Revision kneeprothesis

Revision Knee replacement Complaints

A revision of a (knee prosthesis means that (part of) your knee prosthesis must be replaced, depending on the reason for revision.
Before a revision of your knee replacement is necessary, you often suffer from one of the following symptoms:

A previously well-functioning knee prosthesis will cause pain caused by loosening when the implant become loose within the bone
An unstable feeling. This may be due to a worn-out of the meniscus
The mobility of the knee is reduced due to pain and swelling
An X-ray determines loosening or wear of the prosthesis

The knee revision may be needed to treat an infection, followed by a revision months later. In knees without infection only loose parts will be replaced.

Treatment

The procedure of a knee revision is as follows:

The operation is performed under general anesthesia or spinal anesthesia
Once the damaged parts has been removed, the revision parts can be inserted and prepared to fit and stabilize the knee
With the parts inserted, the knee joint performance is examined and finally placed in position.
The wound is applied with a drain for excess of blood and/or fluid disposal, local anesthesia and closed with stitches
After 14 days the wound is inspected and stitches removed

We use the latest techniques to minimize tissue damage so that recovery is progressing at a fast pace after surgery.

Preparation

Prior to your surgery, you will have a physical examination. You visit the doctor's assistant and / or anesthesiologist to determine whether the operation is possible. Besides they will explain the various forms of anesthesia and pain management, both during and after surgery. More information about anesthesia, click here.
Finally the day of surgery of is scheduled. The total hospital stay is planned for two or three days. You arrive on the day of surgery at the clinic. The days after surgery are used to recover and to receive instructions and exercise from the physical therapist.
You should borrow crutches as you will need them to walk following your surgery. For more information click www.thuiszorgwinkel.nl.
Usually it takes the two weeks to walk with a crutch at home. If you have lack of help at home please discuss this with the transfer nurse of the Vlietland hospital or home care setting of your home.

To undergo a knee revision is not a daily matter. A knee replacement is major surgery with an extended recovery period. It is important to consider all consequences. The better your physical condition before your treatment, the better your recovery after surgery.

Day of surgery

At your arrival please wear comfortable clothing and shoes. Bring your personal items such as medicines, clean clothes, toilet articles and your crutches with you. Leave valuables at home as much as possible.

You appear sober at the hospital
After your medical preparation prior to surgery you will positioned and treated in the operating suite
After surgery you will be moved to the recovery room to recover from your anesthesia
Back on the ward the nurse checks you out. During the immediate recovery period you are given intravenous fluids and pain medication.

The day after your surgery, the physical therapist will show you how to exercise and walking with crutches

Recovery knee revision

The recovery period after a knee replacement comprises several months.

The days after surgery you are still hospitalized. You get pain medication and you start physical therapy immediately with instructions for home practice. After two days, the wound dressing will be removed and the wound assessed.
After a few days the pain is usually bearable and pain medication will be reduced. Additionally, blood thinners will be prescribed to prevent thrombosis and pulmonary embolism.
Two weeks after surgery you use two crutches and while progressing in recovering occur you use one crutch, used on the unoperated side.
The stitches will be removed about 14 days after surgery
Do not drive a car by yourself or ride a bike.
During 6 weeks you use the supporting stocking, day and night
During the recovery process, you will return to a more active and normal lifestyle within 6 to 12 months. The recovery period depends on the patient and his or her condition.

Complications

Even the most minor of surgical operations carries some risk of complications occurring. Knee replacement surgery is very successful, and complications are relatively uncommon, considering the complexity of the procedure. Complications may be related to anesthesia. For information, click here.

Consult your surgeon with the following complications:

Bleeding in the knee after surgery
The wound remain sensitive sometimes long after surgery
There may be a thrombosis or pulmonary embolism occur
Instability of the knee prosthesis
The prosthesis ‘clicks’ during movements
Infection of the knee caused by the knee prosthesis
Damage to the knee prosthesis structures around the knee, such as nerves or blood vessels, which is very rare.
Progressive osteoarthritis as a result of a hemi prosthesis

Expectations

Sometimes the outcome of knee surgery is not what you had expected, for example chronic pain sensations.
Important: an infection elsewhere in the body (dental) poses a risk to your prosthesis. Please consult your surgeon or general practitioner

Frequent asked questions (FAQ)

How long takes a revision of a knee replacement procedure?
The average duration of a knee replacement session is between 45 and 75 minutes.

How often is knee replacement performed each year in the Netherlands?
About 18,000 knee prostheses each year. Our orthopedic surgeons are specialized in performing this procedure.

How long will a knee replacement last?
Research shows that 80% stays longer than 20 years. Each individual has potential differences, especially in relative young patients and heavy use can shorten the lifecycle.

How old do I have a knee replacement to get?
For people in "middle age" or older, a knee replacement is usually the best choice to relieve the pain of knee arthritis, and restore a reasonable level of function.

Will I ‘beep’ at an airport, with knee prosthesis, as I go through the gate?
Not common but especially in thin patients or multiple implants it can happen.

Prepare yourself by reading all the information given. For any questions please telephone or email contact with Orthopedium.