Conventional joint replacement is a very successful procedure for the treatment of arthritis. The main complication with any joint replacement using polyethylene is that the polyethylene gradually wears, eventually reaching a point where the replacement joint no longer functions properly. The other problem is that although the plastic itself is inert, tiny particles of the plastic are worn away when the metal rubs against the plastic. This plastic debris can cause an inflammatory reaction and can cause the surrounding bone to be absorbed by the body, leading to loosening of the artificial joint.
Revision Total Knee Replacement is a procedure in which the surgeon removes a previously implanted artificial knee joint, or prosthesis and replaces it with a new prosthesis. Knee revision surgery has three major purposes: relieving pain in the affected knee; restoring the patient’s mobility; and removing a loose or damaged prosthesis before irreversible harm is done to the joint. Knee prostheses can come loose for one of two reasons. One is mechanical. The second reason for loosening of a knee prosthesis is related to the development of inflammation or infection in the knee joint. In most cases, increasing pain, stiffness, and loss of mobility in the knee joint are early indications that the patient may benefit from revision surgery.
Joint replacement aims to restore painless motion to a joint and function to the muscles, ligaments, and other soft tissues that control the joint. Either a part or the total damaged bone is removed and replaced with artificial components made out of metal and polyethylene and the bones of the joint are "realigned" so that the weight that passes through the joint is normally distributed. Hip and knee the major weight bearing joints are the most commonly affected joints and are commonly replaced. Ankles, shoulders, elbows, wrists and fingers can also be replaced.
Joint replacement relieves pain, restores function and the newer type of joints allows unrestricted activities.
Previously it was recommended for patients more than 60 years but now it is being more and more recommended for younger patients.