Revision Knee Replacement Specialist
-
- Tweet
Orthopedic Specialists of Louisiana
Dr. Jeffrey Pearson
Orthopedic Surgeon located in Shreveport, LA & Bossier City, LA
Knee replacement surgery restores mobility and alleviates chronic pain for people with severe knee problems, but sometimes the replacement joint may fail. If you're experiencing difficulties with a replacement knee, Jeffrey Pearson, MD, at Orthopedic Specialists of Louisiana in Shreveport and Bossier City, Louisiana, can help. Dr. Pearson performs revision knee replacement surgery to address any issues with your artificial joint. Find out how revision surgery can resolve your knee replacement problems by calling Orthopedic Specialists of Louisiana or scheduling an appointment online today.
Revision Knee Replacement Q & A
What is revision knee replacement?
Revision knee replacement is a surgery for patients who already have an artificial joint.
For most patients, knee replacement surgery resolves chronic pain and restores function to the knee, enabling them to live active, rewarding lives. But, unfortunately, in a few cases, something might go wrong with the new knee.
If you're experiencing knee pain and swelling, stiffness, or instability, it could be due to a failure of the replacement knee that requires further surgery.
Why might I need revision knee replacement surgery?
Dr. Pearson might recommend revision knee replacement if you have pain and loss of function from:
Infection
Bacteria could get into the joint during or after the initial surgery, causing a painful infection. Revision knee replacement may be necessary to treat it and make sure the joint is secure.
Loose and worn implants
Over time, parts of your replacement knee can wear or loosen. These problems are more likely to affect patients who have knee replacements at a younger age since their life expectancy could be longer than that of the replacement joint.
Fractures
If you fall on your artificial knee, it could result in a periprosthetic fracture – breaks in the bones surrounding your implant.
Instability
The ligaments that enable you to bend your knee and help keep it stable may suffer damage leading to joint instability, where your replacement joint weakens and may give way. Physical therapy and bracing can often resolve this issue, but where they can't, revision knee replacement may be necessary.
Stiffness
If you aren't regaining a reasonable range of motion after your original knee replacement, you may have a build-up of scar tissue around the joint. Dr. Pearson might be able to manipulate your knee under anesthesia to break up the scar tissue, but if this is unsuccessful, he can carry out revision knee replacement surgery.
What happens when I have revision knee replacement surgery?
Revision knee replacement takes longer and is more technically challenging than your original surgery. The implants used for revision knee replacement may be different from the original parts.
Dr. Pearson first needs to examine the implant, bone, and surrounding tissues. He may then remove the components if they're worn, which he does with great care to avoid the loss of natural bone.
He treats any infection present and inserts an antibiotic spacer. Some patients need additional joint support using platform blocks and metal augments where there's significant bone loss.
If your artificial knee is painful, stiff, unstable, or swollen, talk to Dr. Pearson about revision knee replacement. Call Orthopedic Specialists of Louisiana or book an appointment online today.
