Revision Knee Replacement

Revision Knee Replacement in Bountiful and Layton, UT

Revision knee replacement involves removing and replacing part or all of a previous knee prosthesis. Depending on the reason for the failed or problematic knee replacement, treatment may involve addressing implant wear, loosening, infection, instability, bone loss, fracture, or other complications. Because revision surgery can be more complex than an initial knee replacement, careful evaluation and individualized surgical planning are important.

Dr. Hickman evaluates your symptoms, medical history, previous knee replacement, physical examination findings, and imaging to help determine the cause of your knee problems and the most appropriate treatment. Patients seeking revision knee replacement in Bountiful or Layton, UT, can schedule an orthopedic consultation to discuss their symptoms and treatment options.

What is Revision Knee Replacement?

Revision knee replacement surgery involves replacing part or all 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 may require a second revision surgery.

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.

What is 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 for Revision Knee Replacement

Revision knee replacement surgery may be advised for patients who 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

Revision Knee Replacement Procedure

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

The surgery is performed under general anesthesia. Your surgeon makes an incision over the knee to expose the knee joint. The kneecap along with its ligament may be moved aside 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. Like 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 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 of Revision Knee Replacement

Like all major surgical procedures, 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 for Revision Knee Replacement

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 to keep the knee stabilized.

Revision knee replacement surgery is performed to replace 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.

Why Choose Dr. Joshua Hickman for Revision Knee Replacement in Bountiful and Layton, UT

• Specialized Joint Replacement Care: Dr. Hickman provides orthopedic care for patients with complex knee conditions and joint replacement concerns.
• Evaluation of Failed Knee Replacements: Persistent pain, instability, stiffness, implant loosening, wear, infection, or other complications can require detailed evaluation to identify the underlying problem.
• Individualized Surgical Planning: Treatment is based on the condition of the existing prosthesis, bone quality, knee stability, imaging findings, and each patient's overall health and goals.
• Complex Knee Reconstruction: Revision surgery may require replacement of one or more components, treatment of bone loss, or use of specialized implants depending on the individual case.
• Convenient Northern Utah Locations: Patients can access specialized revision knee care in Bountiful and Layton, serving communities throughout Northern Utah.

Revision Knee Replacement FAQs