Accessibility Tools

Already a Member? Login

Forgot Password

View Video LibraryVideos

Subscribe

Search

Home » Orthopaedics » Knee » Revision Knee Replacement

Revision Knee Replacement

Revision knee replacement surgery involves replacing part or all of your previous knee prosthesis with a new prosthesis. Although total knee replacement surgery is successful, sometimes the procedure can fail due to various reasons and require a second revision surgery.

Overview.

The knee joints are lined by soft articular cartilage that cushion the joints and aid in smooth movement of the joint bones. Degeneration of the cartilage due to wear and tear leads to arthritis, which is characterized by severe pain.

Total Knee Replacement

During total knee replacement, the damaged cartilage and bone is removed from the knee joint and replaced with artificial components. Artificial knee joints are usually made of metal, ceramic or plastic and consist of the femoral component and the tibial component.

Indications.

Revision knee replacement surgery may be advised to patients if they have one or more of the following conditions:

Trauma to the knee joint

Chronic progressive joint disease

Increased pain in the affected knee

Worn out prosthesis

Knee instability or a feeling of giving way while walking

Loosening of the prosthesis

Infection in the prosthetic joint

Weakening of bone around the knee replacement, a process known as osteolysis (bone loss)

Stiffness in the knee

Leg length discrepancy

Fracture

Surgical procedure.

Revision knee replacement surgery may involve the replacement of one or all of the components.

The surgery is performed under general anaesthesia. Your surgeon makes an incision over the knee to expose the knee joint. The kneecap along with its ligament may be moved to side so that there is enough room to perform the operation. Then the old femoral component of the knee prosthesis is removed. The femur is prepared to receive the new component. In some cases, the damaged bone is removed and bone graft or a metal wedge may be used to make up for the lost bone.

Next the tibial component along with the old plastic liner is removed. The damaged bone is cut and the tibia is prepared to receive the new component. Similar to the femur, the lost bone is replaced either by a metal wedge or bone graft. Then, a new tibial component is secured to the end of the bone using bone cement. A new plastic liner will be placed on the top of the tibial component. If the patella (kneecap) has been damaged, your surgeon will resurface and attach a plastic component. The tibial and femoral components of the prosthesis are then brought together to form the new knee joint, and the knee muscles and tendons are reattached. Surgical drains are placed for the excess blood to drain out and the incision is closed.

Risks and complications.

As with any major surgical procedure, there may be certain risks and complications involved with revision knee replacement surgery. The possible complications after revision knee replacement include:

Stiffness in the knee

Infection

Bleeding

Formation of blood clots in the leg veins

Injury to nerves or blood vessels

Prosthesis failure

Patella (kneecap) dislocation

Ligament injuries

Post-operative care.

Following revision knee replacement surgery, a Continuous passive motion (CPM) machine may be used to allow the knee joint to slowly move. The machine is attached to the treated leg which slowly moves the joint through a controlled range of motion, while you relax.

You can walk with crutches or a walker. You will be sent for rehabilitation within a couple days of surgery.  A physical therapist will teach you specific exercises to strengthen your leg and restore range of motion to the knee. Your physical therapist will also provide you with a home exercise program to strengthen thigh and calf muscles.

Knee immobilizers are used when performing physical therapy, walking and while sleeping in order to keep the knee stabilized.

Revision knee replacement surgery is performed to replace a failed knee prosthesis with a new prosthetic component. The surgery improves mobility and enables you to return to normal activities with a pain-free knee.


Achilles Tendon Tear Repair

The achilles tendon is often injured during sports resulting in an inflammatory conditi..

Cartilage Restoration

Cartilage restoration is a surgical procedure where orthopedic surgeons stimulate the g..

Hip Bursitis

Hip bursitis is a painful condition caused by inflammation of a bursa in the hip. Bursa..

Hip Synovitis

Hip synovitis, also called transient hip synovitis or toxic synovitis is a condition in..

Juvenile Arthritis

Juvenile arthritis is the term used to describe arthritis in children younger than 16 y..

Minimally Invasive Total Hip Replacement

The hip joint is one of the body's largest weight-bearing joints and is the point w..

Pelvic Osteotomy

Pelvic osteotomy involves reorienting or restructuring the acetabulum or hip socket to ..

Severs Disease

Severs disease, also called calcaneal apophysitis, is a condition causing swelling and ..

View More