Revision Knee Replacement
Knee Revision Surgeon in Colorado Springs
Although total knee replacement surgery is successful, sometimes the procedure can fail due to various reasons and may require revision surgery. Eric K. Jepson, DO provides diagnosis and individualized non-operative and operative treatment plans in Colorado Springs. Eric K. Jepson, DO also provides highly specialized care during and after the surgery. Contact Dr. Jepson's office for an appointment today!
What is Revision Knee Replacement?
Revision knee replacement surgery involves replacing a part or all your previous knee prosthesis with a new prosthesis. Although total knee replacement surgery is successful, sometimes the procedure can fail due to various reasons and may require a second revision surgery.
What is Arthritis?
The knee joints are lined by soft articular cartilage that cushion the joints and aid in smooth movement of the joint bones. Degeneration of the cartilage due to wear and tear leads to arthritis, which is characterized by severe pain.
What is Total Knee Replacement?
During total knee replacement, the damaged cartilage and bone is removed from the knee joint and replaced with artificial components. Artificial knee joints are usually made of metal, ceramic or plastic, and consist of the femoral and the tibial components.
What are the Indications for Revision Knee Replacement?
Revision knee replacement surgery may be advised if you have one or more of the following conditions:
- Trauma to the knee joint
- Chronic progressive joint disease
- Increased pain in the affected knee
- Worn out prosthesis
- Knee instability or a feeling of giving way while walking
- Loosening of the prosthesis
- Infection in the prosthetic joint
- Weakening of bone around the knee replacement - a process known as osteolysis (bone loss)
- Stiffness in the knee
- Fracture
What is the Procedure for Revision Knee Replacement?
Revision knee replacement surgery may involve the replacement of one or all the components.
The surgery is performed under general anesthesia. Your surgeon makes an incision over your knee to expose the knee joint. The kneecap along with its ligament may be moved aside so that there is enough room to perform the operation. Then, the old femoral component of the knee prosthesis is removed. The femur is prepared to receive the new component. In some cases, the damaged bone is removed and bone graft or a metal wedge may be used to make up for the lost bone.
Next, the tibial component along with the old plastic liner is removed. The damaged bone is cut and the tibia is prepared to receive the new component. Like the femur, the lost bone is replaced either by a metal wedge or bone graft. Then, a new tibial component is secured to the end of the bone using bone cement. A new plastic liner will be placed on top of the tibial component. If the patella (kneecap) has been damaged, your surgeon will resurface and attach a plastic component. The tibial and femoral components of the prosthesis are then brought together to form the new knee joint, and the knee muscles and tendons are reattached. Surgical drains are placed for the excess blood to drain out and the incision is closed.
What are the Risks and Complications of Revision Knee Replacement?
Like all major surgical procedures, there may be certain risks and complications involved with revision knee replacement surgery. The possible complications after revision knee replacement include:
- Stiffness in the knee
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Formation of blood clots in the leg veins
- Injury to nerves or blood vessels
- Prosthesis failure
- Patella (kneecap) dislocation
- Ligament injuries
What Does Postoperative Care for Revision Knee Replacement Involve?
Following revision knee replacement surgery, a continuous passive motion (CPM) machine may be used to allow your knee joint to slowly move. The machine, attached to the treated leg, slowly moves the joint through a controlled range of motion, while you are at rest.
You can walk with crutches or a walker. You will be sent for rehabilitation within a couple of days of surgery. A physical therapist will teach you specific exercises to strengthen your leg and restore range of motion to the knee. Your physical therapist will also provide you with a home exercise program to strengthen the thigh and calf muscles.
Knee immobilizers are used when performing physical therapy, walking and while sleeping to keep the knee stabilized.
Why Choose Dr. Jepson for Revision Knee Replacement in Colorado Springs, CO?
- Board-certified orthopaedic surgeon: Dr. Jepson is certified by the American Osteopathic Board of Orthopaedic Surgery.
- Fellowship-trained joint replacement specialist: He completed advanced training in total joint arthroplasty at the Florida Orthopaedic Institute.
- Experience with complex knee conditions: His clinical interests include difficult hip and knee problems, total joint replacement and revision surgery.
- Detailed diagnostic evaluation: Dr. Jepson evaluates the implants, surrounding bone, ligaments and soft tissues to identify the cause of pain or failure.
- Individualized revision planning: Treatment is planned according to implant condition, bone loss, knee stability, possible infection and functional goals.
- Patient-centered communication: Dr. Jepson explains the diagnosis, treatment options, surgical risks and expected recovery so patients can make informed decisions.
- Comprehensive recovery support: CSOG’s coordinated approach guides patients through preoperative preparation, surgery and rehabilitation.
Revision Knee Replacement FAQs
The evaluation typically includes a review of the original surgery and current symptoms, a physical examination and X-rays. Blood tests, joint aspiration or advanced imaging may also be recommended to identify infection, implant loosening, bone loss or other complications.
Yes. Revision surgery is generally more complex because the surgeon must remove existing components and manage scar tissue, altered anatomy or loss of supporting bone. Specialized implants, stems, metal augments or bone grafts may be required to rebuild the joint.
Not always. In some cases, only one component or the plastic liner needs replacement. Other patients require removal and replacement of the entire prosthesis. The extent of surgery depends on which components have failed and the condition of the surrounding bone and soft tissues.
Recovery is often longer than after an initial knee replacement. Patients may begin walking with assistance shortly after surgery, followed by physical therapy to restore strength and motion. The timeline depends on the complexity of the procedure, bone quality, general health and rehabilitation progress.
Potential risks include infection, bleeding, blood clots, stiffness, fracture, nerve or blood vessel injury, ligament damage, implant loosening and persistent pain. Revision procedures may carry greater risks than primary knee replacement because they are more complex. Dr. Jepson will discuss the risks relevant to your condition.
Schedule a Revision Knee Replacement Consultation in Colorado Springs
Pain, stiffness, swelling or instability following knee replacement should not be ignored. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Eric K. Jepson at Colorado Springs Orthopaedic Group for a comprehensive evaluation and personalized treatment recommendations. Contact CSOG to request an appointment at its North or South Campus for specialized revision knee replacement care in Colorado Springs, CO, and surrounding Southern Colorado communities.
