Revision total knee arthroplasty: a surgical technique

The etiology of surgical failure should be defined before revision total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is contemplated, since revision surgery without a clear reason may fail to correct the underlying problem. The causes of mechanical failure include component loosening, instability, polyethylene wear, component malposition, extensor mechanism dysfunction, and loss of motion. Revision that is required because of an infection is also acomplex situation, which requires skill and meticulous technique in order to restore a functional outcome. A successful revision needs to account for ligamentous balance, bone loss, alignment, and fixation.