Revision knee replacement surgery in dubai
For many, a total knee replacement offers a life-changing solution, relieving chronic pain and restoring mobility. However, the initial relief may not last in some cases, or new issues can emerge years after the primary surgery.
Are you experiencing persistent pain, swelling, instability, or a frustrating feeling that your previously replaced knee is not working as it should? If discomfort and limited function are holding you back again, you might be a candidate for revision knee replacement surgery in Dubai.
While primary knee replacements are highly successful and durable, they can sometimes wear out, become loose, or encounter complications over time. When these issues arise, a specialized procedure known as revision total knee replacement becomes necessary to alleviate pain and restore function.
Dr. Mohamed Elfekky is a distinguished orthopedic surgeon specializing in complex knee conditions, including advanced knee revision procedures.
This page outlines everything you need to know about revision knee replacement surgery—from when it’s necessary to the benefits, recovery timeline, and Dr. Mohamed Elfekky’s expertise in Dubai.
Understanding failed knee replacements: When is a revision knee replacement surgery in Dubai necessary?
A primary total knee replacement is designed to last for many years, often 15-20 years or more. Over time, various issues can compromise the function of a knee implant, leading to the need for revision surgery.
Understanding why a failed knee replacement is crucial for diagnosis and effective treatment. Common reasons include:
Wear and tear: The plastic spacer can wear down, causing pain, instability, and bone loss (osteolysis).
Aseptic loosening: The bond between the implant and bone may weaken, leading to pain and instability.
Infection: Bacteria can infect the joint, causing pain, swelling, and bone damage—sometimes years after surgery.
Instability: Loose ligaments or misaligned components can make the knee feel unstable or like it’s “giving way.”
Fracture around the implant: Falls or injuries may fracture the bone near the implant, often needing revision surgery.
Persistent pain or stiffness: Some patients feel ongoing pain or stiffness despite a technically successful surgery.
Mechanical problems: Poor implant positioning or impingement can cause clicking, catching, or limited movement.
When these issues arise, revision total knee replacement becomes the most viable option to address the underlying problem, alleviate discomfort, and improve the knee’s long-term function. It is more intricate and demanding than primary knee replacement, requiring specialized expertise.
Revision knee replacement surgery in Dubai: A specialized approach to relief
Revision knee replacement surgery is a complex procedure that involves removing some or all of the components of the original knee replacement and replacing them with new ones.
This often requires careful planning, specialized instruments, and a deep understanding of unique anatomical challenges. During this intricate procedure, your knee revision specialist in Dubai, Dr. Mohamed Elfekky, will:
- Carefully assess the knee joint, often utilizing the existing surgical incision.
- Precisely remove the failing or worn components of the previous knee replacement. This step can be challenging, as implants may be ingrown into the bone.
- Prepare the bone surfaces to accommodate the new revision components, often larger or differently designed to compensate for bone loss.
- Insert the new, specialized revision knee implants, ensuring optimal alignment and stability.
The complexity of revision total knee replacement surgery necessitates a highly skilled and experienced surgeon. The procedure often involves addressing bone defects, scar tissue, and altered anatomy.
Benefits of revision knee replacement surgery
While the decision for a second surgery is never easy, revision total knee replacement surgery offers significant benefits for patients suffering from a failing primary knee replacement:
- Addressing the root cause of pain, whether loosening, wear, or infection.
- Restoring stability, range of motion, and weight-bearing capacity.
- Allowing patients to return to daily activities, exercise, and social engagements free from debilitating pain.
- Resolving complications that prevented successful outcomes from the initial surgery.
Why choose Dr. Mohamed Elfekky for your revision knee replacement surgery in Dubai?
Your recovery and long-term outcomes from a knee revision depend heavily on your surgeon’s skill and experience, especially given the complexity of the procedure. Dr. Mohamed Elfekky stands out as a leading expert for revision knee replacement surgery in Dubai due to several key factors:
- Expertise and experience: Dr. Mohamed Elfekky specializes in complex joint reconstruction and revision knee surgeries. He expertly handles even the most challenging failed replacements.
- Advanced technology: He uses the latest surgical tools and revision implants for precise component removal, bone preparation, and long-term stability.
- Personalized care: Dr. Mohamed Elfekky creates customized treatment plans. He explains surgical and non-surgical options and supports patients with clear guidance and compassionate care throughout their journey.
- Innovative pain management: Dr. Mohamed Elfekky utilizes an advanced, in-house developed approach to pain management during knee procedures. He employs his open cryoablation technique for intraoperative pain nerve ablation in all knee surgeries, including primary and revision replacements.
This innovative method targets specific nerves to significantly reduce post-operative pain, enhance patient comfort, and accelerate recovery, which is particularly beneficial in more extensive revision cases.
Recovery after revision knee replacement surgery
Recovery is crucial and typically more involved after revision knee replacement surgery than a primary procedure. Dr. Mohamed Elfekky’s approach emphasizes efficient and effective rehabilitation:
- Post-op care: Pain is managed with medication. Dressings cover the incisions, and mobility aids like crutches or walkers are used.
- Early movement: Gentle exercises and physical therapy usually begin within a few days to reduce stiffness and improve circulation.
- Hospital stay: Expect a more extended hospital stay than with a primary knee replacement, typically several days.
- Home rehab: A tailored exercise plan helps restore strength and motion. Sticking to physical therapy is crucial for success.
- Recovery time: Full recovery can take months to a year or more. It depends on your health, the reason for the revision, and the rehab effort. Patience is essential.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is a revision knee replacement?
A revision knee replacement is a surgical procedure to replace a failed or worn-out previous total knee implant with a new one. It addresses issues like implant loosening, infection, instability, or wear and tear.
2. When is a revision total knee replacement recommended?
Revision total knee replacement recommended when:
- The prosthesis is loose or unstable
- There’s persistent pain after initial surgery
- Infection occurs around the implant
- The knee implant wears out or breaks
- Stiffness, limited motion, or misalignment develops
3. How many knee revisions can you have?
Most patients can undergo 1 to 2 revision surgeries, but outcomes may decline with each procedure. It depends on factors like bone quality, patient age, implant technology, and healing response.
4. What is a total knee replacement made of?
Typical knee implants are made of metal alloys (like titanium or cobalt-chrome) and high-grade medical polyethylene (plastic). Some may include ceramic components or bone cement.
5. Why is a total knee replacement done initially?
It’s performed to relieve severe knee pain, stiffness, or deformity caused by osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or traumatic injury—especially when non-surgical treatments fail.
Don't let the failure of a previous knee replacement dictate your life any longer
With Dr. Mohamed Elfekky, a leading expert in revision knee replacement surgery in Dubai, you can access world-class expertise, innovative surgical techniques, and compassionate care.
Committed to supporting your recovery, he works to enhance movement, relieve discomfort, and boost your well-being. Book an appointment today and take the definitive step toward regaining comfort and mobility!