Knee Revision Surgery in Schaumburg, IL
Knee Revision Surgery
Knee revision surgery is different from knee replacement surgery. During this procedure, the original prosthesis of a patient who has previously had knee replacement surgery is removed and replaced with a new prosthesis. Patients who require knee revision surgery are those whose artificial knee implants fail to provide adequate function due to either infection or general wear and tear.
At Barrington Orthopedic Specialists, our experienced, high-quality board-certified, fellowship-trained surgeons can restore functionality to your artificial knee joint by replacing damaged components with healthy, new ones. Our team will work alongside you at every step of your surgery and help you develop a personalized rehabilitation plan to ensure a healthy, smooth recovery. Our knee revision specialists include:
If you have had knee replacement surgery and are experiencing renewed pain, instability, or declining function, do not wait for your condition to worsen. Schedule your first consultation with the team at Barrington Orthopedic Specialists. If you're in an emergency situation, visit the Immediate Care Clinic at our Schaumburg, IL location.
What Is Knee Revision Surgery? Understanding the Procedure
Joint replacement surgery is one of the greatest medical advances of our time. Knee replacements have been performed in millions of Americans over the last four decades, improving patients' quality of life by easing pain, improving range of motion, and increasing activity levels.
Although joint replacement surgery has been remarkably successful, approximately ten percent of implants will fail and require a second procedure — called a revision — to remove the old implants and replace them with new components. Current knee replacements are expected to perform well for at least 20 to 25 years in 90 percent of patients, owing to several factors: more surgeries are being performed on older individuals who place lower demands on their implants, and modern materials and surgical techniques have significantly improved the quality of implant fixation to bone.
That said, as increasing numbers of younger patients undergo these procedures — and as seniors continue to live longer — a growing segment of joint replacement patients will eventually outlast their implants. Joint revision surgery is a complex procedure that requires extensive preoperative planning, specialized implants and tools, and mastery of advanced surgical techniques.
When Is Revision Surgery Needed?
The decision to perform a revision joint replacement is based on several factors. The joint may become painful or swollen due to loosening, wear, or infection. The function of the implant may decline, resulting in a limp, stiffness, or instability. Serial examinations or X-rays may also reveal changes in the position or condition of the implant components — any of which can indicate that revision surgery is necessary. Revision surgery is typically performed as a planned, non-emergency procedure.
Surgical Technique
Knee revision surgery proceeds along a stepwise surgical pattern tailored to the patient's condition and the characteristics of both the failed and replacement components. Reconstruction of the knee bones is a central part of the procedure. Some revisions involve bone quality nearly equivalent to a primary replacement, while others present more severe bone loss requiring the use of bone graft, metallic plates, special components, cages, or screws. Once bone reconstruction is complete, the process of implantation begins.
Revision Implants
Revision implants may be similar in size to primary implants, or they may include extensive stems, wedges, and build-ups to accommodate poor bone quality. They may also substitute for damaged or absent ligaments. Fixation is most often achieved with bone cement, though uncemented techniques are selected in certain cases based on patient anatomy and surgeon preference.
Joint Replacement Surgeons at BOS
Meet the fellowship-trained joint replacement surgeons who evaluate failed knee replacements and perform knee revision surgery for patients across the Barrington Orthopedic Specialists network.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Difference Between Knee Replacement and Knee Revision Surgery?+
A primary knee replacement involves removing damaged bone and cartilage and implanting an artificial prosthesis for the first time. Knee revision surgery, by contrast, is a reoperation in which a previously placed implant is removed and replaced with new components. Revision surgery is significantly more complex than a primary replacement due to changes in bone quality, scar tissue, and the need for specialized implants and planning.
What Are the Most Common Reasons a Knee Implant Fails?+
The most common causes of implant failure include mechanical loosening of the components over time, accelerated wear of the implant surfaces, infection around the prosthesis, instability of the joint, and fracture of the bone surrounding the implant. In some cases, implant failure is related to the patient outliving the expected lifespan of the device, which is more common among younger, more active patients.
How Is Knee Revision Surgery Different From a Primary Replacement in Terms of Complexity?+
Knee revision surgery is considerably more involved than a primary knee replacement. The surgeon must carefully remove the existing implant while preserving as much healthy bone as possible, then address any bone loss before implanting the new components. This often requires specialized tools, custom or augmented implant systems, and detailed preoperative imaging and planning. Recovery may also take longer than after a first-time replacement.
How Long Does Recovery Take After Knee Revision Surgery?+
Recovery time varies depending on the complexity of the revision, the patient's overall health, and the extent of bone reconstruction required. Most patients can expect a rehabilitation process lasting several months, with a gradual return to daily activities over 3 to 6 months. Your care team at Barrington Orthopedic Specialists will develop a personalized rehabilitation plan to guide your recovery and help you regain strength, stability, and mobility in your knee.
When Should I See a Doctor About My Knee Replacement?+
You should schedule an evaluation if you notice renewed or worsening pain in a previously replaced knee, swelling or warmth around the joint, a feeling of instability or looseness, difficulty walking, or any sudden change in how the knee feels or functions. These may be signs that your implant has loosened, worn, or become infected. Early evaluation allows our team to identify the problem accurately and recommend the most appropriate course of treatment before the condition worsens.