Revision total knee arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND

Revision total knee arthroplasties are performed with increasing frequency due to the increasing numbers of primary arthroplasties.

OBJECTIVES

To retrospectively analyze 71 patients who underwent 78 revision total knee arthroplasties during the years 1991 to 1999

METHODS

We evaluated the revised knees using the Knee Society Clinical Rating System after an average follow-up period of 3 years and 9 months (2-10 years). The indications for revision included pain and instability, deep infection of the joint, complaints linked to the patella, or post-trauma to the operated knee.

RESULTS

The average knee score (evaluation of the knee joint itself) calculated after the revision was 74.5. The results on the knee score were excellent (> 85) in 48% of patients and poor (< 60) in 22%. The functional results (patient's ability to walk and climb stairs) were only 48.3.

CONCLUSION

Although the revision of total knee replacements is known to be problematic, most patients show good results on knee examination, and reasonable functional results given the factors involved.