Knee Surgery

Revision Knee Replacement

Dr. Sobh is widely recognized for his expertise in correcting complex issues from prior knee surgeries performed elsewhere. Revision knee surgery restores alignment, addresses ligament laxity, and reinstates joint function.

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On This Page

Recovery

Individualized post-operative protocol with dedicated physical therapy support.

Clinical Focus

Implant extraction, structural bone grafting, custom constraint implant selection.

Ideal Candidate

Patients with stiff, painful, unstable, or infected existing knee replacements.

Understanding Your Procedure

In-Depth: Revision Knee Replacement

A clear, comprehensive look at what this procedure is, how it works, and why it may be the right choice for you.

is performed when a previous knee replacement has failed. The causes of failure are diverse: the may loosen from the bone, the plastic insert may wear and generate debris causing bone loss (osteolysis), the knee may become unstable due to ligament laxity, stiffness (arthrofibrosis) may develop, a periprosthetic fracture may occur, or an infection may take hold. Each failure mode requires a different reconstructive strategy.Unlike primary knee replacement, revision surgery must first remove the existing —often from bone that has become fragile or deficient—and then rebuild the joint with specialized revision components. Lost bone is restored with grafts or metal augments. If the ligaments that stabilize the knee have become insufficient, a more constrained (such as a hinged knee) may be needed to provide stability.Dr. Sobh's fellowship at Rush University included dedicated training in revision knee , and he is recognized across metro Detroit for correcting problems from knee replacements performed by other surgeons. Patients are referred to him when their original knee replacement becomes painful, stiff, unstable, or infected. He uses advanced CT imaging to map the bone loss and plan the exact reconstructive strategy before surgery.

Revision Knee Replacement anatomical illustration

Revision Knee Replacement — illustrated overview of the surgical approach and implant placement.

20-30+

Years Implant Lifespan

90%+

Patient Satisfaction

24h

Walking Post-Op

<1%

Complication Rate

What Makes This Approach Different

Constrained & Hinged Implants

When ligaments are insufficient to stabilize the knee, Dr. Sobh uses constrained or hinged implants that provide stability mechanically—something standard implants cannot do.

Structural Bone Grafting

Major bone loss is rebuilt with structural allografts or metal augments (sleeves and cones) that integrate with your remaining bone to create a stable foundation.

Staged Infection Protocol

Infected knee replacements are treated with a two-stage protocol: removing the , placing an antibiotic spacer, and re-implanting after the infection is cleared.

Stiffness (Arthrofibrosis) Management

For stiff knee replacements, Dr. Sobh may use specialized revision techniques, manipulation under anesthesia, or arthrolysis to restore .

Clinical information reviewed and edited by Dr. Ali H. Sobh, MD, board-certified orthopedic surgeon. Content synthesized from peer-reviewed orthopedic literature, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) guidelines, and Dr. Sobh's fellowship training at Rush University Medical Center. Last updated 2025.

Watch & Learn

Understanding Revision Knee Replacement

These physician-led educational videos and animations explain why knee replacements may fail over time, how revision surgery removes worn components, and how specialized revision implants restore joint stability.

Physician Overview8:56 min

What is a Total Knee Revision?

Board-certified orthopedic surgeon Dr. Adam Rosen explains the causes of implant failure (bearing wear, loosening, infection, instability) and walks through how revision surgery replaces partial or full components using anchored stems and augments.

Source: Dr. Adam Rosen — Orthopedic Hip & Knee Specialist

Academic Medical GuideJohns Hopkins Medicine

Causes & Approaches to Revision Knee Arthroplasty

Johns Hopkins Medicine orthopedic presentation detailing diagnostic evaluation for painful knee replacements, bone defect management with cones/sleeves, stemmed implants, and staged protocols for infection eradication.

Source: Johns Hopkins Medicine Orthopedics Department

Dr. Sobh's Subspecialty Revision Expertise

Revision knee surgery requires advanced reconstructive techniques beyond primary knee replacement. Dr. Sobh completed subspecialized fellowship training in adult reconstruction at Rush University Medical Center — one of the top orthopedic revision centers in the nation. He evaluates bone loss, mechanical alignment, and soft tissue balance to customize every revision procedure.

Videos embedded from YouTube for patient educational purposes. Dr. Dr. Ali H. Sobh, MD reviews all educational resources on this page. Sources: Dr. Adam Rosen (Orthopedic Surgery) and Johns Hopkins Medicine. Procedure plans vary based on individual joint evaluation.

Interactive Education

See How Your Joint Works

Understanding your condition is the first step toward confident decisions. Use this interactive visualizer to explore the anatomy of the knee joint, compare a healthy joint with an arthritic one, and see exactly what revision knee replacement restores.

1
Toggle states to compare healthy, arthritic, and post-surgical joints.
2
Tap the dots to learn about each anatomical structure.
3
Watch the motion to see how the joint moves during activity.

Interactive Joint Visualizer

Explore how revision knee replacement works

For Education

Front View

100%

Tap the dots to explore the joint anatomy

Arthritic / Damaged

Illustration for educational purposes. Not a diagnostic image.

Recognizing the Signs

Common Symptoms

Many patients live with joint pain for years before seeking treatment. If you recognize several of these symptoms, it may be time to schedule a consultation.

When to seek care

If your symptoms interfere with sleep, work, or activities you enjoy, or if conservative treatments no longer provide relief, a surgical consultation is appropriate.

New or increasing pain in a previously pain-free knee replacement

Knee stiffness that worsens over time or fails to improve with therapy

A feeling of instability, wobbliness, or the knee 'giving way' when walking

Swelling, warmth, or redness around the old incision (possible infection)

Visible change in knee alignment or a new deformity

Clicking, grinding, or popping from the knee replacement

Pain that returns after years of good function from the original replacement

Dr. Ali H. Sobh, MD

Board Certified & Fellowship-Trained Orthopedic Surgeon

Rush University Medical Center Fellowship

Hour Detroit Top Doc Award 2025

900+ 5-Star Google Reviews

Why Dr. Sobh for This Procedure

Fellowship-Trained Expertise in Revision Knee Replacement

Dr. Sobh is widely recognized for correcting complex problems from knee replacements performed by other surgeons. His Rush University fellowship included dedicated training in revision knee —removing failed implants, rebuilding lost bone with grafts and augments, restoring ligament balance, and selecting the right level of constraint (including hinged implants when ligaments are insufficient). Patients are referred to Dr. Sobh from across metro Detroit when their original knee replacement becomes painful, stiff, unstable, or infected.

Meet Dr. Sobh Patient Testimonials

Conditions Treated

Is Revision Knee Replacement Right for You?

Dr. Sobh may recommend this procedure for patients diagnosed with the following conditions.

Aseptic loosening of knee implantKnee implant wear or osteolysisKnee instability or ligament laxityStiffness or arthrofibrosis after prior replacementPeriprosthetic knee fractureInfected knee replacement (PJI)

A thorough consultation and imaging review will confirm the best treatment path for your specific situation.

Are You a Candidate?

Candidacy for Revision Knee Replacement

Dr. Sobh carefully evaluates each patient to determine if this procedure is the right fit. Here's a general guide — your individual consultation will provide a definitive answer.

Good Candidate

Patients with a painful knee replacement from aseptic loosening, wear, osteolysis, instability, stiffness, or periprosthetic fracture. Workup includes X-rays, CT scan, blood tests, and often joint aspiration.

Good Candidate

Patients with an infected knee replacement (PJI) requiring a two-stage revision protocol, working with infectious disease specialists.

May Not Be a Candidate

Patients with a well-functioning, painless knee replacement do not need revision. As with hips, 'preventive' revision is not recommended.

May Not Be a Candidate

Patients with severe medical comorbidities that cannot be optimized may not be safe for revision surgery, which is longer and more demanding than primary replacement.

Technology & Techniques

Advanced Technology Used in Your Surgery

Dr. Sobh uses these specialized tools and technologies to ensure the highest level of precision and safety during your procedure.

Revision Knee Implants

Modular revision knee systems with stems, augments, and sleeves that address varying patterns of bone loss and ligament insufficiency.

Constrained & Hinged Implants

When ligaments cannot provide stability, constrained condylar or rotating-hinge implants mechanically stabilize the knee.

Metal Augments & Cones

Metaphyseal cones and sleeves (titanium or tantalum) rebuild major bone loss in the tibia and femur, providing a stable foundation for the revision implant.

Antibiotic-Loaded Spacers

For infected knees, an antibiotic-loaded cement spacer maintains joint space and delivers local antibiotics during the interval between implant removal and re-implantation.

How the Surgery Works

Understanding Your Surgical Journey

From your first consultation to full recovery, here's what to expect at each stage. Dr. Sobh and the team at Michigan Orthopaedic Surgeons will guide you through every step.

Custom Reconstruction Plan

Each revision is unique. Dr. Sobh plans the reconstruction, which may include bone grafts, augments, specialized constrained implants, or ligament repair to restore stability and alignment.

Implant Removal & Reconstruction

The old is carefully removed. Bone loss is addressed with grafts or metal augments. New revision components are implanted to rebuild a stable, well-aligned knee.

Stability & Alignment Restoration

Ligament balance and leg alignment are corrected. If ligaments are insufficient, a more constrained (hinged) may be used to provide stability.

Individualized Rehabilitation

A tailored program supports the reconstruction. Recovery is more gradual than primary knee replacement and is customized to your specific surgery.

Recovery Timeline

Your Path Back to Activity

Recovery timelines vary by individual and procedure complexity. Dr. Sobh will provide a personalized rehabilitation plan. Here's a general guide to what most patients experience.

1-4 days

Hospital Stay

Begin protected walking. Pain managed with multimodal protocol. Duration depends on complexity of revision.

2-6 weeks

Early Recovery

Protected weight bearing as directed. Physical therapy focuses on range of motion and safe mobility. Incision heals.

6-12 weeks

Strengthening Phase

Gradually increase activity and weight bearing. Therapy advances based on reconstruction stability. Most transition off walking aids.

3-6 months

Full Recovery

Return to daily activities. Complete healing of bone grafts and soft tissues. Ongoing monitoring ensures implant stability.

Comparing Your Options

Revision Knee Replacement vs. Alternatives

Understanding how revision knee replacement compares to other treatment options helps you make an informed decision. Dr. Sobh will discuss all viable options during your consultation.

Primary Knee Replacement

Primary replacement places implants into native bone for the first time. Revision removes the old , rebuilds lost bone, and places specialized components—a significantly longer and more complex operation.

Arthroscopic Lysis of Adhesions

For mild stiffness after knee replacement, arthroscopic scar tissue removal may help. But for significant stiffness or , open revision is necessary.

Knee Fusion (Arthrodesis)

In severe cases where revision is not possible (massive bone loss, recurrent infection), the knee can be fused. This eliminates pain but sacrifices all motion—a last-resort option.

Patient Journey Tip

Revision knee recovery is longer than primary knee replacement—expect 3-6 months. Your weight-bearing and range-of-motion restrictions may differ from your first knee replacement, depending on the reconstruction. Physical therapy is critical to preventing stiffness.

Benefits

This procedure offers significant advantages for qualified patients:

Relieves pain from a failed knee replacement
Restores knee alignment and stability
Rebuilds lost bone with grafts and augments
Addresses stiffness and improves range of motion
Improves walking ability and quality of life
Treats infection with specialized protocols

Potential Risks

As with any surgery, there are potential risks. Dr. Sobh takes extensive measures to minimize them:

Higher complication rate than primary replacement
Bone loss requiring grafting
Infection (higher risk in revision)
Stiffness or instability
Nerve or blood vessel injury
Need for future revision
Anesthesia-related risks

Important

This information is for educational purposes only. Your individual risks depend on your health history. Dr. Sobh will discuss your specific risk profile during your consultation.

Patient Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions patients ask about revision knee replacement.

Why do knee replacements need revision?

Knee implants can fail due to wear, from bone loss, instability or ligament laxity, stiffness (arthrofibrosis), infection, or fracture. Dr. Sobh identifies the cause and plans the appropriate reconstruction.

How do I know if my knee replacement is failing?

Signs include new or increasing pain, swelling, instability (giving way), stiffness, warmth around the knee, or changes in walking. If you experience these, schedule an evaluation with Dr. Sobh.

Is revision knee surgery more difficult than the original?

Yes. Revision requires removing the old , addressing bone loss, and rebuilding the joint with specialized components. Dr. Sobh's fellowship training specifically included complex revision , and he is recognized for correcting problems from surgeries performed elsewhere.

How long is recovery from revision knee surgery?

Recovery is longer than primary knee replacement—typically 3-6 months. Dr. Sobh will create a personalized recovery plan based on the extent of your reconstruction and whether bone grafting or constrained implants were used.

Medically ReviewedLast reviewed: August 14, 2026

Dr. Ali H. Sobh, MD

Board Certified & Fellowship-Trained Orthopedic Surgeon — Minimally-Invasive Hip & Knee Replacement Specialist

This procedure page was clinically reviewed and approved by Dr. Ali H. Sobh, MD, a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon specializing in direct anterior hip replacement and MAKO robotic knee surgery. Dr. Sobh graduated with high honors from Wayne State University School of Medicine and completed his adult reconstruction fellowship at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago. He practices at Michigan Orthopaedic Surgeons (MOS) with offices in Royal Oak and Southfield, Michigan.

View Full Credentials Editorial Standards

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Individual results and recovery timelines vary. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Sobh to discuss your specific condition and treatment options.

Happy, active patients enjoying life after orthopedic surgery recovery with Dr. Ali H. Sobh

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Ready to Take the Next Step?

Schedule a personalized consultation with Dr. Sobh to discuss whether revision knee replacement is right for you. Our team will help coordinate your visit, insurance verification, and pre-operative planning.

Book an Appointment Call (833) 667-3627