Revision Knee Replacement
Knee Revision Surgeon in Towson, Baltimore, Cockeysville, MD
Although total knee replacement surgery is successful, sometimes the procedure can fail due to various reasons and may require revision surgery. Jack Steele, M.D. provides diagnosis and individualized non-operative and operative treatment plans in Towson, Baltimore, Cockeysville, MD. Jack Steele, M.D. also provides highly specialized care during and after the surgery. Contact Dr. Jack Steel’s office for an appointment today!
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.
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
- Leg length discrepancy
- Fracture
Revision Knee Replacement Procedure
There are many different types of revision knee replacement, depending on which implants need to be removed and replaced. When Dr. Steele evaluates your knee with history, physical exam and imaging, he will let you know which components need to be revised. If only the modular plastic component needs to be changed, this is a smaller surgery with a faster recovery. However, if metal components fixed to your bone need to be revised, that is a larger surgery with a longer recovery.
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
Postoperative Care for Revision Knee Replacement
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.
If you would like to have additional information on the treatment of various knee conditions or would like to learn more about revision knee replacement, please contact Jack Steele, M.D., serving the communities of Towson, Baltimore, Cockeysville, MD.
