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Revision Knee Replacement
If a previous knee replacement becomes painful, unstable, or worn over time, it may need to be revised - removing the existing implant and replacing it with a new one.
Revision knee surgery is more complex than a first-time knee replacement, and benefits from a surgeon with specific experience in this area.
Why Revision Surgery May Be Needed
Implant wear or loosening - over time, the components of a knee replacement can wear or loosen from the bone
Instability - the knee feeling unstable or "giving way" during normal activity
Infection - a more serious complication requiring specialist management, sometimes in stages
Stiffness or reduced movement - significant loss of function following a previous replacement
Fracture around the implant - a break in the bone surrounding the existing prosthesis
Ongoing pain - persistent pain following a previous replacement, requiring thorough investigation to identify the cause
Not all pain after a knee replacement means the implant has failed.
Mr George carries out a comprehensive assessment - including imaging and, where infection is suspected, specific tests - to accurately identify the cause of your symptoms before recommending revision surgery.
Thorough Investigations First
What Revision Surgery Involves
Revision knee replacement is generally more complex and takes longer than primary knee replacement, since it involves carefully removing the existing implant, addressing any bone loss, and fitting new components suited to the altered anatomy left behind.
Recovery is also typically longer and more variable than after a first-time replacement, and is best discussed individually based on your specific situation.
Normal total knee
replacement
The implant has become loose with bone loss on the tibial (shin) side
Revision total knee replacement has improved the alignment and compensated for the bone-loss
Why Experience Matters Here
Revision surgery is a distinct skill set from primary joint replacement, and outcomes are closely linked to a surgeon's specific experience with complex and revision cases.
This is an area of particular focus in Mr George's practice, informed directly by his British Hip Society Travelling Fellowship at the Helios ENDO-Klinik in Hamburg - internationally recognised for its expertise in complex revision and infected joint replacement.