Implant Complications: What You Need to Know About Medical Device Risks

When a medical implant, a device placed inside the body to support, replace, or monitor a function. Also known as surgical implant, it is meant to improve life—but not without risks. Millions of people in India get implants every year: joint replacements, pacemakers, breast implants, dental screws, even spinal rods. Most work fine. But when things go wrong, it’s not always obvious—and it’s rarely talked about until it’s too late.

Implant complications, unexpected problems that arise after a device is placed in the body don’t always show up right away. Some creep in over months or years. Infection is the most common. A small bacteria hitchhikes in during surgery or enters later through a cut or dental work. Then it sticks to the implant surface, forming a biofilm that antibiotics can’t reach. No fever? No redness? That doesn’t mean it’s fine. Chronic pain, swelling, or a feeling that something just doesn’t feel right? That’s your body screaming.

Then there’s implant failure, when the device stops working as intended. Hip implants can loosen. Breast implants can rupture. Pacemaker leads can break. These aren’t rare. Studies show up to 1 in 5 joint implants need revision surgery within 15 years. And in places with weak regulatory oversight, counterfeit or low-grade implants sometimes slip through. You might not even know what’s inside you—manufacturers don’t always list the materials, and doctors rarely explain the risks of cheaper options.

And don’t forget implant side effects, unintended reactions beyond infection or mechanical failure. Metal allergies? Titanium isn’t always safe. Some people react to nickel or cobalt in implants, causing rashes, swelling, or even systemic fatigue. Hormonal implants can mess with mood or weight. Even a simple dental implant can trigger nerve pain or jawbone loss if placed wrong.

What makes this worse in India? Lack of long-term tracking. Once you leave the hospital, no one checks in. No one follows up. You’re left to guess if your pain is normal aging—or a failing implant. And if you go to a new doctor, they might not even know what device you have. No registry. No records. Just a scar and a silent worry.

Here’s what you can do: Ask for the implant’s brand, model, and material before surgery. Keep the card they give you. Track any new pain, heat, swelling, or changes in how you move or feel. If something feels off after months or years—don’t brush it off. Go back. Demand imaging. Push for blood tests for metal ions. You have the right to know what’s inside you—and what it might do to you.

The posts below dig into real cases, hidden dangers, and what to watch for after any kind of implant. From joint replacements gone wrong to silent failures in cardiac devices, these stories aren’t outliers. They’re warnings. And if you’ve got an implant—or are thinking about one—you need to read them.