Revision Knee Replacement
A knee replacement that has loosened, worn or become infected needs a second operation. Revision is longer and more demanding than the first, because bone has to be preserved, defects filled and stability restored with components designed for the job.
- Longer and more complex than a first replacement
- Revision implant systems held on site
- Infection excluded before surgery
- Rehabilitation is slower and more gradual
Stay
5 to 7 days
Duration
2 to 4 hours
Anaesthesia
Spinal or general
About Revision Knee Replacement
The first step is establishing why the original replacement failed, because infection and mechanical loosening need entirely different treatment. Where infection is present the surgery is often staged: remove, treat, then reimplant. Where it is mechanical, the old components are removed with as little bone loss as possible and revision implants used to restore alignment and stability.
- Establishing the cause of failure comes before any surgery
- Infection is often treated in two stages
- Preserving bone is the technical priority
- Recovery is slower than after a first replacement
Before you read on
Everything here is general information about revision knee replacement. Whether it suits you, and how it would be done in your case, is a decision for your doctor after examining you.
Your consultant's instructions always take precedence over anything written on this page.
When is it recommended?
Situations in which a doctor may suggest revision knee replacement.
- A knee replacement that has become painful again
- Loosening seen on X-ray
- Instability or a knee that gives way
- Infection in a previous replacement
- Wear of the plastic liner
- Stiffness limiting movement after a previous replacement
Procedure details
The usual sequence, from first consultation through to follow-up.
Finding the cause
X-rays, blood tests for infection and often a joint aspiration, because infection and loosening are treated completely differently.
Planning
CT or specialised imaging maps bone loss so the right revision components and augments are available.
Surgery
The old components are removed carefully to preserve bone, defects are managed and revision implants placed.
Rehabilitation
Weight bearing and movement are progressed more cautiously than after a first replacement, guided by what was done.
How to prepare
What to sort out before you come in.
- Bring all records of the original surgery, including the implant details if you have them
- Bring previous X-rays and any reports of infection
- Dental problems must be treated beforehand
- Optimise weight and diabetes control, which affect healing considerably
- Arrange substantial help at home, as recovery is longer
Recovery
What to expect afterwards, and roughly when.
- Expect five to seven days in hospital, longer than a first replacement
- Weight-bearing instructions are specific and must be followed exactly
- Physiotherapy is longer and progress is slower than after a first replacement
- Antibiotics may continue for weeks where infection was present
- Full recovery often takes six months or more
Why choose Humayun for revision knee surgery
Revision surgery is planned rather than improvised, and most of the work happens before the operation.
- Infection excluded properly before surgery, because operating on an infected joint mechanically fails
- Revision implant systems and augments held on site rather than ordered case by case
- Bone preservation as the technical priority, since it decides what is possible later
- Rehabilitation planned specifically for what was done rather than a standard protocol
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