It’s likely that you are not alone in your experience of a knee implant losing functionality, comfort, and a range of motion over time after having a knee implant. You are likely looking for some answers. Second Knee Replacement Surgery in Chandigarh is much more common than many patients suspect. Understanding why it is necessary, and the process in general, including recovery, can help to reduce the fear associated with the process. In this post, we will discuss the reasoning, the warning signs, what the procedure is like, and what you can expect for recovery.
What Is a Second Knee Replacement?
Also commonly referred to as revision knee replacement, a second knee replacement is the process of replacing a knee implant that is old, loose, or functioning sub-optimally. Addressing straightforward arthritis is typically the challenge of the first surgery. Because a knee joint that is operated on once already is typically of a more complex state, this surgery generally involves replacing the old components of the knee, filling a void where bone is missing, and placing a new knee implant.
Because this is a more complex procedure than the initial surgery, it is important that it be performed by a surgeon who has a lot of experience with revision joint care.
Why Do Knee Implants Fail?
There are multiple reasons knee implants encounter failure. At Apex Orthopedics, common reasons we believe may be contributing to failed knee replacement surgery in Chandigarh include:
- Loosening or Worn out Implants – Metal and plastic components may completely fail to bond or lose a grip to on the bone.
- Infections – Threatening the stability of an implant, even a mild infection surrounding the implant may be cause for implant removal.
- Knee Implant Instability – Implants may fail to function should the knee shift or feels as though it is giving out.
- Bone Loss – Instead of an implant, an over time even natural bone may decay. This significantly affects the elderly and/or patients suffering from osteoporosis.
- Implant Fractures – An injury or fall may cause fractures of bone surrounding a prosthesis.
- Scar Tissue – This causes stiffness and discomfort and may even restrict normal movement of the knee.
At Apex Orthopedics, we believe addressing these issues quickly, rather than on an implant-by-implant basis, may preserve the function of the surrounding joints.
Signs Revision Surgery May Be Needed
Not everything that feels off after a knee replacement is genuinely an issue, but the following symptoms should be taken seriously:
- Swollen or warm knee years post-operation
- Sounds of grinding, clicking, or popping when the knee is moved
- Pain that is worsening when walking, climbing, or standing
- The knee feels like it is giving out or unstable
- An observable change in the alignment of the leg
- A decreased ability to fully extend the knee compared to previous months
Should you find yourself experiencing any of these symptoms, you may see an orthopedist for imaging in order to see if your knee replacement is becoming loosened, infected, or mechanically failing.
How a Second Knee Replacement Surgery is Performed
A second knee replacement procedure is more complex than a first knee replacement procedure. Here is what is involved in a typical second knee replacement:
- Detailed Assessment – X-rays, blood work, and possibly a sample of joint fluid are taken to check for a possible infection.
- Assessing the Surgery – Because bone has been altered from the first replacement, surgeons are assisted with highly specialized imaging or robotic surgery to see how the implant will fit.
- Removing Old Implant – The Old Implant is Extracted.
- Reconstruction of Bone (if indicated) – Specialized Revision Implants or bone grafting may be required.
- New Implant is Placed – This Revision Implant comes with a stable, extended, and specialized Revision Implant.
- Closure and Recovery Planning – The surgical team develops a plan to begin rehabilitation based on the patient’s mobility objectives.
Use of robotic-assisted techniques has made this second surgery considerably easier and allows the surgeon to be more accurate with alignment, particularly in the setting of less than ideal bone.
Recovery After a Second Knee Surgery
Typically, recovery after a repeat procedure is a bit more involved than the original surgery. This is primarily due to the added recovery time for the surrounding tissue. Most patients will experience the following:
- A hospital stay of a few days (this varies based on complexity)
- Immediate post-op physiotherapy (within 1–2 days) to help with movement
- Walking unassisted after approximately 4–6 weeks
- A return to normal activity after approximately 3–6 months (this varies per person)
Length of recovery also depends on how well a patient adheres to their physiotherapy plan and how well they attend their post-operative appointments.
Selecting the Correct Revision Knee Surgery
When it comes to expertise, nothing is more telling than a complicated procedure. A good Revision Joint Replacement team has:
- Specialized, advanced training and a large volume of Revision Joint Replacement cases
- Advanced imaging and/or robotics for implantation precision
- An understanding of why the patient’s prior Joint Replacement failed and the ability to articulate it
- A system of post-operative rehabilitation that is ongoing and well structured
Commonly asked questions
- What is the lifespan for a knee implant?
Most knee implants can last 15-20 years. There are many factors, such as activity, body weight, bone health, etc.
- On a scale of 1 to 10 how would you compare the pain for a second knee replacement to the pain of a first surgery?
Everyone has a different pain experience. Pain management has advanced, and pain for the surgeries is about the same.
- What are some causes of unsuccessful knee replacements in Chandigarh?
The same things that cause failed knee surgeries anywhere cause them in Chandigarh. Wear of the implant, infection, knee instability, loss of bone, etc. There may be more success in diagnosing failed implants when there is a greater number of skilled Revision Surgeons.
- Would it be possible to treat an infected knee implant without removing it?
In the early stages of some infections, it may be possible to treat the infection without a full implant removal. However, most situations require a removal of the infected implant, clearing the infection, and placing a new implant in a two-part procedure.
- Is robotic surgery used for revision knee replacements?
Robotic-assisted technology can offer great benefits when used for revision cases by providing enhanced accuracy for surgery performed on altered bone anatomy.
- How soon can I walk after revision knee surgery?
Most patients are able to walk with assistance within one to two days after the surgery with the speed of progress based on physiotherapy.
Final Thoughts
Living with the frustration of knee pain due to a failing implant is not a necessary long-term reality. Second Knee Replacement Surgery in Chandigarh has improved dramatically with the use of robotic precision and highly skilled Surgical teams. If you are experiencing the symptoms of and implant that is failing and unstable, do not wait for the situation to worsen. A visit to the clinic may dramatically alter the rehabilitation and recovery to an active and pain-free lifestyle.
About Chandigarh Orthopaedics & Joint Replacement Institute (COJRI)
Dr. Sandeep Gupta – Director, Orthopaedic & Joint Replacement Surgery 📞 +91 98159 33514
Dr. Jatinder Singla – Orthopaedic & Joint Replacement Surgeon 📞 +91 84272 70319
🕘 Timings: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Locations:
- Max Hospital, Phase 6, Mohali
- Panchkula Clinic: House No. 222, Sector 4, Panchkula, Haryana 134112
- Chandigarh Clinic: Singla Clinics, House No. 3, Sector 19A, Chandigarh 160019
🌐 Website: https://cojri.com
Follow Us: