Total knee replacement is one of the most successful surgeries, provided the procedure is performed by a qualified and experienced surgeon. However, over a period of time, total knee replacement may fail for various reasons. In such cases, the patient will experience persistent pain and swelling in the knee. Stiffness and instability may hamper the daily routine activities of the patient.
Board certified orthopedic surgeons Dr. Steven Thomas and Dr. Gregory Bigler of the Knee and Shoulder Institute provide total knee replacement as well as revision total knee replacement procedures. Patients in Las Vegas, Nevada and surrounding communities have an opportunity to receive these advanced procedures at the fully integrated practice of Dr. Thomas and Dr. Bigler.
Overview of Revision Surgery
In case of revision total knee replacement surgery, the orthopedic surgeon will replace some or all parts of the original prosthesis. Revision surgery is more complex than the primary knee replacement procedure, involves more detailed planning and the use of specialized implants and tools to create desired outcomes.
Revision surgery will vary from one patient to another. Some patients may only require replacement of one implant or component of the prosthesis, while some others may need all three components – tibial, femoral, and patellar – to be replaced. The bone around the knee may have to be reconstructed with bone grafting or augments.
Standard total knee implants may not be used for revision knee replacement because of the damage to the bone. The surgeon will usually prefer to use specialized implants with thicker and longer stems that fit deeper into the bone for added support. Board certified orthopedic surgeons Dr. Bigler and Dr. Thomas receive patients from Las Vegas, Nevada and nearby areas for revision total knee replacement surgery.
Surgical Procedure
Revision total knee replacement procedure is typically performed using general anesthesia, and the surgery may take about two to three hours. The surgeon will follow the incision line created during the primary procedure. The kneecap and tendons will be moved to the side through the incision to reveal the knee joint.
The surgeon will then assess the soft tissue in the knee to ensure there is no infection. All the metal and plastic components of the prosthesis will be examined to identify the ones that have become loose, worn, or shifted out of position. The original implant will be removed with precision to preserve the maximum amount of bone.
If the primary procedure had involved the use of cement, this too will be removed. Thereafter, the surgeon will prepare the bone surfaces for the revision implant. In case of substantive bone loss, the surgeon may add platform blocks and metal augments to the main components for extra support. Bone autografting may be used in exceptional situations.
Finally, the surgeon will insert the specialized revision implant, repair the surrounding damaged soft tissue, and test the motion of the joint. Incisions will be closed carefully with sutures. Recovery will usually involve hospital stay for a few days. Pain management and physical therapy will be a part of the recovery process.
If you would like to schedule an appointment or learn more about the Knee and Shoulder Institute procedures & treatments performed by Las Vegas, Nevada board certified surgeons Steven C. Thomas, MD and Gregory T. Bigler, MD. call (702) 933-9393; Physical Therapy (702) 933-9394