Revision Knee Replacement

Regardless of when and why you underwent total or partial knee replacement surgery, there's a possibility that the components in your artificial knee joint can become worn or fail. When that happens, revision knee replacement surgery may be required to improve your pain and mobility.  If that's the case, an HonorHealth knee replacement surgeon can help.

These factors can affect an artificial knee joint:

• Wear and tear of the implanted components
• Loosening of the components from the bone to which they are affixed
• Degenerative effects of arthritis to supporting bone and cartilage of the surrounding compartments (in cases of partial knee replacement)
• Injury that compromises the integrity of the implant
• Infection that negatively affects the structures that support the implant

When any of these happen, you may experience pain, instability or improper alignment of the knee. The younger you are, or if you're significantly overweight, there's a greater chance that you'll need revision knee surgery in your future.

What's included in revision knee surgery?

Your orthopedic knee surgeon will perform a series of tests and medical imaging exams to determine the extent of your prosthetic joint failure. Once your specialist knows exactly what's causing the issue, he or she will create a personalized treatment plan.

Because revision surgery requires removing a prosthetic implant and cleaning the area in preparation for a new implant, the procedure may take longer than your initial joint replacement surgery.