Can Medical Implants Cause Problems Years Later?

Medical devices have been an important part of modern healthcare for a while now. However, they have certainly come a long way. While simple tools are still used, medicine has evolved to include sophisticated technologies designed to monitor, support, repair, or replace functions in the body.

Let's put things into perspective: the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) shared in 2024 that the market had 275,000 types of medical devices produced across 22,000 manufacturing units. If that wasn't shocking enough, Statista reported that global revenue in this market is expected to reach $571.72 billion in 2026.

A lot of these devices are implants, and the kind that require surgery. Anything invading the body can ring alarm bells, and the first question that comes to mind is whether there will be complications later.

This article will explore what may happen to medical implants over time. We will also discuss the factors contributing to delayed complications, symptoms worth knowing, and important steps to take.

The Root of the Problem

The most important thing to remember is that not all medical implants are built the same. Some are temporary, although many are permanent in the sense that they must remain in the body for years or decades.

That doesn't mean an implant will prove to be unsuccessful. However, success depends on regular follow-ups over time. PubMed shared a meta-analysis in 2024 on the survival rate of titanium dental implants over two decades.

Three prospective studies revealed a mean survival rate of 92%, which decreased to 78% after imputation. This involved 237 implants, and it was found that implant failure was a result of multiple contributing factors. Again, follow-up made all the difference.

The above study highlights a crucial thing about medical implants: the device and the tissues surrounding it may not necessarily stay the same over time. Those changes, along with the patient's health, can lead to complications later. In that case, several factors can be responsible for complications, including:

Wear or deterioration: Some implants or their components can wear down, break, or lose their intended function.
Movement or displacement: An implant may shift from its original position, thereby affecting nearby tissues or the device’s function.
Changes in surrounding tissues: Healing, inflammation, or other changes in the body can alter how the implant interacts with nearby structures.
Health changes: A new illness, injury, aging-related change, or a new procedure may affect an existing implant or the area surrounding it.

In 2025, the FDA warned about a certain heart device manufactured by Boston Scientific after adverse events were reported. Essentially, the manufacturer had reported 386 serious injuries and 16 deaths associated with the device by July 2025.

The defibrillator in this example was a specific kind of heart device and should not be taken to mean that other implants carry the same risk. Still, it makes it clear that certain medical implant-related issues come to light only after years of device placement. Only a proper medical evaluation can show whether the implant is the cause of a complication.

Signs of a Possible Implant Complication

A medical implant does not always present an obvious device failure. In most cases, one of the first signs includes changes in the way the implant feels or functions around the area where the implant was located.

As for the symptoms, they can vary widely depending on the type of implant, its location, and the tissues surrounding it. The following are some signs of a possible implant complication:

New pain, pain that returns after a period of no symptoms, or discomfort that gradually gets severe over time
Swelling, redness, or warmth around the area of the implant that points toward inflammation or infection
An unmistakable change in what an implant was intended to support, regulate, or replace
Unusual bleeding, discharge, or irritation in the case of implants located near reproductive or urinary organs
Problems that repeatedly return or do not respond as expected to treatment

Such symptoms can be particularly specific when an implant is located in a sensitive or confined area of the body. For instance, urogynecologic surgical mesh is placed to strengthen tissues in procedures involving pelvic organ prolapse or urinary stress incontinence.

The use of this implant for the former issue is banned across the US now, and for good reasons. As TorHoerman Law notes, women experienced complications in the form of severe pain, infection, bleeding, and organ perforation.

The issue isn't trivial, since a consolidated vaginal mesh lawsuit has been filed, with settlements totalling $8 million across 48 states. Even women in the UK have faced serious complications, as the BBC noted in a 2026 feature.

It shared the story of Susan McLarnon, who said that, “I walked into the hospital able-bodied and came out on crutches.” She had the mesh implant surgery done for pelvic organ prolapse back in 2016, and faced complications nearly a decade later.

Still, just symptoms don't mean that a medical implant is responsible for a complication. What matters is whether the change is unusual for an individual and if it occurs in an area affected by a previous procedure.

What to Do When Symptoms Develop Years After an Implantation

Once a medical implant procedure is complete, most people hardly ever think about it. Many move on with their lives, thinking there is no need for follow-ups if there are no issues. Then, an issue cropping up years later can be unsettling and daunting.

First, it's best not to miss a single follow-up. If an issue arises years later, do not automatically assume that the implant is behind it. Pain, swelling, and other changes may have different causes, so only a healthcare evaluation can give the right answer.

If you develop a new, recurring, or progressively worsening symptom, do the following:

Make an appointment with your healthcare provider and let them know about your implant and what has changed.
Note whether the symptom appeared suddenly or gradually, along with whether it has gotten worse over time.
Describe the symptom clearly, including where it occurs, how it feels, how often it happens, and anything that seems to make it worse.
If possible, keep the device name, manufacturer, model, and date of implant information available.
Carry along older medical records if you have them.
Mention later injuries, procedures, or treatments.
Ask whether your particular implant has any safety updates.

Now, device recalls years later are also common. Reuters reported in May 2025 that Exactech was dealing with about 2,600 lawsuits involving recalled knee, hip, and shoulder implants.

The lawsuits alleged that a packaging defect led to device oxidation, thereby shortening its lifespan and requiring revision surgery. Texas Pacific Group (TPG), or the firm that acquired Exactech in 2018, was disappointed and unwilling to take responsibility.

The firm’s attorney, Mark Premo-Hopkins, said, “TPG stands ready to defend itself in any forum, confident that they will succeed again.” Complex as the case is, it tells you the importance of knowing which implant you have.

Even if you have no information about an implant placed years ago, don't let that stop you from seeking care. Your healthcare provider may be able to extract the records and determine what information is needed. What happens next will depend on the particular device, the reason for concern, and your individual circumstances.

FAQs

Can an implant fail after years of normal function?

Yes, some implants can develop problems after years of successful use. This happens due to wear, movement, changes in surrounding tissues, infection, or changes in a person’s health. However, risks vary depending on the type of implant.

What should I do if I develop symptoms after years of getting an implant?

Contact your healthcare provider if symptoms are new, recurring, or getting worse. Keep track of when they started and how they have changed. Share details about your implant, previous procedures, injuries, and treatments. If possible, bring your implant information and relevant medical records.

How can doctors determine whether an implant is causing a problem?

Doctors will first review your medical and surgical history, symptoms, implant details, and previous procedures before deciding whether an imaging or specialist evaluation is needed. Since many symptoms have multiple causes, experiencing one does not mean the implant is responsible.

Key Statistics and Data on Medical Implants

US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) 2024 data on medical devices	275,000 types of medical devices were on the US market, produced across 22,000 manufacturing units.
Statista on medical device market global revenue	Expected to reach $571.72 billion in 2026, with most of it belonging to the US
PubMed meta-analysis in 2024 on the survival rate of titanium dental implants	Three prospective studies revealed a mean survival rate of 92%, which decreased to 78% after imputation
FDA update on total ankle replacement in 2026	Identified a higher long-term risk of device failure

For most people, an old medical implant is simply a part of their past. The surgery happened, recovery followed, and life moved on.

Just to be on the safe side, it's always best to keep your implant information even years after the procedure. Medical knowledge about devices may continue to develop as researchers gain more long-term evidence. For instance, the FDA updated its safety communication on total ankle replacement in 2026 after identifying a higher long-term risk of device failure.

An implant may be old, but it need not become a forgotten part of your medical history. Keeping all details accessible can help you approach unexpected symptoms in an informed manner.

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