You may be a candidate for revision knee replacement surgery if you have had a knee replacement and have experienced problems with it. Initial knee replacement surgery can provide significant pain relief from arthritis and allow a patient to remain active for many years after the procedure. Fortunately, for many of these patients, they are able to live the rest of their lives without the need for additional surgery in the knee. For other patients, a second procedure is needed to either correct problems caused by the initial procedure or to replace an implant that has worn over time. This is known as a revision knee replacement.
Revision knee replacement surgery is more complex than the initial knee replacement procedure, so it is important to choose a surgeon who has expertise in revision procedures to ensure the best possible results.
Our board-certified orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Amer Mirza, is highly qualified to handle these complex cases for our patients at Summit Orthopaedics. His expertise, combined with our compassionate staff, ensure you have the best experience possible if you need revision knee replacement surgery.
Knee replacement surgery is a very successful procedure for the vast majority of patients. However, knee implants can fail, either due to infection or wear on the implant over time. Implant failure can cause pain, swelling, or stiffness in the knee, and revision knee replacement surgery may be recommended to correct those problems.
There are several reasons a knee implant may fail, including:
- Wear on the implant and/or loosening over time
- Infection in the knee
- Instability due to ligament injuries
- Stiffness due to excessive scar tissue around the joint
- A fracture in the area surrounding the knee implants
Patients who had their original knee replacement at a younger-than-average age have a higher chance of needing revision knee replacement surgery in the future due to wear on the implant. These patients will often “outlive” their implant, as the components can wear and loosen from the bone over time.
When you undergo revision knee replacement surgery, the recovery process is similar to what you experienced with the original knee replacement surgery , but it is typically a longer process.
Most patients will need to stay in the hospital for a few days after revision knee replacement surgery. Upon returning home, you will likely need assistance for several days or weeks until you are able to get around on your own.
Medications will be given to help with pain, and patients are referred to see a physical therapist after surgery to help restore strength and range of motion in the knee.
The majority of patients are able to resume all normal activities within 6-8 weeks of surgery, but this can vary for each patient.
Revision Knee Replacement Surgery in Portland, Oregon
If you have had a knee replacement and have experienced problems with it, you may be a candidate for revision knee replacement surgery. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Mirza, please call our office at 503-850-9940 to schedule an appointment.