REVISION TOTAL KNEE REPLACEMENT SURGERY IN PLYMOUTH
“Knee revision surgery involves removing the old implant and inserting a new prosthesis for relief from pain and increased function.”
Why do I need a revision of a knee replacement?
Unfortunately, some patients will begin to experience pain and dysfunction in their total knee replacement. Such symptoms require careful investigation and in some cases re-do or revision of the joint replacement is advised. Mr Stitson specialises in revision joint replacement and will explain why this is required.
Common causes leading to a revision knee replacement include:
- Loosening and wear of the knee replacement
- Failure of a component of the knee replacement
- Instability of the knee replacement
- Peri-prosthetic fracture
- An infected knee replacement
What does revision of a knee replacement involve?
Revision knee replacement is usually performed under general anaesthesia and involves the removal of the tibial and femoral components (of a previously inserted total knee replacement) and the insertion of new revision components to restore the knee function. The knee replacement procedure can take up to 2 hours, depending on the condition of your implants and if there is bone loss.
- Mr Stitson will make an incision down the centre of your knee.
- Your old implants will be carefully removed.
- Mr Stitson will examine the bone surfaces to determine if bone grafts or metal pieces are needed to rebuild the areas with bone loss.
- The new knee implant is inserted.
- The process may involve bone grafting, using stems to secure the new implant.
- Mr Stitson will adjust any soft tissue, muscles and ligaments around the joint to ensure the new joint is stable and moves well when the leg is bent and straightened.
- The cut is closed with stitches or surgical clips, and a padded dressing is applied.
AT A GLANCE
⏰ A revision total knee replacement typically takes between 2 and 3 hours. The procedure may be longer if complex.
🏨 You will be required to stay in the hospital for 2 or 3 nights, however, you may have to stay longer if required. Day case procedures may be appropriate in some cases depending on patient suitability.
💰 Prices start from £25,938 including a pre-assessment, treatment and post-discharge care.
Finance is available through the Nuffield Hospital in Plymouth.
“Some patients will begin to experience pain and dysfunction in their total knee replacement. These symptoms require careful investigation and in some cases, a revision is advised.”
What are the risks of the revision of a total knee replacement?
While knee replacement surgery is to significantly improve a patient’s quality of life and mobility, like any surgical procedure, it comes with certain risks and potential complications. Some of the risks associated with knee replacement surgery include:
Infection:
Infections can occur at the surgical site or within the joint, requiring additional treatment including antibiotics, or even revision surgery to remove and replace the prosthetic joint.
Blood Clots:
Blood clots (deep vein thrombosis or DVT) can form in the legs and potentially travel to the lungs (pulmonary embolism), which can be life-threatening. Mechanical calf compression to encourage blood flow is used in hospitals and blood thing drugs are prescribed post-operatively to help reduce the risk.
Bleeding:
Excessive bleeding during or after surgery may require blood transfusion or other interventions.
Blood Vessel or Nerve Damage:
Damage to blood vessels or nerves around the surgical area can result in complications such as reduced blood flow, numbness, weakness, or pain.
Implant Problems:
Prosthetic knee components may wear out over time, become loose, or fail, leading to pain and the need for revision surgery.
Pain and Stiffness:
Some patients may experience ongoing pain or stiffness in the replaced knee, limiting their range of motion.
Fractures:
During surgery, nearby bones can be accidentally fractured, requiring additional procedures for repair.
Anaesthesia Risks:
General anaesthesia carries its own risks, including adverse reactions or complications. Such risks will be described to you by the anaesthetist.
Limited Improvement:
While most patients experience significant improvement in pain and mobility after knee replacement, some may not achieve the desired level of improvement.
Stiffness/Scar Tissue Formation:
Excessive scar tissue formation (arthrofibrosis) around the joint can limit movement and require further treatment.
Cardiovascular and Respiratory Risks:
Complications such as heart attack, stroke, or pneumonia can arise. The pre-assessment process is designed to pick up those at particular risk.
It’s important to note that while these risks exist, they are relatively uncommon, and the majority of knee replacement procedures are successful and lead to improved quality of life.
The decision to undergo knee replacement surgery should be based on a thorough discussion between yourself and Mr Stitson, with particular attention given to your individual health status, lifestyle, and the severity of knee joint symptoms.
Mr Stitson will take all necessary precautions to minimise operative risks and will closely monitor your progress during the recovery period, addressing any potential complications promptly.
WHAT OUR PATIENTS SAY...
Mr David Stitson is in Private Practice at Nuffield Health Plymouth Hospital, Derriford Road, Plymouth, PL6 8BG. He accepts new patient referrals directly from patients, via GP referral, on recommendation from your private medical insurer or via other practitioners including physiotherapists, osteopaths or chiropractors.
Please do get in touch with us to enquire about an appointment or a procedure.