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Home 
Consumer Info Conditions/ Procedures Knee Joint Revision Knee Replacement
Revision Knee Replacement (Knee Arthroplasty)
Written by
Dr. Michael Solomon
Orthopaedic Hip & Knee Surgeon
Revision total knee replacement is performed when the original primary total knee replacement has worn out or loosened in the bone. Revisions are also carried out if the primary knee replacement fails due to recurrent dislocation, infection, fracture or very rarely, ongoing pain and significant leg length discrepancy.
The revision total knee replacement is a more complex procedure, often because there is a
reduced amount of bone to place the new total knee into. Extra bone may be required and
this is usually
received from a bone bank. Bone bank (allograft bone) is safe and has been
irradiated to eliminate
any chance of disease transmission. There are also artificial bone
substitutes that may be used.
Revision total knee replacement takes longer than a standard total knee replacement and
has a
slightly higher complication rate. The prosthesis may also not last as long as a primary
knee replacement.
Surgery is usually performed through the same incision but may need some extension.
The risks
and complications are similar to standard knee replacement surgery.
Complications:
Anaesthesia complications
As anybody undergoes general or regional anesthesia (epidural anesthesia) there are always
risks associated with it. The risks of course are magnified if you have abnormal general medical conditions
in addition to your older age, which may have affected the functions of your vital
organs such as heart, lungs and kidneys. Therefore a complete evaluation of those systems
has to be performed before
you are taken to the Operating theatre.
Specific complications relating to knee replacement surgery include the following:
Deep vein thrombosis: This is prevented by giving blood thinners and if it occurs it is treated with specific blood thinners, usually Warfarin.
Infection: The risk of infection is less than 1% and pre-operative antibiotics are given to prevent this from happening.
Stiffness: Occasionally knee replacement may stiffen up particularly in patients who are significantly overweight or have diabetes. Occasionally one will require a manipulation under an anaesthetic should this occur.
Nerve and vessel damage: It is unlikely that any major nerve or vessel will be damaged. It is unlikely that any major nerve or vessel will be damaged. It is, however, very common to have a small area of numbness over the other side of your knee where a superficial skin nerve is always cut during the surgery. This little numb patch is of no significance.
Prosthesis failure: The prosthesis may fail due to the plastic wearing out and it may require revision.
Reflex sympathetic dystrophy: Very rarely a condition can occur where the leg becomes stiff, hypersensitive and painful. This requires specific treatment with a pain management specialist.
Excessive bleeding around the joint: This usually settles but may require drainage.
Excessive scarring: Some skin will scar up significantly (keloid).
Fluid build-up in the knee joint: Occasionally this may occur and require drainage. It is usual for knees to be a little swollen and a little warm.
Pain with kneeling: Kneeling may produce discomfort over the incision site.
