Revision Knee Surgery

I don't think age by itself should be a problem. I am an 81 YO and had my TKR at 80 without problems. I would make sure the surgeon uses regional anesthesia, not general and is an experienced revision surgeon. For example, my incredible surgeon spends about 20% of his time doing revisions of other surgeons' work.

If the 80 year old has other health issues, such as a heart condition, that could change the outlook.

Just make the revision surgeon search a thorough one. Whether an original TKR, a partial, or a revision, finding an extraordinary surgeon can produce great results.

@steveinarizona //// thank you for your recomendations

steveinarizona is spot on.
I'm 79 and had revision last February and now in good and improving condition.
Now gotta go do my PT

I am 78 years old and likely need a revision to my 18 year old knee replacement. Comorbidities are more of a problem than age itelf. I suppose recovery will be more difficult because at our age we have lost a lot of muscle mass and stamina. On the bright side, techniques have improved a lot over the last 18 years. I do not have a care giver anymore so I have to arrange for that. The surgeon's staff should be notified of this if you are in the same situation. I really want to have a surgeon who is experienced at doing a revisions. Most university/teaching hospitals will have those surgeons. I do not think most small community hospitals have much experience at revisions. I am not saying they can not do the surgery and have good outcomes but I think the odds of a good outcome are better elsewhere. Best wishes.

@grandpun
Good suggestion regarding anesthesia.. How soon after surgery did you start ctual PT outside of your home. When I did my first TKR I stayed home for 3 weeks with a therapist coming to the house, not very challenging. Then to a PT facility. Second TKR I went directly to the PT facility and my recovery was almost 2 months quicker than the first. What was your experence regarding PT.?

@grandpun
What was your PT program/schedule after your Revision Surgery?

@george12345
My home PT started third day after surgery and ran for 2 weeks. It was pretty easy both in their demands as well as my ability to preform.
Clinic PT started on the third week post-op and continues though the revised knee is now better than my natural knee that has a badly arthritic patella. I continue to prepare for correcting the natural knee and to better perform daily activity like getting out of a standard chair; that's been my toughest move since original replacement 12/2024.
Good luck and keep up the PT

@grandpun :::
How long did you stay with PT? How long before Pain, & discomfort subside, and range of motion return? Stairs, etc?
Approx how long to return to somewhat normal life after your knee revision?
Thank you in advance for your time and insight.
George

@george12345
Hi George12345,
Like I said, I continue PT to gain strength. I hope my TKR and revision aren't what you're going to experience.
I'd had back trouble before the revision so that kind of complicated things in all ways.
And I wore a knee brace for ~3 weeks post revision since my patella tendons had to be corrected. Tendons take longer to heal and stabilize than joints and muscles.
Once the brace was off I was told to minimize flexing of that knee but that let me resume mostly normal activities. And pain was minimal. Stairs took a little time to master without a boost from handrails. Getting up from a standard chair remains somewhat difficult due to both knees and the multiple surgeries.
With a good, positive, and proactive attitude you'll do well, I'm sure.
Now, 6 months post revision, the revised knee is better than my natural knee; it will need treatment in the foreseeable future.

Has anyone received any effective treatment for tibial end stem pain? I am almost 2 years post PJI with revision and tibial implant that continues to curtail my ability to walk without pain and limp? I have been to,d “ take nsaids” and live with it 🥲