What is revision knee replacement surgery?
Revision knee replacement surgery is the replacement of a failed total knee prosthesis with a new prosthesis. Essentially, it is the replacement of a knee replacement.
The revision can be related to the replacements for the end of the shin bone and thigh bone, between which plastic is typically inserted.
What can I expect from the procedure?
On the day of surgery, you will typically be asked a series of questions by nurses, and have the opportunity to have your own questions answered by Mr Mann. You will also discuss the mode of anaesthesia best suited to your needs, with your anaesthetist.
Each operation is different and is related to the type of revision required. Typically, patients lie on their back and a tourniquet is applied to the upper thigh to restrict blood flow. Several measures are used in order to prevent blood clots from forming.
Why might I need revision knee replacement surgery?
There are a series of reasons why a knee replacement may require revision surgery. They include instability, which causes patients to feel unsafe when walking, and infection, which may result in fever symptoms or swelling.
The plastic used in a replacement can become worn, and this is one of the more simple revisions which is required, with the plastic insert needed to be swapped. Should implants become unattached to the bone, that is another reason for knee replacement revision surgery to be recommended. Erosion of the bone, also known as osteolysis, and in some cases severe stiffness, can also be addressed with knee replacement revision surgery.
What is the recovery time?
You can expect a three to five day stay in hospital following knee replacement revision surgery. Crutches are typically needed for a two to three-week period. After then a walking stick is usually sufficient for support.
Physical therapy work will be recommended to improve range of motion, and activity level can be increased gradually. Mr Mann will provide expert advice and support on your aftercare and when you can go back to work, to make sure you can get back to your daily life as soon as possible.
If you have any questions about our hip or knee procedures or would like to make an enquiry, please fill out and submit the form below and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
Postoperative period and recovery
Remember that below is a guide to recovery and that everyone heals at different rates and some people do take longer. Use this information to help you understand your condition, possible treatment and recovery. The timeframes given below are a minimum, it is important that you appreciate this when considering surgery as your healing and recovery may take longer.
After your operation, a routine enhanced programme of recovery will commence. The main parallel work streams of this programme are as follows:
Associated conditions
Problematic total knee replacement
Sometimes a total knee replacement can become problematic earlier than expected and may require revision surgery. Alternatively, you may be one of the many patients out there who has had a well-performed total knee replacement which has now failed or become problematic with the passage of time.