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Revision Knee Replacement Surgery in Rotherham
At Kinvara Hospital in Rotherham, our expert orthopaedic consultants specialize in these intricate cases. We understand that a failing primary knee replacement can be both physically painful and emotionally taxing, causing significant anxiety about your future mobility.
Medically Reviewed By
Mr Vasu Karri, MBBS, BSc(Hons), MSc, FRCS(Plast) • Updated 2026-01-17
Revision knee replacement is a specialist orthopaedic surgery to replace a failing, loose, or infected artificial knee joint with advanced modular components. This condition affects many people across Yorkshire, impacting their daily activities and quality of life. Early intervention and expert treatment are essential for achieving optimal outcomes.
At Kinvara Private Hospital in Rotherham, our experienced orthopaedic consultants provide comprehensive revision knee replacement surgery services using the latest minimally invasive techniques and evidence-based protocols. Our patient-centered approach ensures you receive personalized care tailored to your specific needs and lifestyle goals.
Serving patients across Sheffield, Barnsley, Doncaster, and the wider Yorkshire region, we understand the impact that knee conditions can have on your daily life. Our dedicated team is committed to helping you achieve the best possible outcomes through expert diagnosis, advanced treatment options, and comprehensive rehabilitation support.
Am I a Candidate for Revision Knee Replacement?
• Aseptic loosening, where the implant has lost its secure attachment to the bone without infection being present.
• Polyethylene wear, where the plastic spacer between the metal components has thinned or shattered.
• Persistent instability that makes you feel unsafe while walking or navigating stairs.
• Chronic infection that has not responded to non-surgical treatment.
Ideal candidates are those in relatively good general health who are committed to a structured rehabilitation program. We may need to delay surgery if you have severe active infections elsewhere in the body or uncontrolled medical conditions like end-stage heart or lung disease. During your consultation at Kinvara Hospital, we will use specialized X-rays and potentially a CT scan to assess your remaining bone stock and determine the most appropriate revision strategy for your specific needs.
Our All-Inclusive Promise
- No hidden costs - fixed price includes surgery, specialized implants, and hospital stay
- Comprehensive aftercare included for 12 months post-surgery
- 0% interest finance options available over 12 months
- Pre-operative assessment and all follow-up consultations included
- Access to physiotherapy guidance and dedicated rehabilitation support
What is Revision Knee Replacement?
Revision knee replacement is a secondary surgical intervention required when a primary knee implant no longer functions correctly. Unlike a standard knee replacement, this procedure involves the careful removal of the original metal and plastic hardware and the management of compromised bone stock. The surgeon often utilizes specialized revision implants which feature longer intramedullary stems - metal rods that extend into the canal of the femur and tibia - to provide additional stability.
The process may involve addressing osteolysis (bone loss) caused by wear-and-tear particles from the original implant. Techniques such as bone grafting or the use of metal augments (wedges) are employed to create a secure foundation for the new joint. Because the anatomy has already been altered by the first surgery, revision total knee arthroplasty requires extensive pre-operative planning and a high level of surgical expertise to ensure proper joint line restoration and soft tissue balancing.
In cases where the failure is due to infection - known as septic loosening - the treatment may be performed in two stages. First, the infected implant is removed and a temporary antibiotic-loaded spacer is inserted. Once the infection is cleared, the final revision knee replacement hardware is implanted. At Kinvara Hospital, we use the latest technology to ensure your new joint is mechanically sound and built for longevity.
At a Glance
Surgery Duration
2 - 3 hours
Anaesthetic
General or Spinal with Sedation
Hospital Stay
3 - 5 nights
Initial Recovery
6 - 12 weeks
Return to Normal Activities
6 - 12 months
Follow-up Appointments
2 weeks, 6 weeks, 6 months, 1 year
Benefits of This Procedure
- Significant reduction or total elimination of chronic mechanical pain
- Restoration of joint stability, preventing the sensation of the knee giving way
- Improved range of motion for daily tasks like stair climbing and walking
- Prevention of further bone loss (osteolysis) by removing failing hardware
- Correction of leg length discrepancies or alignment issues
- Enhanced long-term mobility using advanced modular revision implants
The Procedure
Revision knee replacement is a highly precise procedure focusing on the reconstruction of the knee joint. Given the complexity of secondary surgery, our surgeons utilize specialized extraction tools and modular implants to ensure a secure fit, typically taking 2 to 3 hours.
- 1
The surgeon makes an incision, usually following the original surgical scar, to access the knee joint and clear away scar tissue.
- 2
Specialized extraction tools are used to carefully remove the failing metal and plastic components while preserving as much healthy bone as possible.
- 3
The surfaces of the femur (thigh bone) and tibia (shin bone) are meticulously cleaned and prepared for the new hardware.
- 4
If significant bone loss is present, the surgeon installs metal augments or performs bone grafting to restore the structural integrity of the joint.
- 5
The new revision prosthesis, featuring long stabilizing stems, is precisely aligned and secured into the bone using specialized bone cement.
- 6
The surgeon performs a final check of ligament tension before closing the incision with staples or sutures and applying a sterile dressing.
What to Expect During Recovery
Recovery Timeline
Day 1-2
You will begin early mobilization with the help of our physiotherapists. Pain management is our priority, utilizing a combination of oral medications and localized techniques. Most patients start taking their first steps with a walker within 24 hours of the procedure.
Week 1-6
This phase focuses on wound healing and gradual strength building. You will need crutches or a walker to protect the new joint. Dedicated physiotherapy sessions will help you improve flexion (bending) and extension (straightening) of the knee while managing swelling.
Week 6-12
Most patients transition to a cane or walk unaided. You can typically return to driving once you are off opioid medications and have sufficient emergency braking strength. You may begin returning to sedentary work and light daily activities during this period.
Month 3-6
Your focus shifts to long-term endurance and return to low-impact sports like swimming or cycling. While minor swelling may persist, the joint feels significantly more stable. Full recovery and maximum strength gains are typically achieved by the 12-month mark.
Key Recovery Points
- Strictly follow the RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) protocol to manage post-op swelling
- Attend all scheduled physiotherapy sessions to prevent joint stiffness and scar tissue buildup
- Avoid high-impact activities like running or jumping to protect the longevity of the revision implant
- Inform any future medical or dental providers about your implant to receive antibiotic prophylaxis if needed
Risks and Complications
While revision knee replacement is a routine procedure for our specialists, it is technically more demanding than a primary replacement and carries a slightly higher risk profile due to the existing scar tissue and bone conditions.
Infection
Low (2-3%)A higher risk in revision cases; we mitigate this through strict sterile protocols and intravenous antibiotics before and after surgery.
Blood Clots (DVT/PE)
Uncommon (1-2%)The risk of deep vein thrombosis is managed with compression stockings, early mobilization, and blood-thinning medication.
Implant Loosening
Rare (<1% annually)Over time, the new implant may lose its bond with the bone. We use long-stemmed components to maximize fixation and reduce this risk.
Bone Fracture
Uncommon (1-2%)Weakened bone can fracture during hardware removal. Our surgeons use precision extraction tools to minimize stress on the femur and tibia.
Nerve or Vessel Injury
Uncommon (2-5% for minor numbness)Small nerves around the incision may be affected, leading to localized numbness. Major vessel injury is extremely rare.
Frequently Asked Questions
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