Revision Knee Replacementin India

Overview

Revision total knee replacement is a surgery that repairs or replaces a damaged or failed knee prosthesis with a new prosthesis. In simpler terms, it is a replacement of total knee replacement, meaning a second knee replacement surgery. The surgery, therefore, serves as a second procedure that addresses the issues arising from the primary knee replacement surgery. Moreover, knee revision surgery is a complex procedure that requires careful planning, specialized implants and elements, as well as the experience of top orthopedic surgeons to achieve better outcomes.

Causes of Knee Implant Failure

Here are the initial causes of knee implant failure, such as:

Wear and Loosening: To function properly, the fixation of the implant plays a major role. Fixation is mainly achieved by cementing the implant onto the bone. In a few cases, however, surgeons use biologic fixation to secure the implant, which means no cement is used to fix the implant and bone.

It is important to understand the time duration of the implant because implants are fixed during the primary knee replacement surgery, so they eventually become loose over time or due to an injury. Additionally, excessive usage of the knee in activities, excess body weight, or wear of the polyethylene components can all contribute to implant loosening.

One of the major symptoms of a loose prosthesis is pain, along with a change in alignment or instability.

Infection: As technology continues to advance, the chances of infection have become less than 1%. With advanced surgical techniques and antibiotics, the infection risk has significantly reduced. However, unfortunately, if an infection occurs, it can make the condition more complex and devastating.

Revision surgery for an infected knee can take various forms, depending upon the site of infection and the damage it causes to the knee.

The basic procedures that surgeons may choose include:

• Performing a normal washout of the knee while keeping the primary prosthesis component in place.
• Exchanging the implants with new ones.

Instability: The condition of instability occurs when the soft-tissue structures near the knee fail to provide the necessary stability for walking or standing. As a result, pain or discomfort are common symptoms of knee instability. Unfortunately, this condition cannot be treated through non-surgical methods. Instead, it can only be managed using bracing, physical therapy, or, in severe cases, revision surgery.

Leg Fractures: The extent or type of fracture will determine whether revision surgery is needed. Specifically, revision surgery is required if the fracture is of the periprosthetic type, as this can disrupt the fixation or stability of the implant.

During the surgery, leading orthopedic surgeons in India remove the old implant and replace it with a new one. If needed, bone grafts are used to fill gaps in weakened bone.

Revision surgery takes longer than primary surgery, typically lasting around 2-3 hours. Bone grafts are usually autografts (taken from the patient’s own body) or allografts (donated bone tissue from a bone bank or donor).

Finally, the revision knee replacements are securely inserted.

Procedure of Revision Knee Replacement Surgery

During the surgery, leading orthopedic surgeons in India first remove the old implant and then replace it with a new one. If needed, bone grafts are also used to fill gaps in weakened bone.

Moreover, revision surgery takes longer than primary surgery, typically lasting around 2-3 hours. Additionally, bone grafts are usually autografts (taken from the patient’s own body) or allografts (donated bone tissue from a bone bank or donor).

Finally, the revision knee replacements are securely inserted, ensuring improved stability and function.

Cost of revision knee replacement in India

The cost of revision knee replacement in India is budget-friendly and much lower than in Western countries. Moreover, top orthopedic hospitals in India provide excellent facilities and services.

Experienced and highly skilled orthopedic surgeons perform the procedure with great precision, leading to better results. India is among the top destinations for advanced medical technology and high-quality care for international patients.

Summary

Revision total knee replacement is a surgery that repairs or replaces a damaged or failed knee prosthesis with a new prosthesis.

The surgery, therefore, serves as a second procedure that addresses the issues arising from the primary knee replacement surgery.