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Experience Total Knee Revision

A total knee revision, also called revision total knee arthroscopy, is performed in order to remove a previous knee implant (artificial knee joint or prosthesis) and replace it with a new implant. During total knee revision surgery, a surgeon may take a bone graft from the patient's body or from another donor.

If you’ve had a knee replacement but are experiencing problems with your knee joint, experienced orthopaedic surgeons at UPMC perform total knee revision. 

Why Is a Total Knee Revision Performed?

A knee revision is often performed for these reasons:

  • To relieve pain in the affected area
  • Restore mobility and range of motion
  • Remove a loose or damaged prosthesis before more harm is done to the joint

A knee implant may come loose if there is inflammation in the knee joint, or if the prosthesis has become infected or completely dislocated.

What to Expect with Total Knee Revision at UPMC

A total knee revision will be performed by a skilled orthopaedic surgeon at UPMC. You’ll have general anesthesia and won’t feel any pain. The procedure will take about three hours and will be similar to a traditional knee replacement. Your surgeon will remove the old knee prosthesis and any damaged bone at the end of the femur, then place a new implant in it’s place. Bone grafts may be used to strengthen the attachment to the new implant.

Revision surgery for an infected knee will require two separate operations. During the first operation, your surgeon will remove the old knee implant and insert a special “spacer block” in its place that has been treated with antibiotics to fight the infection. The incision will then be closed and the block will remain inside the knee for about six weeks while the infection heals. Once the infection has cleared up, your surgeon will implant the new knee prosthesis.

Total Knee Replacement Recovery

Caring for a new revision will be the same as a knee replacement, including rehabilitation, physical therapy and pain medication. The length of recovery will depend on your age and overall health.

UPMC Orthopaedics specializes in total knee revisions in Williamsport and Wellsboro, PA.