Last Updated on February 27, 2024 by Shabnam Sengupta
Knee replacement surgery is a transformative procedure that restores mobility and reduces pain for countless individuals. Unfortunately, one can occasionally face challenges post-knee replacement surgery, which can result in surgical failure. This article elaborates on the most common reasons behind knee replacement surgery failures, and the consequences of such failures.
How common is failure in knee replacement surgery?
Knee replacement surgery is generally successful, with a high percentage of patients experiencing significant pain relief and improved function. However, like any surgical procedure, there is a small percentage of cases in which the surgery does not yield the desired results.
The failure rate is low, but it is not zero. The risk of failure depends on several factors, including the patient’s age, activity level, and health conditions.
According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), 90% of modern total knee replacements are still functioning well 15 years after the surgery. However, the failure rate is higher in younger, more active patients and in patients with certain health conditions, such as obesity and rheumatoid arthritis.
Why do knee replacement surgeries fail?
Several factors can contribute to the failure of a surgery. Some of the common reasons behind knee replacement surgery failures are:
- Infection: It is a serious complication that can lead to the failure of knee replacement surgery. Bacterial infections can occur at the surgical site, requiring aggressive treatment and potentially necessitating revision surgery.
- Implant loosening: Over time, the artificial components used may loosen from the bone, causing pain, instability, and reduced joint function.
- Wear and tear: Despite the durability of modern implant materials, wear and tear can lead to the deterioration of the artificial joint surfaces. This can result in pain, limited mobility, and the need for revision surgery.
- Poor alignment: Incorrect placement or alignment of the prosthetic components during the initial surgery can lead to improper joint mechanics, pain, and limited function.
- Fractures: Bone fractures around the artificial components can occur due to trauma or weakened bone, leading to instability and failure of the knee replacement.
- Soft tissue issues: Problems with the surrounding soft tissues, such as ligaments and tendons, can affect the function of the artificial joint and lead to pain and instability.
What happens when a knee replacement surgery fails?
When knee replacement surgery fails, patients may experience persistent pain, limited mobility, instability, or other complications. Depending on the cause of the failure, revision surgery may be necessary to address the issues and improve joint function. Revision surgery is a more complex procedure compared to the initial knee replacement and carries its own set of challenges and risks.
In conclusion, knee replacement surgery failure is relatively uncommon, but it can occur due to factors such as infection, implant loosening, wear and tear, poor alignment, fractures, and soft tissue issues. Addressing the underlying causes of failure and considering revision surgery, if necessary, can help restore joint function and improve the quality of life for individuals facing knee replacement complications.
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