Revision Surgery
A replacement joint that wears out, loosens or develops a problem, can be resurfaced or replaced. This process is called knee revision surgery.
The success rate for revision surgery is generally lower than for original knee replacement surgery. This is because the bone is weaker and the implant is more likely to loosen.
Individuals usually have knee revision surgery because of unbearable pain and/or loss of function. In revision knee surgery, the surgeon removes the original implant, cement, surrounding tissue and dead bone. Then a new implant is inserted.
In many cases the knee failure is caused by loosening of the implant. In these cases it may be difficult to repair the destroyed bone around the failed implant. Successful repair is essential for restoring stability in the new implant.
The surgeon may use a special revision knee implant. The revision implant must be firmly anchored in the healthy skeleton for stability. Revision implants are bulkier than regular implants and have a longer shaft.
Zimmer NexGen CR-Flex Knee Problems
Individuals who are now experiencing early failure of their Zimmer NexGen CR-Flex knee are more likely to experience:
- Diminished range of motion in their revised knee.
- Reduced walking capacity compared to the original replacement knee.
- Diminished overall mobility in the revised knee.
Sadly, for these individuals the rate of loosening in a revision knee implant is higher than it was with the original Zimmer NexGen CR-Flex knee.
Complications from Revision Knee Surgery May Include:
- Infection (in only two to four percent of cases).
- Loosening of the new implant (in 10 to 15 percent of cases).
- Dislocation (twice as common as for a primary procedure).
- One leg is shorter than the other.
- Bone loss in the joint (grafting sometimes helps).
Source:
http://www.csmc.edu/Patients/Programs-and-Services/Orthopaedic-Center
/Treatment/Revision-Knee-Surgery.aspx
http://www.totaljoints.info/LOOSE_TOTAL_KNEE.htm
http://www.totaljoints.info/IF_TKNEE_FAILS.htm
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