Knee conditions
Revision Knee Conditions
Problematic Knee Replacement
What can cause a knee replacement to become problematic?
Common reasons include:
Loosening of the implant
Infection
Wear of the plastic insert
Soft-tissue imbalance
Stiffness or excessive scar tissue
Malalignment
Patellar tracking issues
Alternative sources of pain (e.g. Hip/Spine)
Symptoms you may notice include increasing pain, reduced mobility, difficulty trusting the knee, warmth or swelling, and in some cases a change in leg alignment.
Problematic Knee Replacement
How revision knee problems are assessed
During your consultation, we will review your surgical history, examine the knee and arrange appropriate investigations such as X-rays and blood tests.
If infection is suspected, additional tests may be required.
Complex or unclear cases are discussed with a wider Multidisciplinary team, ensuring that radiology and combined clinical input can contribute to the best treatment plan.
My revision experience at Guy’s and St Thomas’ supports evidence-based decision-making for difficult or unusual cases.
Problematic Knee Replacement
Treatment options
Non-surgical
Physiotherapy
Bracing
Optimisation of gait and strength
Pain management
Surgical
Insert exchange
Partial revision
Full revision knee replacement
Complex reconstruction for bone loss or infection
Problematic Knee Replacement
FAQs
Does all knee replacement pain mean failure?
No. Many causes are treatable without major surgery.
How is loosening diagnosed?
Usually with X-rays and clinical evaluation; sometimes advanced imaging is needed.
Is revision surgery riskier?
Revision surgery is more complex but can be highly effective when carefully planned.
If you’re having persistent issues with a knee replacement, I can assess the problem, explain the likely causes and guide the most appropriate treatment options.