A knee replacement is meant to last for many years, but persistent pain, swelling, instability, or a feeling that the knee is no longer working properly are signs that should never be ignored. Dr. Ankit Chaudhari at Ashirwad Hospital evaluates the exact cause of implant failure first — because revision surgery is more complex than the original replacement and needs a precise diagnosis before any decision is made.
Revision total knee replacement is a procedure to remove and replace a previously implanted knee prosthesis that is no longer functioning correctly. Unlike a first-time knee replacement, revision surgery often involves removing an existing implant that may be partly fixed to the bone, addressing any bone loss that has occurred around it, and rebuilding the joint using specialised implants designed for revision cases — such as stems, wedges, and augments.
This makes revision surgery technically more demanding, and the outcome depends on accurately identifying why the original implant failed before planning the new one.
Dr. Ankit Chaudhari is an orthopedic surgeon at Ashirwad Hospital in Surat, with experience in joint replacement surgery, including cases that require revision after a previous knee replacement has failed. Patients across Surat consult him when a previously replaced knee begins causing pain, swelling, or instability again.
Because every revision case is different — depending on why the original implant failed and how much bone or soft tissue has been affected — the diagnostic evaluation is treated as the foundation of the entire treatment plan.
Every revision case is planned individually, since the surgical approach depends heavily on the specific reason the original implant failed. Dr. Chaudhari ensures the diagnosis is confirmed — through imaging and infection screening where relevant — before any revision is planned.
A previous knee replacement may need revision surgery for several reasons. Identifying the specific cause is the first step at Ashirwad Hospital, since treatment varies significantly depending on the diagnosis. Confirmation uses clinical examination together with imaging from the diagnostics and imaging department, and blood tests where infection is suspected.
The prosthesis is no longer firmly fixed to the bone, causing pain and instability during movement.
May present with persistent swelling, warmth, or drainage. Infection changes the entire treatment approach and must be ruled out first.
The knee feels like it is giving way or shifting during movement — a sign the implant or surrounding soft tissue is no longer stable.
Wear of the implant surfaces over time, particularly in implants used for many years, can lead to pain and reduced function.
A fracture of the bone around the implant, often following a fall, may require revision to restore joint stability.
Persistent pain or stiffness that does not improve after the original surgery — sometimes caused by improper positioning of the original implant.
If you have had a previous knee replacement, the following signs warrant a proper evaluation rather than being dismissed as normal wear:
Pain that returns or worsens after a period of being pain-free following the original surgery.
Swelling, warmth, or redness around the knee that does not settle.
A feeling of instability, looseness, or the knee giving way while walking.
Reduced range of motion compared to what you had after the original surgery.
Difficulty bearing weight on the knee or a change in walking pattern.
A fall or injury affecting the knee that had a previous replacement.
Any fluid drainage from the area around the implant — this requires prompt assessment.
Every revision case is planned individually, since the surgical approach depends heavily on the specific reason the original implant failed. The general process at Ashirwad Hospital follows these steps:
Imaging, blood tests, and infection screening where relevant — using the diagnostics and imaging department — to confirm the exact cause of implant failure before any plan is made.
The approach is decided based on the specific cause of implant failure and the extent of bone involvement — not treated as a standard procedure.
Discussed with the anaesthesia team based on the patient's overall health and the complexity of the revision procedure.
Careful removal of the existing implant and thorough assessment of the remaining bone stock and soft tissue condition.
Reconstruction of bone defects using specialised revision implants such as stems, wedges, or augments, depending on the extent of bone loss found.
Placement and fixation of the new revision implant, restoring correct alignment and joint stability.
Structured monitoring during the hospital stay, with pain control and infection-prevention measures — especially where infection was a contributing factor.
Recovery after revision surgery is generally more gradual than after a first-time knee replacement, since more tissue and bone are involved in the procedure. At Ashirwad Hospital, recovery is planned as a structured, doctor-led process:
Hospital stay adjusted to the complexity of the specific revision procedure performed.
Pain control and infection-prevention measures, especially where infection was a factor in the original failure.
Early, guided mobilisation appropriate to the extent of surgery performed — not rushed, not delayed.
A staged rehabilitation plan to rebuild strength, stability, and range of motion over time.
Scheduled follow-up visits to monitor healing and implant performance over time.
Long-term activity guidance to protect the revised joint and reduce the risk of future failure.
Revision knee replacement is a more complex procedure than a first-time replacement, and patients in Surat often compare experience and diagnostic thoroughness before deciding where to seek treatment. Here is an honest comparison based on common patterns patients describe:
| What Patients Often Face Elsewhere | How Ashirwad Hospital Approaches It |
|---|---|
| Revision surgery planned without fully confirming the exact cause of implant failure | Diagnosis confirmed through detailed clinical examination, imaging, and infection screening where relevant |
| Infection as a possible cause not actively ruled out before planning surgery | Infection specifically assessed first, since it changes the entire treatment approach if present |
| Limited explanation of why bone loss occurred or how it will be addressed | Clear discussion of bone condition and the specific reconstruction technique planned |
| Recovery expectations presented the same as for a first-time knee replacement | Honest, realistic recovery timeline set specifically for the revision procedure performed |
| Rehabilitation handed to a disconnected physiotherapy provider | Recovery planned and monitored by the same doctor who performed the surgery |
| Little clarity on cost differences between primary and revision surgery | Transparent discussion of what the estimated cost for revision surgery includes, before any decision is made |
Ashirwad Hospital is accessible to patients searching for a revision knee replacement doctor across all areas of Surat and surrounding regions:
A detailed discussion of your original knee replacement surgery and when the current symptoms began.
A physical examination of the knee for stability, alignment, and range of motion.
Imaging and, if infection is suspected, blood tests to confirm the exact cause of the problem — via the diagnostics and imaging department.
A clear explanation of why the original implant may have failed and what the revision procedure will involve.
A walkthrough of the expected recovery timeline specific to revision surgery — not the same as a first-time replacement.
A transparent cost estimate based on your specific case — before any decision is made. Check current fees on the fees page.
Accessible to patients across Adajan, Vesu, Athwa, Piplod, City Light, Katargam, Varachha, Ghod Dod Road, Nanpura, and Rander.
| Monday – Saturday | 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM |
| Sunday | By prior appointment or emergency only |
Walk-in registration is available during OPD hours. To book in advance and reduce waiting time, use the contact page or call directly.
Ashirwad Hospital provides specialized orthopedic care with modern facilities, expert surgeons, and patient-focused healing.
3rd Floor, Vision Business Hub Opposite Shell Petrol Pump, L.P. Savani Road, Adajan, Surat, 395009