knee? Well, consult your surgeon/doctor without delay. It is really important to know what is wrong with the
replaced knee, which was supposed to work properly for at least 20 years. You may need a revision total knee replacement surgery if the surgeon declares it.
In any case, you do not have to worry at all as revision knee surgery has become a popular surgery today, which allows a patient to get back to routine life without much trouble. Although the need for revision after the first surgery doesn’t come so soon in normal cases, yet some may have to go for it without much delay.
Common reasons for revision of knee replacement
a) Age: Younger patients are more active and hence the wear out factor of a replaced knee prostheses is more in them, than in older patients.
b) Concurrent diseases or disorders: Some diseases and infections may result in the need of revision knee replacement within a few years after the first surgery.
c) Arthritis: Any type of arthritis may result in revision of the original surgery.
d) Complications: If there were any surgical complications during the first knee operation, one may have to undergo the revision soon.
Purpose of revision total knee replacement surgery
The three main purposes of knee revision surgery are:
a) Relieving unbearable or continuous pain in the affected hip
b) Restoring the patient's mobility and letting him enjoy normal life soon
c) Removing a damaged prosthesis so as to avoid any irreparable harm is done to the knee joint. Any negligence in removing or replacing an infected or defected knee prosthesis may result in permanent damage to the patient's knee.
Aftercare Tips
Aftercare following knee revision surgery is almost the same as the first knee replacement surgery, which includes:
a) Some regularly conducted physical therapies
b) Rehabilitation exercises as prescribed by the doctor
c) Pain medication when required
d) A period of around four to six weeks for home health care and assistance
Length of Recovery Post Surgery
The length of recovery post total revision knee surgery depends upon the patient's first knee replacement
,and current health condition. Some patients may take longer to recover from revision surgery, yet others may recover faster than they did in the first total knee replacement (TKR). The exact reasons for the difference in recovery are not yet clear. As per recent news, the Hip and Knee Center at Columbia University is carrying out a study of 100 knee revision patients at five different US locations so as to evaluate the outcomes of revision surgery in different patients. These patients will be examined at intervals of 3 months, 6 months, 12 months, and 24 months and their progress of recovery will be measured time to time.
All said above, revision knee surgery is definitely the need of the day, especially when one finds concerns with the first surgery. However, it must be conducted by specialists only who are available in abundance in the United States. A proper online search will help you find the best one in your area!
Note: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only. It is not to be construed as medical care or medical advice and is not a replacement for medical care given by your physicians or trained medical personnel.
About the Author
Jennifer has been suffering from severe knee pain and was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. Her doctor advised her to go for total knee replacement. After the surgery she has experienced a remarkable decrease of knee pain and also seen a significant improvement in the ability to perform common activities.
