I’ve had my left knee joint replaced four times. I’ve had loosening of the implant, bone fracture, and wearing away of the parts. Is this typical?

Joint replacements are wonderful when they work. However, in a small number of patients, complications can occur. Besides the ones you mentioned, there is also infection, knee pain, and osteonecrosis (death of bone). These can cause severe problems.

Joint replacements are used knowing that they don’t last forever. Most doctors tell their patients to expect 10 to 15 years of life from a joint implant. This, of course, depends on how active the patient is and whether any accidents or trauma occur.

Your experience is unusual, but it does happen.