You may need surgery for a knee replacement more than once if an implant fails due to age or defect.

What is knee replacement surgery?

During knee replacement surgery, the natural knee joint is removed and replaced with implant components that mimic the joint’s movement.

Knee replacement may be necessary if the natural joint is damaged by injury or disease, such as arthritis. A healthcare professional will determine if a knee replacement is the right option on an individual basis.

There are a variety of knee replacement implants available. Each implant is different. Some require cement to affix the implant to the bone while others rely on the natural formation of bone to create the bond. Implants may also differ in the materials used in manufacturing.

How long does a knee replacement last?

Research made public at the 2011 Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons found that the benefits of a knee replacement can last 20 years or more. The research study, according to Science Daily, showed that patients may not need to worry about needing surgery for their knee replacement more than once due to the long expected lifespan of a knee replacement implant.

What is revision knee replacement surgery?

Revision surgery is the process of removing a failed knee replacement implant and replacing it with another, newer device. In some cases, only one component requires replacement. In other situations, the entire implant needs to be replaced.

This procedure is typically longer and more complex than the initial knee replacement because of the unique circumstances posed by each patient’s situation. Revision surgery may also have a longer recovery time than initial knee replacement surgery and is associated with more risks, including an increased risk of needing future revisions.

Why is revision knee replacement surgery needed?

According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, revision surgery may be needed for a variety of reasons such as implant loosening and wear, infection, instability, stiffness and fractures.

Implant loosening and wear is a common cause of failure. There are a variety of reasons this may occur, although the exact cause is not always clear. High impact activities, excessive body weight and component wear may all be implicated in implant loosening. Loosening is often a common problem in younger patients who “outlive” their implant.

If the implant becomes infected, revision surgery may be necessary. An infection can occur immediately after surgery or years later. An infection can cause the joint to become stiff and painful and can even affect how the implant attaches to the bone.

Other causes of revision surgery, such as instability, stiffness and fractures, may be traced to issues with the bone, tissues and ligaments around the implant. Any injury to the joint can require revision surgery to resolve.

In some cases, these failures may be caused by a defect associated with an implant. If you had knee replacement more than once as a result of a defective knee replacement, you may be eligible to recover compensation.

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If you or a loved one suffered from complications caused by an Arthrex knee implant or an Exactech knee implant, you may have a legal claim. Get help now by filling out the form on this page for a FREE case evaluation.

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