Hip & Knee Infection Treatment in Houston, TX
What is Hip & Knee Infections
Hip infections, also known as septic arthritis of the hip, happen when bacteria or other harmful germs enter the hip joint. This can occur through an injury, surgery, or by spreading from other infected areas in the body. Symptoms often include severe pain in the hip or groin, swelling and redness around the joint, fever, and chills, and difficulty putting weight on the affected leg.
Similarly, knee infections can also be serious and are often linked to septic arthritis. They can result from injuries, surgeries, or infections spreading from other parts of the body. Common signs include intense pain in the knee joint, swelling and warmth around the knee, redness and tenderness, and fever or feeling unwell. They both require prompt treatment, so don’t delay your treatment for hip and knee infections in Houston, TX.
Our Hip & Knee Infections Management Approach
Our complete approach to hip and knee infection treatment includes the following:
Initial Evaluation
Our treatment begins with a detailed assessment to understand your condition. This includes reviewing your symptoms, medical history, and any recent injuries or surgeries. A physical exam helps us check pain levels, swelling, and joint movement. Our orthopedic specialist may use X-rays or MRI scans to examine the joint and, if needed, draw fluid from the joint to test for infection.
Treatment Options
- Antibiotic Therapy: If bacteria are causing the infection, we use intravenous antibiotics to treat it. The type of antibiotic is chosen based on lab results.
- Joint Drainage: If there’s infected fluid or pus in the joint, we may remove it using a needle to ease pain and reduce pressure.
- Surgical Intervention: For severe or persistent infections, you might need surgical removal of the infected tissue to support joint healing.
Pain Management
In Houston, TX, our hip and knee infections therapy focuses on keeping you comfortable during recovery with personalized pain relief plans. These plans may include medication and physical therapy to reduce discomfort and improve mobility.
Rehabilitation
After the infection is controlled, physical therapy helps restore strength and movement in the joint. Our customized rehabilitation plan focuses on gradually increasing activity while minimizing pain, helping you return to daily life smoothly.
Hear From Our Patients
Stories of Recovery and Renewed Mobility
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Why Choose Us
At our Houston facility, we provide expert care for hip and knee infections with a focus on personalized, patient-centered solutions. You can expect:
- Complete Team Approach: Our orthopedic specialist works closely with infectious disease experts and rehabilitation therapists to create a thorough treatment plan tailored to your needs.
- Advanced Technology: We use cutting-edge imaging for precise diagnosis and procedures to promote faster recovery and better results.
- Personalized Care Plans: Every treatment is customized to your unique health, lifestyle, and recovery goals, ensuring the best outcomes for you.
- Compassionate Support: We guide you through every step of the process, offering clear information to help you feel confident about your care.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the signs of an infected joint replacement?
Increasing pain after a comfortable period, warmth, persistent swelling, drainage from the incision, fever, or a joint that feels stiff and unwell should be evaluated urgently rather than watched.
How is a joint replacement infection diagnosed?
Blood inflammatory markers, joint fluid aspiration with cell count and culture, and sometimes advanced imaging confirm infection. Holding antibiotics before aspiration is important so cultures can identify the responsible organism accurately.
What is two stage revision for an infected joint?
The infected implant is removed and an antibiotic loaded spacer is placed while you complete several weeks of intravenous antibiotics. Once infection clears, a new implant is inserted during a second surgery.
Can an infected implant ever be saved without removal?
Sometimes. If infection is caught within a few weeks of onset and the implant remains well fixed, washout with exchange of the plastic liner plus antibiotics can succeed. Timing is critical.
How long does treatment for a hip or knee infection take?
Single stage treatment may take six to twelve weeks including antibiotics. Two stage revision often spans three to six months from removal to final reimplantation, with therapy continuing afterward.
Book an Appointment for Prompt Hip & Knee Infections Treatment
Early medical intervention is key to swift recovery. If you have developed a hip or knee infection post-surgery, contact us at Cory Couch, M.D. Our hip & knee infection treatment in Houston, TX, is quick and ensures optimal recovery. Give us a call at our Houston or Baytown clinics to schedule an appointment.