Revision knee arthroplasty

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a satisfactory procedure regarding functional outcome and pain relief. The ever increasing number of total knee arthroplasties and expanding indications have led to a high number of revisions. The principles of revision arthroplasty are to understand the cause of failure, adequate surgical exposure, restoration of limb alignment, achieving appropriate soft tissue balance, correct implant alignment, restoration of joint line and a good range of motion. The literature on revision TKA is diverse and is not conclusive in many aspects. The results of revision surgery are not as good as the primary TKA with main causes being increased polyethylene wear, aseptic loosening, malalignment of components, instability, extensor mechanism problems, infection and stiffness. Revision knee Arthroplasty is not a repeat primary Arthroplasty but it is a technically and economically demanding procedure and its successful performance requires thorough preoperative planning, adherence to the principles of revision knee arthroplasty, availability of diverse implant options and adequate bone graft.