Possible infection
Infected Knee Replacement — Educational Guide
Possible knee replacement infection requires urgent evaluation. This educational page describes signs that may warrant evaluation and what diagnostic pathways may include.
Educational content only. Not medical advice. Individual evaluation by a qualified orthopedic specialist is required.
Common Symptoms
Symptoms can have multiple causes. The following are examples that patients commonly describe and that may warrant orthopedic evaluation.
- Fever or chills
- Increasing pain
- Warmth, redness, or swelling
- Wound drainage
- Difficulty bearing weight
What Evaluation May Include
Evaluation is individualized. Depending on the situation, an orthopedic specialist may consider some of the following:
- Lab work (ESR, CRP, white blood cell count)
- Joint aspiration and fluid analysis
- Imaging studies
- Microbiology and culture
Treatment Pathways
Treatment depends on diagnosis. Not every patient needs surgery. Options may include:
- Antibiotic therapy guided by culture
- Debridement procedures in selected cases
- One-stage or two-stage revision when indicated
- Multidisciplinary management
Treatment options depend on diagnosis, and consultation with a qualified orthopedic specialist is required.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does every patient with a possible knee replacement infection need surgery?
No. Treatment depends on diagnosis. Individual evaluation is required, and not every patient will need a surgical procedure.
When should I seek urgent care?
Seek urgent medical care for fever, drainage, severe swelling, chest pain, shortness of breath, sudden inability to walk, dislocation concern, or severe worsening pain.
Can I request a second opinion?
Yes. Patients are encouraged to seek additional opinions when there is uncertainty, persistent symptoms, or a recommendation for revision surgery.
References
References
- AAOS OrthoInfo — Total Knee Replacement
- AAOS OrthoInfo — Total Hip Replacement
- AAOS OrthoInfo — Revision Total Knee Replacement
- AAOS OrthoInfo — Revision Total Hip Replacement
- AAOS OrthoInfo — Knee Arthroscopy
- AAOS OrthoInfo — Hip Arthroscopy
- AAOS OrthoInfo — Joint Replacement Infection
- AAHKS Patient Education
- PubMed
- National Institutes of Health
Medical Review
Medical Review
This educational content has been medically reviewed for accuracy and completeness.
Reviewed by
Dr. Aureliano Mateus García, MD
Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon · Joint Reconstruction · Hip & Knee Replacement · Arthroscopy · Sports Medicine
Dr. Aureliano Mateus García is an orthopedic surgeon specializing in joint reconstruction, arthroscopy, sports medicine, and hip and knee replacement surgery. His clinical practice focuses on patients with degenerative joint disease, sports-related injuries, meniscal pathology, ligament injuries, hip disorders, and advanced arthritis requiring joint replacement. Dr. Mateus combines minimally invasive orthopedic techniques with evidence-based treatment pathways designed to improve mobility, reduce pain, and accelerate recovery whenever possible.
Areas of Interest
- Knee Replacement Surgery
- Hip Replacement Surgery
- Revision Joint Surgery
- Knee Arthroscopy
- Hip Arthroscopy
- ACL Reconstruction
The purpose of this review is to ensure educational accuracy and consistency with current orthopedic literature and professional society recommendations. Medical review does not create a physician-patient relationship.
Last Reviewed: June 2026
Facility Information
Hospital CYNTAR
Orthopedic procedures discussed on this website may be performed at Hospital CYNTAR in Tijuana, Mexico. Hospital CYNTAR is a multidisciplinary specialty hospital serving domestic and international patients, and is part of the same institutional group as Obesity Control Center and The Ariel Center for Cosmetic Surgery.
Advanced orthopedic surgery suites
On-site ICU with 24/7 patient monitoring
Digital imaging services (X-ray, CT, MRI on-site or coordinated)
Arthroscopy equipment
Joint replacement technology
Physical therapy and rehabilitation resources
Dedicated US patient coordinators and translators
20+ years of specialty surgical experience at the same facility
Short flight to San Diego with coordinated border transfer
Perioperative care teams
Availability of specific technologies, services, and physicians may vary.
Institutional Track Record
Host Facility — Verified Surgical Track Record
Hospital CYNTAR is part of an institutional group with a long-standing international surgical track record. The metrics below reflect the affiliated bariatric surgery program at Obesity Control Center operating within the same hospital group — they demonstrate institutional volume, accreditation, and safety culture, and are not orthopedic outcomes.
30,000+
Procedures performed (bariatric program)
19,801
Patients in ASMBS published outcomes study
1.2%
30-day morbidity (published series)
0
Mortalities reported (published series)
2010
SRC Center of Excellence since
These metrics describe the host facility's bariatric program (Obesity Control Center) and demonstrate institutional safety culture. They do not represent outcomes for hip or knee surgery. Individual orthopedic results vary.
Hospital Standards & Accreditation
Hospital Standards & Accreditation
When evaluating orthopedic treatment programs, patients often review facility accreditation, safety protocols, infection prevention programs, quality reporting, and rehabilitation support. Hospital CYNTAR is Joint Commission International (JCI) accredited — the gold standard for international hospital quality and patient safety — and the same institutional group additionally holds SRC Center of Excellence and Global Healthcare Accreditation designations through its affiliated bariatric program at Obesity Control Center.
Hospital CYNTAR's JCI accreditation can be independently verified using the link above. SRC Center of Excellence and Global Healthcare Accreditation are held by the affiliated Obesity Control Center program operating within the same hospital group.
Speak With An Educational Coordinator
Educational coordinators can help explain pathways and answer general questions. This is not medical advice.
Placeholder contact details — update in site-config before launch.
Need Help Understanding Your Hip Or Knee Options?
Request educational information regarding hip replacement, knee replacement, arthroscopy, revision surgery, second opinions, and treatment pathways.
Request Educational InformationEducational information only. Not medical advice or emergency guidance.