Treatment / Knee / Knee Revision Surgery

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Knee Revision Surgery

Dr. Andrew Lee, MD | Nevada Spine Clinic, Las Vegas, Nevada

Understanding Knee Replacement Failure

Total and partial knee replacements are durable implants but can fail over time or develop complications requiring revision surgery. Understanding the reason for failure guides the appropriate revision strategy.


Dr. Andrew Lee at Nevada Spine Clinic in Las Vegas performs knee revision surgery including complex reconstructions referred from other surgeons.

Reasons for Knee Revision Surgery

  • Aseptic Loosening: Loss of fixation between the implant and bone due to wear particle-induced bone resorption.
  • Periprosthetic Joint Infection: Deep knee infection requiring staged surgical treatment with antibiotic spacer and reimplantation.
  • Polyethylene Wear: Wear of the plastic tibial insert causing pain and particle-induced bone loss.
  • Instability: Inadequate ligament balance causing recurrent giving way.
  • Stiffness: Severe post-operative stiffness unresponsive to therapy.
  • Periprosthetic Fracture: Fracture around the implant requiring revision with stems and fixation.

When Revision Is Indicated

Knee revision surgery is recommended when a failed knee replacement cannot be managed non-operatively and when symptoms significantly impair quality of life. Dr. Lee performs comprehensive diagnostic workup before planning revision.

Knee Revision Surgery

Knee revision surgery varies widely in complexity from isolated polyethylene exchange to complete reconstruction with stems, augments, and bone grafting. Dr. Andrew Lee performs knee revision cases at Southern Hills Hospital in Las Vegas.

The surgical approach depends on the failure mechanism identified. Failed components are carefully removed with instruments designed to minimize bone loss. Bone defects are addressed with augments or bone graft. New components are selected with stems to achieve stable fixation in the remaining bone.

Revision for infection is staged. Stage one removes all infected hardware and places an antibiotic-loaded cement spacer. After a course of intravenous antibiotics, stage two reimplants the definitive revision components when infection has been
eradicated.

The primary goals of this procedure are to:
  • Remove failed components and address the cause of failure
  • Restore stable functioning knee replacement
  • Relieve pain and restore mobility
  • Achieve durable long-term fixation

Potential Risks

  • Higher complication rates than primary replacement.
  • Bone loss: Removal of failed components causes additional bone loss.
  • Infection: Risk is elevated in revision cases.
  • Stiffness: Post-operative stiffness is more common following revision.
  • Instability: Restoring ligament balance is more challenging in revision cases.
  • Blood loss: Revision procedures involve more blood loss than primary surgery.

Postoperative Recovery and Rehabilitation

Recovery following knee revision is longer than primary replacement. Weight bearing status depends on the extent of reconstruction. Physical therapy is tailored to the specific revision performed.

Most patients require three to six months for meaningful functional recovery.

What to Expect After Surgery

Pain relief following successful knee revision is typically meaningful, though functional outcomes may be more variable than primary replacement.

Regular follow-up with Dr. Lee following revision surgery monitors implant stability and guides rehabilitation.

Do not soak your wound.

No bathtub, swimming, or hot tub until cleared by Dr. Lee.

Wound Care and Medication Management

Follow wound care instructions carefully. Monitor for signs of infection. Contact Nevada Spine Clinic immediately for wound concerns. Blood clot prevention medication is prescribed. Take all medications as directed.

Activity Guidelines After Surgery

Activity restrictions are individualized to the revision performed. Dr. Lee reviews specific guidelines at discharge.

Contact Nevada Spine Clinic or go to the emergency room for sudden severe knee pain, calf swelling, fever, or wound changes.

CALL US IF YOU EXPERIENCE

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No bathtub, swimming, or hot tub until cleared by Dr. Lee.

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Dr. Andrew Lee, MD | Nevada Spine Clinic, Las Vegas

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