One of the most fruitful orthopedic operations of the 20th century was total knee replacement (TKR). This is because TKR provides significant pain reduction and functional improvement. Implant surgery's success rate and durability have risen considerably thanks to technological and material advancements.

More than 85%-90% of patients may expect their complete knee replacements to continue working well for at least 20-25 years due to advancements in implant design and surgical methods. However, in some cases, the knee replacement must be replaced again.

In India, a second (or third, or fourth...) knee replacement is considered a big operation due to the increased difficulty of the procedure. Scar tissue, bone loss, and instability can all accumulate over time, making revision surgery extremely challenging.

Knee Replacements: How Long Do They Last? 

Knee replacements typically endure for decades. However, the necessity for an early revision of a knee replacement is not unheard of. To successfully execute a revision knee replacement surgery, it is essential to understand why a knee replacement has worn out.

New materials and surgical techniques are expected to lead to knee replacements that survive even longer than the current average of more than two decades. Only 2% of people who get a knee replacement will need a revision procedure within a few years.

When a complete knee prosthesis has already been implanted and has failed, the patient may undergo revision surgery to have a new prosthesis placed. As the pain from the damaged knee worsens, many people opt for a second knee replacement surgery. While discomfort is a valid complaint, it is not sufficient cause to proceed with revision knee replacement surgery. Replacement surgery for discomfort without an apparent reason is highly unlikely to be successful. Instead, a thorough understanding of what went wrong with the knee replacement and a strategy for fixing it are required. Without a well-thought-out plan, any effort to resolve the issue will surely fail. A successful outcome from this treatment calls for careful preparation, the use of unique implants and instruments, a lengthy operating time, and familiarity with intricate surgical techniques.

The most common complications following joint replacement that call for corrective surgery include:-

Implant loosening. - This is by far the most frequent issue following a joint replacement. Joint replacement involves cementing or fitting new standard components into place. However, microscopic particles can break away from the bone and implant due to friction, which might weaken the connections over time. Joint discomfort and instability are possible consequences.

Joint dislocation. - New joints can become misaligned and "pop" out of place occasionally. This is a typical problem following hip replacement surgery. Scar tissue prevents normal joint movement, insufficient strength in the muscles around the joint, and failure to adhere to post-operative care protocols are all potential causes.

Infection. - Pain and swelling can develop to the point that a revision is necessary if an infection occurs at the joint replacement site. Due to modern medical practices and antibiotics, joint revision surgery is rarely required due to conditions. Doctors may order a blood test or perform a joint aspiration to diagnose an infection.

Constantly worsening joint issues. - A revision may be necessary if the artificial joint shows signs of wear, loosening, or another disease that could lead to bone fracture or deterioration beyond the point of correction. An X-ray of the affected joint could disclose this.

When the bone breaks around the artificial parts of a knee replacement, it is called a periprosthetic fracture. Most typically, the result of a fall, these fractures necessitate additional surgical intervention.

Your doctor will evaluate the quality of the remaining bone, the kind and location of the fracture, and the degree of implant looseness to determine the extent of the revision required. Bone fractures and osteoporosis can necessitate a more significant revision component to replace the missing or weaker bone.

Total knee replacement is a relatively effective operation for most patients, but it does fail in a small percentage of cases. An increase in discomfort or a decline in knee function are two indicators that could point to joint breakdown. Knee implants can loosen or come free, get infected, break, or become unstable, leading to the knee giving up.

Revision knee surgery with today's state-of-the-art procedures and materials typically results in significant pain reduction and enhanced function, but this is not always the case. To get good results from a revision TKR, you must have an experienced surgeon and careful preparation.

Dr. Sunil Rajan is one of the Best robotic joint replecment surgeons in MP and provides Knee, Hip and Shoulder Joint Replacement Surgery in Indore at affordable cost in his clinic. Book An Appointment Now With best Joint replacement surgeon in Indore, Call Us Now +91 9826200015 & Visit Online - https://www.drsunilrajan.com/

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