Revision Knee Surgery How serious is knee revision surgery? The possible risks and complications of revision surgery include: Poor wound healing. Reduced range of motion or stiffness in the knee. Infection in the wound or the new prosthesis. How long does it take to recover from revision knee surgery? Knee Revision Recovery It may take up to 12 months to fully recover. Most people will feel comfortable going back to work and resuming some of their normal activities three to six months after the surgery (this may not include exercise or other strenuous physical activities). What is the most common reason for knee revision surgery? The most common reasons for knee revision surgery are: infection of the joint may cause stiffness, pain or loosening. fracture of the bone around the joint requires the fracture to be fixed. instability of the implant that may cause the joint to dislocate (uncommon) Who needs knee revision surgery? Who needs knee revision surgery? A knee revision may be necessary for anyone whose prosthetic knee implant fails due to injury or wear, or who gets an infection in the area around implant. In elderly people who have a knee replacement, the artificial knee implants may last for life. Can you walk after knee revision surgery? You'll start standing and walking on your new knee almost immediately – just a few hours after surgery. Movement is key to a successful recovery. At first, you'll take short walks – for example, from your bed to the bathroom and around your room. When is revision surgery needed? The implants used in joint replacement may last up to 15 or 20 years, but they generally do not last forever. When the implant wears out, people often need a second surgery in which the existing implant is taken out and replaced. This is called a revision surgery.