Brian Lewis experienced severe pain and limited mobility after developing a joint infection following a hip replacement in 2017. He described the experience as miserable, saying, “I went from hiking 10 to 15 miles a day to being happy just to make it from my chair, walk down to the kitchen and back.”
Joint infections are often caused by bacteria that form a film on artificial joints. This can lead to pain, swelling, reduced movement, and wounds that are difficult to treat. Orthopedic surgeon Douglas Chonko, DO, said, “Infections are the worst complication of a hip, knee or any replacement. Infections can require multiple surgeries and take a long time to clear.” According to Dr. Chonko, about one-third of patients with infected joints may die as a result.
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