Primary & Revision Knee Replacement

Primary Knee Replacement and Revision Knee Replacement are surgical procedures related to the knee joint, commonly performed to relieve pain and restore function in patients with severe arthritis or knee damage.

Primary Knee Replacement (Total Knee Arthroplasty)

Primary knee replacement is the first surgery a patient undergoes to replace a damaged or worn-out knee joint. It is typically performed for conditions like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or traumatic injury to the knee joint.

Indications:

• Severe knee pain and stiffness that limits daily activities.
• Knee deformities, such as bowing in or out of the knee.
• Inadequate relief from conservative treatments like medication, physical therapy, or injections.

Types:

• Total Knee Replacement (TKR): The entire knee joint is replaced.
• Partial Knee Replacement (PKR): Only the damaged portion of the knee is replaced, preserving as much of the natural bone and tissue as possible.

Revision Knee Replacement

Revision knee replacement is a more complex procedure done when a previously implanted knee prosthesis fails or wears out. It involves removing the old prosthetic components and replacing them with new ones.

Indications:

• Prosthesis Wear: Over time, the components of the original knee replacement may wear out, typically after 15-20 years.
• Loosening of the Implant: The knee replacement may become loose, causing pain and instability.
• Infection: Infection around the knee joint can lead to the need for revision surgery.
• Fracture: A bone fracture around the implant may require surgery to revise the knee replacement.
• Instability or Misalignment: If the knee becomes unstable or improperly aligned, revision surgery may be necessary.

Both procedures aim to restore function, reduce pain, and improve the patient's quality of life, but revision knee replacement is typically performed after a primary replacement fails or develops complications.