint failure
o Surgical techniques and strategies for effective revision surgery
o Rehabilitation after joint replacements
o Long-term outcomes and patient quality of life following revision procedures

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Keywords: Joint arthroplasty, Arthroplasty failure, Revision surgery, Periprosthetic fracture

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.