Overview
Revision total knee replacement (RTKR) is a surgical procedure performed to replace or repair a previously implanted knee prosthesis that has failed due to wear, loosening, infection, or instability. Unlike primary knee replacement, revision surgery is more complex, requiring advanced planning and specialized implants.
South Korea is known for expert orthopedic surgeons, advanced prosthetic options, and comprehensive rehabilitation programs, making revision knee replacement safe and effective with excellent long-term outcomes.
What is Revision Total Knee Replacement?
Revision total knee replacement involves removing the old prosthesis and replacing it with a new implant. Key points include:
✔ Addresses prosthetic failure, pain, instability, or infection.
➔ Restores knee function, mobility, and alignment.
● May involve bone grafts, specialized implants, or augments to manage bone loss.
★ More complex than primary knee replacement and requires experienced surgeons.
It is indicated for patients with prosthetic loosening, infection, persistent pain, stiffness, or malalignment following primary knee replacement.
What are the Benefits?
RTKR provides several advantages:
✔ Relieves pain and improves knee function.
➔ Corrects alignment, stability, and range of motion.
● Prolongs the life of the knee joint prosthesis.
★ Enhances quality of life, daily activity, and mobility.
➤ Reduces dependence on pain medications and assistive devices.
Procedure Details
1) How should I prepare for Revision Total Knee Replacement?
Preparation focuses on medical optimization and surgical planning:
✔ Medical evaluation: X-rays, CT scans, and lab tests to assess bone loss, prosthesis condition, and infection risk.
➔ Medication review: Adjust blood thinners and other relevant medications.
● Preoperative counseling: Discuss procedure complexity, expected outcomes, and potential risks.
★ Physical assessment: Evaluate muscle strength, mobility, and joint function.
➤ Anesthesia evaluation: General or regional anesthesia is used.
2) What happens during the Revision Total Knee Replacement procedure?
The procedure is performed in a sterile orthopedic operating room under anesthesia:
✔ Incision: The previous incision is usually reused; scar tissue is carefully dissected.
➔ Removal of old prosthesis: Loosened or damaged components are extracted.
● Bone preparation: Bone surfaces are cleaned and may require grafts or augments to restore support.
★ New prosthesis implantation: Specialized revision components are fitted and aligned precisely.
➤ Closure: Incision closed with sutures; drains may be used.
✔ Procedure duration: Usually 2–4 hours depending on complexity.
Korean orthopedic surgeons emphasize precise alignment, soft tissue balancing, and optimal fixation to maximize long-term success.
3) What happens after Revision Total Knee Replacement?
Post-operative care focuses on pain management, wound healing, and gradual rehabilitation:
✔ Hospital stay: Typically 5–7 days depending on recovery and complexity.
➔ Pain management: IV and oral analgesics; nerve blocks may be used.
● Physical therapy: Begins immediately with gentle range-of-motion exercises, progressing to strength and mobility training.
★ Activity: Gradual weight-bearing with support; restrictions on high-impact activities for several months.
➤ Follow-up: Regular imaging and clinical assessment to monitor prosthesis stability and function.
Risks / Benefits
Possible Risks:
✔ Infection at surgical site or prosthetic joint
➔ Blood clots (deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism)
● Loosening or failure of the new prosthesis
★ Nerve or blood vessel injury
➤ Stiffness or reduced range of motion
Major Benefits:
✔ Relieves pain and restores knee function
➔ Corrects instability, alignment, and range of motion
● Prolongs the life of the knee joint replacement
★ Improves mobility, independence, and quality of life
➤ Reduces reliance on medications and assistive devices
Recovery and Outlook
✔ Immediate recovery: Pain and swelling are managed in hospital; mobility begins with assistance.
➔ Hospital stay: Typically 5–7 days; longer for complex cases.
● Activity: Gradual weight-bearing and physical therapy over 3–6 months.
★ Long-term outcome: Most patients achieve improved pain control, knee function, and mobility.
➤ Follow-up: Regular imaging, clinical assessments, and monitoring for complications.
When To Call the Doctor
Contact your doctor immediately if you notice:
✔ Fever, chills, or signs of infection
➔ Severe or increasing knee pain
● Swelling, redness, or discharge from incision
★ Instability, inability to bear weight, or mechanical issues with prosthesis
➤ Persistent stiffness or reduced range of motion
Best Korea Option / Process
South Korea provides expert revision total knee replacement services with:
✔ Leading hospitals: Samsung Medical Center, Asan Medical Center, Severance Hospital Orthopedics.
➔ Experienced orthopedic surgeons specializing in complex knee revisions and implant selection.
● Advanced imaging and surgical planning for precise prosthesis placement.
★ Comprehensive rehabilitation programs to maximize functional recovery.
➤ Medical tourism support: Translation services, appointment coordination, and continuity of care for international patients.
✅ Highlights:
✔ Revision total knee replacement restores function and relieves pain in failed knee prostheses
➔ Corrects alignment, stability, and range of motion
● More complex than primary knee replacement but highly effective in experienced hands
★ Risks include infection, prosthesis failure, blood clots, and stiffness
➤ Korean hospitals provide expert surgeons, advanced implants, and comprehensive post-op care
