What is a Revision Knee Replacement?

A revision knee replacement is a redo operation performed when a previous total or partial knee replacement has failed. It involves removing some or all of the old implant and replacing it with new parts.

While many knee replacements last for the rest of the patient’s life, sometimes problems arise that make revision surgery necessary.

Why Might a Knee Replacement Need Revision?

There are several reasons why a knee replacement may fail and require further surgery:

• Implant loosening or wear – Over time, the artificial parts may loosen from the bone or wear out, causing pain and instability.
• Infection – Infection around the joint may make revision necessary.
• Instability – If the knee keeps “giving way”, revision may be required.
• Fractures – A break in the bone around the implant can destabilise the knee.
• Stiffness and scarring – Severe stiffness that does not improve with physiotherapy may need surgical correction.
• Mechanical failure – Rarely, the implant parts may break or deform.

What Happens During Revision Surgery?

Revision knee replacement is usually more complex than the first (primary) knee replacement. The surgery may involve:

• Removing the old implant – either the tibial component, femoral component, or both.
• Assessing and repairing bone – sometimes bone grafts are used to rebuild areas of bone loss.
• Inserting a new implant – revision implants are often larger and specially designed to provide extra stability.
• Repairing or adjusting soft tissues – such as ligaments, tendons, and muscles, if needed.

The operation often takes longer than the first knee replacement.

Watch video of Revision Knee Replacement

Recovery and Rehabilitation

Recovery after revision knee replacement can take longer than after the first surgery, especially if bone grafting or major reconstruction is required.

In hospital:

• You will be monitored for infection, bleeding, or blood clots.
• Pain medications and antibiotics will be given.
• Walking aids such as crutches or a walker may be needed.
• Physiotherapy will begin early to restore movement.

At home:

• Keep the wound clean and dry as advised.
• Elevate the leg to reduce swelling.
• Do physiotherapy exercises regularly to regain strength and motion.

Typical recovery timeline:

• Walking with support: within days to weeks.
• Returning to everyday activities: 8–12 weeks.
• Full recovery: 6–12 months (sometimes longer than the first knee replacement).

Risks and Challenges

Because revision knee replacement is more complicated, the risks are higher than for a first knee replacement. These include:

• Infection.
• Blood clots.
• Knee stiffness.
• Nerve or blood vessel injury.
• Ongoing pain or instability.
• Implant loosening or failure over time.
• The possibility of further revision surgery in the future.

REQUEST AN APPOINTMENT