/assets/production/practices/bedbdc5acae1db30b9b27f48d94bb0fe488e3156/images/2488165.png)
Revision Knee Replacement services offered in Nashville and Murfreesboro, TN
Revision knee replacement surgery might be necessary if you’re suffering problems with an artificial knee. Fellowship-trained joint replacement surgeon Robert Otto, MD, specializes in performing revision knee replacements. Dr. Otto is part of the Southern Joint Replacement Institute and has offices in Nashville and Murfreesboro, Tennessee. His extensive skills enable him to resolve issues like infection and faulty components that sometimes develop in replacement knees. To benefit from his considerable expertise in revision knee replacement surgery, call Robert J Otto MD today or book an appointment online.
What is revision knee replacement?
You might benefit from revision knee replacement if you have problems with an existing replacement joint.
For most people, knee replacement surgery provides exceptional results, relieving chronic pain and restoring function to the knee so they can live active, fulfilling lives. Unfortunately, for some patients, things don’t work out so well with their new knee.
If you start experiencing pain, swelling, stiffness, or instability in your replacement knee, you may need revision surgery to resolve the problem.
When would I need revision knee replacement surgery?
Dr. Otto might recommend you have revision knee replacement surgery if you’re suffering pain and loss of function in the new knee. The most likely reasons for this are:
Infection
Bacteria may enter the new joint during or following your initial surgery, resulting in a painful infection. Revision knee replacement treats the infection and ensures the joint is secure.
Loose or worn implants
As time passes, parts of your replacement knee might wear or become loose. This kind of wear-and-tear issue is more likely to affect you if you had your knee replacement when you were young. You might simply outlive the life expectancy of the replacement knee.
Fractures
Periprosthetic fractures are breaks in the bones around your implant that can occur if you suffer a fall or other trauma.
Instability
The ligaments in your knees stabilize the joint and enable you to move the knee. If they suffer damage, it can lead to joint instability, where your knee feels weak and may give way. Wearing a knee brace and having physical therapy can often resolve this problem, but you might need revision knee replacement surgery if it doesn’t.
Stiffness
Sometimes scar tissue builds up around the replacement joint. If you don’t regain sufficient range of motion after knee replacement surgery, it might be possible to manipulate the joint under anesthetic to break up the scar tissue. If this method doesn’t work, Dr. Otto can address the problem with revision knee replacement surgery.
What happens during revision knee replacement surgery?
Revision knee replacement is a longer procedure that’s more challenging than the original surgery. Dr. Otto examines the implant, bones, and soft tissues first. He may remove worn or damaged components and replace them, taking great care to avoid further loss of natural bone.
Dr. Otto treats any infection in the joint by inserting a temporary antibiotic spacer to protect the knee from any remaining bacteria. Once the infection is treated with antibiotics, a second surgery is performed to place the new knee replacement. If there’s significant bone loss, you might need additional joint support with metal augments and stems to anchor it into the bone.
If your replacement knee is causing you pain or limiting movement, talk to Dr. Otto about revision knee replacement surgery. Call his office today or book an appointment online.