Knee

What’s it all about?

Knee revision surgery is required when the artificial components in your knee loosen or become damaged over time. You may also need revision surgery if you have developed arthritis (osteoarthritis) in other areas of your knee. While partial knee replacements and total knee replacement surgeries are often successful, it can sometimes be necessary to operate again. 

“The chances of you needing knee revision surgery after your first knee replacement is rare. But if problems occur, I am determined to get you back to the freedom of movement you previously enjoyed.” Says Dr Jeong Young. 

When is revision surgery necessary?

There are a few reasons that your knee replacement may need to be revised. If the artificial joint loosens, this can lead to infection, pain, and instability. The polyethylene (plastic) and/or the metal components used in knee replacements can become infected or worn down over time. Osteolysis (bone loss) can occur when debris from these materials weaken the bones and surrounding soft tissues in your knee. Other reasons for revision surgery are trauma to the knee joint and fractures.

What’s involved?

When deciding on revision surgery it is important to identify what is causing the issue. Dr.Jeong Young will help determine exactly what is limiting your knee. To determine if your knee is infected you will need to have blood tests done, as well as a CT scan or X-ray to identify the extent of the damage. The complexity of your surgery will depend on the level of damage to the artificial joint and your surrounding bone. If the knee is badly infected, two surgeries may be required: one to treat the infection, and another to replace the knee joint.