A second knee surgery, often referred to as revision total knee replacement, is a surgical procedure performed when a previous knee replacement has failed. It involves removing some or all of the parts of the original artificial knee (prosthesis) and replacing them with new components.
Reasons for a Second Knee Surgery
Several factors can lead to the need for a revision total knee replacement:
- Implant loosening: Over time, the artificial knee components can loosen from the bone.
- Infection: An infection around the artificial knee can require removal and replacement of the prosthesis.
- Instability: The knee may become unstable, leading to pain and difficulty with activity.
- Fracture: A fracture around the artificial knee components may necessitate revision surgery.
- Wear and tear: The components of the artificial knee can wear out over time.
The Revision Total Knee Replacement Procedure
The procedure generally involves the following steps:
- Removal of the original prosthesis: The surgeon carefully removes the existing artificial knee components.
- Bone preparation: The bone surfaces are prepared to accept the new components. This may involve bone grafting in some cases.
- Implantation of new prosthesis: The new artificial knee components are implanted and secured to the bone.
- Closure: The incision is closed, and the recovery process begins.
Recovery after Second Knee Surgery
Recovery from revision total knee replacement is often more challenging than the initial knee replacement. It typically involves a period of physical therapy to regain strength and range of motion. The length of recovery varies depending on the individual and the complexity of the revision procedure.
