Signs of Joint Replacement Infection: What to Watch For
Infection after joint replacement surgery is a serious but uncommon complication. While most patients recover without infection, being aware of the warning signs ensures early detection and treatment if it does occur. Understanding what to watch for and when to seek help is an important part of your post-operative education.
Infections can occur at different times after surgery. Early infections develop within weeks of the operation and are usually caused by bacteria entering the wound during or shortly after surgery. Delayed infections develop months or even years later, typically when bacteria from another source (such as a dental procedure, skin infection, or urinary tract infection) travel through the bloodstream and settle on the implant.
Warning signs of joint replacement infection include: increasing redness around the wound or surgical site, increasing swelling or warmth (beyond the normal post-operative pattern), increasing pain (particularly if it was improving and then worsens), wound discharge or fluid leakage (particularly if cloudy, foul-smelling, or excessive), delayed wound healing (the wound should be closed and dry within two to three weeks), fever (temperature above 38°C), chills or feeling generally unwell, and increasing stiffness or reduced range of motion (beyond normal post-operative patterns).
If you notice any of these signs, contact your surgical team, GP, or physiotherapist promptly. Do not wait — early treatment of infection is far more effective and less invasive than treating an established infection. In some cases, oral antibiotics may be sufficient. In more serious cases, hospital admission, intravenous antibiotics, and sometimes surgery to wash out the joint may be needed.
Prevention is always better than cure. Several measures reduce infection risk: prophylactic antibiotics are given during surgery, the surgical technique minimises contamination, wound care instructions should be followed carefully, and prophylactic antibiotics may be recommended for certain dental and medical procedures for life.
Inform all healthcare providers — dentists, podiatrists, GPs, and other surgeons — that you have a joint replacement. Some procedures (particularly dental cleanings, extractions, and some surgical procedures) can release bacteria into the bloodstream, and you may need antibiotic cover.
Our hip replacement physiotherapy and knee replacement physiotherapy services include education on infection prevention and warning signs. Our post-hospital rehabilitation service monitors your recovery closely, while our elderly physiotherapy service supports older patients who may have additional infection risk factors.