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Revision Knee Surgery

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Revision Knee Surgery in Colorado Springs, CO

Revision knee surgery may be recommended when a previous knee replacement develops a problem that affects comfort, stability, or function. Although knee replacement is generally successful, complications such as implant wear, loosening, infection, instability, bone loss, fracture, or persistent pain can sometimes require additional treatment. Revision knee surgery in Colorado Springs, CO involves evaluating the existing knee replacement and determining whether one or more components need to be revised or replaced.

Dr. John C. Redfern, MD provides orthopaedic care for patients in Colorado Springs who are experiencing problems following knee replacement surgery. A comprehensive evaluation can help identify the cause of symptoms and determine whether revision surgery or another treatment approach is appropriate.

Revision knee replacement is often more complex than an initial knee replacement because the surgeon may need to address damaged bone, scar tissue, implant wear, or other changes around the existing prosthesis. Treatment is individualized based on the condition of the implant, the surrounding bone and soft tissues, the patient's symptoms, and overall health.

Revision Knee Surgery - Educational Picture

What is Revision Knee Replacement?

Revision knee replacement surgery involves replacing a 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. 

What is Arthritis?

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 and the tibial components. 

What are the Indications for Revision Knee Replacement?

Revision knee replacement surgery may be advised if you 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
  • Fracture

What is the Procedure for Revision Knee Replacement?

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 your 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.

What are the 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

What Does Postoperative Care for Revision Knee Replacement Involve?

Following revision knee replacement surgery, a continuous passive motion (CPM) machine may be used to allow your knee joint to slowly move. The machine, attached to the treated leg, slowly moves the joint through a controlled range of motion, while you are at rest. 

You can walk with crutches or a walker. You will be sent for rehabilitation within a couple of 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 the thigh and calf muscles.

Knee immobilizers are used when performing physical therapy, walking and while sleeping to keep the knee stabilized. 

Why Choose Dr. John C. Redfern for Revision Knee Surgery in Colorado Springs?

Problems following knee replacement can have different causes, making an accurate evaluation an important part of determining the appropriate treatment. Revision knee surgery may require specialized planning to address issues involving the prosthetic components, surrounding bone, ligaments, or other tissues.

Dr. John C. Redfern, MD provides orthopaedic care for patients in Colorado Springs, CO with complex knee conditions. His experience with orthopaedic surgical techniques allows for an individualized approach when evaluating knee pain, instability, stiffness, or other concerns following knee replacement.

Depending on the underlying problem, treatment may involve nonsurgical management or revision of one or more components of the knee replacement. When revision surgery is recommended, the treatment plan is tailored to the patient's specific condition and recovery needs.

Revision Knee Surgery FAQs

Revision knee surgery involves removing and replacing some or all components of a previous knee replacement. The extent of revision depends on the reason the original knee replacement is no longer functioning as intended.
Revision surgery may be considered because of implant loosening or wear, infection, instability, fracture, significant bone loss, stiffness, or persistent or increasing knee pain.
Not necessarily. Depending on the problem, the surgeon may revise one component or multiple components of the existing knee replacement.
Possible signs include increasing or persistent pain, swelling, stiffness, instability, difficulty walking, a feeling that the knee is giving way, or changes in how the knee functions. These symptoms do not always mean revision surgery is necessary and should be evaluated by an orthopaedic surgeon.
Yes. Infection involving a knee replacement can affect the implant and surrounding tissues and may require specialized treatment. The appropriate treatment depends on factors such as the timing and extent of the infection.
Evaluation may include a medical history, physical examination, X-rays, laboratory testing, and other imaging or diagnostic procedures when appropriate. The evaluation is designed to identify the cause of the symptoms and assess the condition of the implant and surrounding structures.
Revision surgery can be more complex because there may be scar tissue, bone loss, damaged soft tissues, or other changes around the existing implant. Surgical planning depends on the specific circumstances.
Recovery varies based on the extent of the revision, the condition of the knee, the patient's overall health, and rehabilitation progress. Revision procedures may require a longer recovery than an initial knee replacement.
Rehabilitation is commonly an important part of recovery. Physical therapy may focus on restoring appropriate range of motion, strength, mobility, and function while following the restrictions associated with the specific procedure.
Potential complications include infection, blood clots, bleeding, stiffness, nerve or blood-vessel injury, implant problems, instability, persistent symptoms, and the possibility of additional surgery. Your surgeon can discuss procedure-specific risks before treatment.

Schedule a Revision Knee Surgery Evaluation in Colorado Springs, CO

Persistent pain or other problems after knee replacement can interfere with walking, exercise, work, and everyday activities. If you are experiencing increasing pain, stiffness, instability, or other concerns with a previous knee replacement, Dr. John C. Redfern, MD can evaluate your knee and discuss appropriate treatment options.

Contact the office to schedule an orthopaedic evaluation for revision knee surgery in Colorado Springs, CO. Your treatment plan can be tailored to the underlying cause of the knee replacement problem, the condition of the implant and surrounding tissues, and your individual recovery goals.

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