Revision Knee Surgery: When a Knee Replacement Fails



Knee replacement surgery helps many people walk without pain and return to normal life. But sometimes, a knee replacement does not work as expected. The artificial knee joint may wear out, become loose, get infected, or cause pain. When this happens, doctors may suggest Revision Knee Replacement surgery.

At lancashire hip knee clinic, specialists provide advanced care for patients who need revision knee treatment. Let’s understand why knee replacements fail and how revision surgery can help.


What Is Revision Knee Surgery?

Revision knee surgery is a second operation done after a previous knee replacement. In this surgery, the old artificial knee joint is removed and replaced with a new one. It is more complex than the first surgery because the doctor must correct the problem and rebuild the knee carefully.

This type of surgery is called Revision Knee Replacement, and it is done when the first implant no longer works properly.


Why Does a Knee Replacement Fail?

A knee replacement can last 15–20 years, but sometimes problems happen earlier. Common reasons include:

1. Wear and Tear

Over time, the artificial parts can wear down. Plastic parts may become thin or damaged, causing pain and stiffness.

2. Loosening of the Implant

The implant may become loose from the bone. This can cause swelling, pain, and difficulty walking.

3. Infection

Infection is a serious problem. Bacteria can grow around the implant, causing redness, fever, pain, and swelling.

4. Instability

The knee may feel unstable or give way. This can happen if ligaments are weak or the implant is not aligned well.

5. Fracture Around the Implant

A fall or injury can cause a fracture in the bone near the knee implant.

6. Stiffness

Scar tissue may form, making it hard to bend or straighten the knee.

When these issues affect daily life, doctors at lancashirehipkneeclinic may recommend Revision Knee Replacement.


Symptoms You Should Not Ignore

You should see a knee specialist if you notice:

  • Ongoing knee pain after replacement

  • Swelling that does not go away

  • Warmth or redness around the knee

  • Knee instability

  • Reduced movement

  • Fever with knee pain

Early diagnosis can prevent further damage.


How Doctors Diagnose Knee Replacement Failure

Before planning revision surgery, doctors do several tests:

  • X-rays to check implant position

  • Blood tests to look for infection

  • Joint fluid tests to detect bacteria

  • CT or MRI scans for detailed images

The expert team at lancashirehipkneeclinic carefully studies these reports to decide the best treatment.


What Happens During Revision Knee Replacement?

Revision surgery is longer than primary knee replacement. The steps include:

  1. Removing the old implant

  2. Cleaning infected or damaged tissue

  3. Repairing bone loss

  4. Placing a new, stronger implant

Sometimes special metal pieces or bone grafts are used to rebuild the knee.


Recovery After Revision Knee Surgery

Recovery may take longer than the first knee replacement. But with the right care, most patients improve greatly.

Hospital Stay

Usually 3–7 days, depending on health condition.

Physiotherapy

Exercise is very important. It helps restore movement and strength.

Walking Support

You may use a walker or crutches for some weeks.

Pain Management

Doctors give medicines and therapy to control pain.

At lancashirehipkneeclinic, a full rehabilitation plan is provided for faster recovery.


Risks of Revision Knee Replacement

Like any surgery, revision knee surgery has risks:

  • Infection

  • Blood clots

  • Nerve injury

  • Implant loosening again

However, experienced surgeons reduce these risks with proper planning.


Benefits of Revision Knee Surgery

Despite being complex, revision surgery can:

  • Reduce severe pain

  • Improve walking ability

  • Restore knee stability

  • Improve quality of life

Many patients return to daily activities without constant discomfort.


Who Needs Revision Knee Surgery?

You may need Revision Knee Replacement if:

  • Your knee pain returns after replacement

  • The knee feels unstable

  • Imaging shows implant damage

  • Infection is present

  • You cannot perform daily activities

Doctors at lancashirehipkneeclinic evaluate each patient carefully before recommending surgery.


How to Protect Your Knee Replacement

To avoid early failure:

  • Maintain healthy weight

  • Avoid high-impact sports

  • Follow physiotherapy

  • Attend regular checkups

  • Treat infections early

Good care helps your knee implant last longer.


Why Choose Lancashirehipkneeclinic?

lancashirehipkneeclinic offers:

  • Experienced knee revision specialists

  • Advanced surgical techniques

  • Personalized treatment plans

  • Modern diagnostic tools

  • Complete rehabilitation support

Their goal is to help patients move again with less pain and more confidence.


Final Words

A failed knee replacement can be painful and stressful, but there is hope. Revision Knee Replacement surgery can fix the problem and give your knee a second chance. With expert care from lancashire hip knee clinic, patients receive safe treatment and strong recovery support.

If your replaced knee is causing pain or not working well, consult a specialist early. Timely treatment can restore comfort and mobility.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Total Knee Replacement 2025: Smart Solutions for Stronger Steps

Image
Knee pain can be frustrating, especially when it limits your ability to walk, climb stairs, or enjoy everyday activities. For many, Total Knee Replacement Surgery becomes the best option when medications, therapy, or lifestyle changes no longer offer relief. At Lancashire Hip & Knee Clinic, we understand how important mobility is to your life. That’s why in 2025, we bring smart solutions and modern technology to help patients take stronger steps toward a pain-free future. What Is Total Knee Replacement? Total Knee Replacement (TKR) is a surgical procedure where a damaged or worn-out knee joint is replaced with an artificial implant. It’s usually recommended for people with severe osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or injury-related joint damage. The goal of this surgery is simple: reduce pain, restore function, and help you get back to walking, bending, and moving with comfort. Why 2025 Is a Game-Changer for Knee Replacement Thanks to advanced surgical techniques, robotic techn...
Read more

The Future of Knee Revision Replacement: Modern Techniques & Outcomes

Image
Knee pain can make daily life very difficult. Many people who have had a knee replacement sometimes face problems later and may need another surgery. This second surgery is called knee revision replacement surgery . It is more complex than the first replacement, but modern medical technology is making the process safer and results much better. At Lancashire Hip Knee Clinic, we understand how important it is for patients to walk without pain and live comfortably. In this blog, we will look at the future of knee revision replacement, the modern techniques doctors are using, and the positive outcomes patients can expect. What Is Knee Revision Replacement Surgery? Knee revision replacement surgery is performed when a previous knee replacement stops working properly. The reasons may include: The artificial joint wearing out over time Infection in the replaced knee Loosening of the implant Severe pain or stiffness Accidents or injuries around the knee In this surgery, the old implant is remo...
Read more

The Future of Sports Medicine: Smarter ACL Injury Treatments for Active Lifestyles

Image
Sports medicine is rapidly evolving, and today’s athletes - whether professional or recreational - are benefiting from smarter, faster, and more effective treatments than ever before. One of the most common sports injuries, ACL Reconstruction Surgery , has long been a challenge for athletes eager to return to their active lifestyles. Thankfully, modern medicine is stepping up with advanced techniques that make recovery more efficient, less painful, and longer-lasting. At Lancashire Hip & Knee Clinic , we are at the forefront of these innovations, offering advanced solutions such as ACL Reconstruction Surgery, Total Hip Replacement, Total Knee Replacement Surgery, and Knee & Joint Arthroscopic Surgery - all designed to help patients regain mobility and strength safely. Understanding ACL Injuries The ACL is one of the main ligaments that stabilise your knee. It connects the thigh bone (femur) to the shin bone (tibia), playing a key role in movements like pivoting, twisting, and j...
Read more