Revision hip & knee replacement surgery
Surgical information leaflets:
Why would revision hip and knee surgery be needed?
Though orthopaedic surgeons can replace damaged joints and other tissues of the hip and knee with prosthetic implants, these implants are still susceptible to infection and damage. Revision surgery is needed when the prosthetics used to replace hip or knee joints suffer wear and tear over time.
When patients who have had total hip replacement surgery or knee arthroplasty begin to experience symptoms such as pain and swelling in previously repaired joints, this could be a sign that wear and tear, infection or damage has occurred. In these cases, Dr Oosthuizen will perform revision hip or knee surgery to replace the affected prosthetic components.
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How is it done?
If replacement knee joints have been damaged, Dr Oosthuizen will perform revision knee surgery, also called revision knee arthroplasty. During this procedure, the artificial joints of the affected knee will be carefully removed, and Dr Oosthuizen will work to replace each component. Wires, screws and cement may be used during this process to fix the new prosthetic implants to the bones that meet in the knee. If infection has set in, however, Dr Oosthuizen will have to insert a cement spacer block into the knee and allow the infection to heal over several weeks before new prosthetic implants can be inserted.
Similarly, revision hip replacement surgery involves the removal and replacement of damaged or worn prosthetic hip joints. During this procedure, Dr Oosthuizen will cut away the old prosthetic components. If infection has set in, this will be allowed to heal over several weeks before a prosthetic ball and socket are implanted to serve as the new hip joint.
What can be expected after surgery?
After revision hip or knee surgery, you will need to take care of yourself and your wounds in the same way you did after your original replacement surgery. This means that pain relievers and ice packs should be used to manage discomfort. Walking with braces and crutches will also be necessary to ensure recover. Dr Oosthuizen will suggest a physical therapy plan to help you regain mobility in your knee or hip too. Depending on the extent of surgery done, it may take anywhere between six to 12 months for your joints to fully heal after revision surgery.
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Factors such as activity level, age, surgical history, and weight may contribute to implant failure. Younger patients who are active, obese and those who have had prior knee surgeries may have a higher increased risk of a failed implant.
The most common types of anaesthesia used are general anaesthesia (to put you to sleep) and spinal anaesthesia or regional nerve block anaesthesia (which numb only from your waist down).
Yes. After years of implant use, the remaining bone quality may be compromised.
