If you’re experiencing pain, instability, or complications after a previous knee replacement, you may need a second procedure known as revision knee replacement surgery. For those seeking trusted care, Dr. Ganesh is a leading revision knee replacement surgeon in Trivandrum, offering advanced solutions and improved outcomes. He is widely recognized for providing expert knee replacement revision surgery in Kerala, with a strong focus on long-term joint function and patient satisfaction.
Out of every 100 patients who undergo Knee replacement surgery, 85 to 90 patients can expect their knee implants to last about 15 to 20 years. This means that after some time, some patients may later need a second operation to replace the implants. This is known as revision total knee replacement or knee revision.
Some knee revisions need the replacement of only one implant, while others need a complete exchange of all the prostheses that were implanted during the original knee replacement surgery. It is a complicated procedure that needs specialized implants, extensive planning, lengthy operating times, and a higher level of difficult surgical skills.
Some of the most common reasons for revision knee surgery are
Symptoms: Common symptoms of a failed knee implant are pain, inability to bend the knee, knee instability, and stiffness or swelling in the knee.
When you decide to proceed with revision knee replacement, your surgeon will perform a thorough clinical exam, X-rays and lab tests. When infection is detected, the knee is aspirated and the fluid will be sent to a laboratory to check for infection and if confirmed, to find the specific bacteria causing the infection.
Sometimes, in addition to X-rays, bone scans, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) or CT scans may be used to quantify changes in the position of the implant components and thus to find the cause for failure to help plan for the surgery.
During surgery, the old implant is eliminated, the joint thoroughly lavaged and, if needed, bone grafts are used to fill any gaps where bone has become defective. Then the specialised revision knee implant is placed. When the gaps are large, metal wedges or screws and bone cement may be used to augment the bone and provide support to the new implant.
Post-op recovery differs, but in most cases, physical therapy will be started within 24 hours of the treatment and will continue for up to three months.
There are certain complications associated with the surgery that your surgeon will take precautions against. Two of the common ones are infection and Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT). Your surgeon will maintain sterile precautions before and during surgery and administer appropriate antibiotics to prevent infections. He will also give anticoagulant injections to prevent DVT.
Most patients who go through revision knee surgery can expect to have well to excellent results. Expected results include pain relief with increased function and stability; however, full pain relief and restoration of function are not always possible.
Revision knee replacement surgery is a complex procedure that requires an experienced Joint Replacement surgeon and proper preoperative planning to achieve satisfactory outcomes.
When it comes to complex joint procedures, choosing an experienced specialist is essential. Dr. Ganesh is a leading revision knee replacement surgeon in Trivandrum, known for delivering reliable and long-lasting outcomes.
For expert consultation and successful revision knee replacement surgery in Kerala, book an appointment with Dr. Ganesh today.
TC 9/1485(1) (New TC 22/1882), Redhappurakunnu
Road, Sasthamangalam, Trivandrum-10