When should you consider hip or knee replacement?

Joint replacement may be recommended when hip or knee pain, stiffness, and loss of mobility continue despite medications, physical therapy, injections, or other nonsurgical treatments.

What conditions does Seann Willson, MD treat?

Dr. Willson treats hip and knee arthritis, joint degeneration, osteoarthritis, hip fractures, and other conditions that cause chronic joint pain and limited mobility.

Does Dr. Willson perform robotic-assisted joint replacement?

Yes. Dr. Willson performs robotic-assisted hip and knee replacement procedures to help improve surgical precision and personalized implant positioning.

Is robotic joint replacement better than traditional joint replacement?

Robotic-assisted surgery can provide greater accuracy and surgical planning, but the best approach depends on each patient's condition, anatomy, and treatment goals.

Can joint replacement be done as an outpatient procedure?

Many patients may qualify for outpatient joint replacement, allowing them to return home the same day, depending on their overall health and recovery plan.

What is the difference between partial knee replacement and total knee replacement?

Partial knee replacement treats only the damaged portion of the knee, while total knee replacement resurfaces the entire joint when arthritis affects multiple areas.

What treatments should I try before considering hip or knee replacement?

Conservative treatments may include weight management, exercise, physical therapy, activity modification, medications, and joint injections before surgery is considered.

Why choose Dr. Seann Willson for hip or knee replacement?

Dr. Willson is a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon specializing in hip and knee replacement, with experience in modern techniques and robotic-assisted surgery.

Revision Knee Replacement | Dr. Seann Willson | Orthopedic Surgeon Flint

Revision Knee Replacement

Revision Knee Replacement in Flint & Fenton, MI

Advanced Revision Knee Replacement Surgery with Dr. Seann E. Willson

If you are experiencing pain, instability, stiffness, or complications following a previous knee replacement, revision knee replacement surgery may help restore function and improve your quality of life. Dr. Seann E. Willson is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon and fellowship-trained adult hip and knee reconstruction specialist providing advanced revision knee replacement surgery in Flint and Fenton, Michigan.

If knee pain, instability, or reduced mobility is affecting your daily life after knee replacement surgery, schedule a consultation to learn whether revision knee replacement may be right for you.

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What is Revision Knee Replacement?

Revision knee replacement surgery involves replacing a part or all your previous knee prosthesis with a new prosthesis. Although total knee replacement surgery is successful, sometimes the procedure can fail due to various reasons and may require a second revision surgery.

What is Arthritis?

The knee joints are lined by soft articular cartilage that cushion the joints and aid in smooth movement of the joint bones. Degeneration of the cartilage due to wear and tear leads to arthritis, which is characterized by severe pain.

What is Total Knee Replacement?

During total knee replacement, the damaged cartilage and bone is removed from the knee joint and replaced with artificial components. Artificial knee joints are usually made of metal, ceramic or plastic, and consist of the femoral and the tibial components.

What are the Indications for Revision Knee Replacement?

Revision knee replacement surgery may be advised if you have one or more of the following conditions:

Trauma to the knee joint
Chronic progressive joint disease
Increased pain in the affected knee
Worn out prosthesis
Knee instability or a feeling of giving way while walking
Loosening of the prosthesis
Infection in the prosthetic joint
Weakening of bone around the knee replacement - a process known as osteolysis (bone loss)
Stiffness in the knee
Leg length discrepancy
Fracture

What is the Procedure for Revision Knee Replacement?

Revision knee replacement surgery may involve the replacement of one or all the components.

The surgery is performed under general anesthesia. Your surgeon makes an incision over your knee to expose the knee joint. The kneecap along with its ligament may be moved aside so that there is enough room to perform the operation. Then, the old femoral component of the knee prosthesis is removed. The femur is prepared to receive the new component. In some cases, the damaged bone is removed and bone graft or a metal wedge may be used to make up for the lost bone.

Next, the tibial component along with the old plastic liner is removed. The damaged bone is cut and the tibia is prepared to receive the new component. Like the femur, the lost bone is replaced either by a metal wedge or bone graft. Then, a new tibial component is secured to the end of the bone using bone cement. A new plastic liner will be placed on top of the tibial component. If the patella (kneecap) has been damaged, your surgeon will resurface and attach a plastic component. The tibial and femoral components of the prosthesis are then brought together to form the new knee joint, and the knee muscles and tendons are reattached. Surgical drains are placed for the excess blood to drain out and the incision is closed.

What are the Risks and Complications of Revision Knee Replacement?

Like all major surgical procedures, there may be certain risks and complications involved with revision knee replacement surgery. The possible complications after revision knee replacement include:

Stiffness in the knee
Infection
Bleeding
Formation of blood clots in the leg veins
Injury to nerves or blood vessels
Prosthesis failure
Patella (kneecap) dislocation
Ligament injuries

What Does Postoperative Care for Revision Knee Replacement Involve?

Following revision knee replacement surgery, a continuous passive motion (CPM) machine may be used to allow your knee joint to slowly move. The machine, attached to the treated leg, slowly moves the joint through a controlled range of motion, while you are at rest.

You can walk with crutches or a walker. You will be sent for rehabilitation within a couple of days of surgery. A physical therapist will teach you specific exercises to strengthen your leg and restore range of motion to the knee. Your physical therapist will also provide you with a home exercise program to strengthen the thigh and calf muscles.

Why Choose Dr. Willson for Revision Knee Replacement in Flint and Fenton, MI?

Revision knee replacement requires advanced surgical expertise, careful planning, and a thorough understanding of complex joint reconstruction. Dr. Seann E. Willson combines fellowship-trained experience with a patient-centered approach to help individuals experiencing complications from a previous knee replacement.

Fellowship-Trained Adult Joint Reconstruction Specialist

Dr. Willson completed advanced fellowship training focused on adult hip and knee reconstruction, providing specialized expertise in both primary and revision joint replacement procedures.

Expertise in Complex Knee Reconstruction

Revision knee replacement often involves challenges such as bone loss, implant loosening, instability, infection, stiffness, or implant wear. Dr. Willson carefully evaluates each case and develops an individualized surgical strategy tailored to the patient's needs.

Comprehensive Diagnostic Evaluation

Successful revision surgery begins with identifying the cause of implant failure. Dr. Willson utilizes a detailed assessment process that may include imaging studies, physical examination, and diagnostic testing to determine the most appropriate treatment plan.

Personalized Treatment and Recovery Plans

Every revision procedure is unique. Dr. Willson creates customized treatment plans designed to restore knee function, improve mobility, and help patients return to their desired activities safely.

Convenient Locations in Flint and Fenton

Patients throughout Flint, Fenton, and surrounding Genesee County communities have access to expert revision knee replacement care close to home.

Revision Knee Replacement FAQs

What is revision knee replacement?

Revision knee replacement is a surgical procedure that involves replacing part or all of a previous knee replacement implant when it has failed, become worn out, loosened, become infected, or is causing ongoing symptoms.

Why might I need revision knee replacement surgery?

Common reasons include implant wear, loosening of the prosthesis, instability, infection, stiffness, persistent pain, fracture around the implant, bone loss, or failure of the original knee replacement.

How is revision knee replacement different from primary knee replacement?

Revision knee replacement is generally more complex than an initial knee replacement because it often requires removal of existing implants, management of bone loss, and reconstruction of damaged tissues before new components can be implanted.

What symptoms may indicate a failed knee replacement?

Symptoms may include persistent pain, swelling, instability, stiffness, difficulty walking, decreased range of motion, recurrent joint problems, or worsening knee function after a previous replacement.

How long does recovery take after revision knee replacement?

Recovery timelines vary depending on the complexity of the surgery, the extent of reconstruction required, and the patient's overall health. Dr. Willson will provide a personalized recovery plan based on your individual needs.

Will I need physical therapy after revision surgery?

Yes. Physical therapy is often an important part of recovery and helps improve strength, flexibility, stability, range of motion, and overall knee function after surgery.

What are the risks of revision knee replacement?

Potential risks include infection, blood clots, bleeding, stiffness, nerve or blood vessel injury, implant complications, kneecap instability, and persistent symptoms. Dr. Willson will discuss the risks and benefits of surgery during your consultation.

How do I know if I need revision knee replacement?

If you have undergone knee replacement surgery and are experiencing ongoing pain, instability, swelling, stiffness, or reduced function, an evaluation by Dr. Willson can help determine whether revision surgery may be appropriate.

What should I expect during a revision knee replacement consultation?

Dr. Willson will review your symptoms, medical history, previous surgical records, imaging studies, and current implant condition to determine the cause of your symptoms and discuss potential treatment options.

Schedule a Revision Knee Replacement Consultation in Flint or Fenton, MI

Persistent pain or complications after knee replacement surgery should not be ignored. Dr. Seann E. Willson provides expert evaluation and advanced revision knee replacement treatment for patients throughout Flint, Fenton, and surrounding Mid-Michigan communities.

Take the next step toward restoring comfort, stability, and mobility. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation and learn about your options for treating a failed or problematic knee replacement.

Knee immobilizers are used when performing physical therapy, walking and while sleeping to keep the knee stabilized.

If you would like to have additional information on the treatment of various knee conditions or would like to learn more about revision knee replacement, please contact Dr. Willson, serving the communities of Flint & Fenton.