Revision Hip and Knee Replacement in Los Angeles

Revision hip and knee replacement is one of the most technically demanding areas of orthopedic surgery. These procedures are performed when a previous joint replacement has failed due to loosening, infection, implant wear, instability, or progressive bone loss. Correcting these problems requires advanced surgical planning, deep knowledge of joint biomechanics, and extensive experience in complex joint reconstruction.

In Los Angeles, revision joint replacement surgery is performed by Dr. Farzin Kabaei, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with fellowship training in complex joint reconstruction. Dr. Kabaei’s practice focuses on modern hip and knee replacement surgery, including the treatment of challenging cases such as failed implants, severe deformities, traumatic injuries, and infections around joint replacements. Over the course of his career, he has performed thousands of hip and knee replacement procedures, and he frequently evaluates patients who require revision surgery after a previous joint replacement performed elsewhere.

Dr. Kabaei completed orthopedic residency training at Montefiore / Albert Einstein Medical Center followed by advanced fellowship training at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, one of the country’s leading centers for joint reconstruction. He also serves as a medical peer reviewer for the Medical Board of California, reflecting the trust placed in his clinical judgment by the orthopedic community. In addition to caring for patients, he regularly teaches medical students and orthopedic residents modern techniques in joint replacement and robotic surgery.

For patients experiencing complications after hip or knee replacement surgery, Dr. Kabaei’s focus is not simply replacing an implant. His approach is to carefully diagnose the underlying cause of failure and reconstruct the joint in a way that restores stability, movement, and long-term durability.

What Is Revision Hip or Knee Replacement?

Revision joint replacement is a procedure performed to repair or replace a previously implanted artificial joint that has stopped functioning properly.

Unlike primary joint replacement surgery, revision procedures often require reconstruction of bone, correction of alignment problems, and treatment of complications that developed after the original surgery.

Revision surgery may involve:

• Removing worn or loose prosthetic components
• Rebuilding areas of bone loss
• Treating infection or damaged tissue
• Implanting specialized revision components
• Restoring joint alignment and stability

Because the joint has already been altered by prior surgery, revision procedures require significantly more surgical precision and planning than primary joint replacement.

Why Joint Replacements Sometimes Fail

Modern joint replacements are designed to last many years, but certain conditions can cause implants to fail over time.

Common causes of revision surgery include:

Implant Loosening
Over time the prosthetic components may lose fixation to the bone, causing pain and instability.

Implant Wear
Artificial joints are subject to mechanical stress, and surfaces may gradually wear down.

Infection
Infection around a prosthetic joint can damage surrounding tissue and require removal or revision of the implant.

Periprosthetic Fractures
Fractures occurring near the implant can compromise the stability of the joint replacement.

Instability or Dislocation
Improper alignment or ligament imbalance may lead to joint instability.

Bone Loss
Progressive bone loss around the implant may require specialized reconstruction during revision surgery.

Identifying the exact cause of failure is critical to planning a successful revision procedure.

Advanced Planning for Complex Revision Surgery

Successful revision joint replacement begins long before surgery takes place. Detailed imaging and careful evaluation allow the surgeon to determine why the original implant failed and how the joint must be reconstructed.

Dr. Kabaei uses advanced imaging and surgical planning tools to analyze bone quality, implant positioning, and joint mechanics. This process allows him to develop a surgical strategy tailored to each patient’s anatomy and previous surgical history.

Modern revision procedures may require specialized implants designed to address bone loss, ligament damage, or joint instability. These implants allow surgeons to reconstruct joints that might otherwise be considered extremely challenging to treat.

Because no two revision cases are the same, individualized planning and surgical expertise are essential to achieving a stable and durable result.

Why Surgeon Experience Matters in Revision Surgery

Revision hip and knee replacement is significantly more complex than primary joint replacement. Outcomes often depend heavily on the surgeon’s experience treating difficult orthopedic cases.

Dr. Kabaei regularly evaluates and treats patients with complex joint conditions such as:

• Failed hip and knee replacements
• Severe joint deformities
• Infection around joint implants
• Periprosthetic fractures
• Bone loss requiring reconstruction
• Post-traumatic arthritis

His background in advanced joint reconstruction allows him to evaluate complicated surgical problems and determine the most appropriate approach to restoring joint stability and function.

Because revision procedures often involve correcting problems created by prior surgery, many patients seek consultation with a specialist experienced in complex joint reconstruction before undergoing another operation.

Recovery After Revision Joint Replacement

Recovery after revision surgery varies depending on the complexity of the procedure and the condition of the joint before surgery.

In general, recovery includes:

• Early physical therapy to restore mobility
• Progressive strengthening of surrounding muscles
• Ongoing monitoring of implant stability and healing

Patients typically continue improving over several months as the joint regains strength and stability. Although revision surgery is more complex than primary joint replacement, modern surgical techniques allow many patients to regain mobility and significantly reduce pain.

A Patient-Focused Approach to Complex Joint Problems

Dr. Kabaei believes the best surgical outcomes come from accurate diagnosis, careful surgical planning, and personalized patient care.

Every patient undergoing evaluation for revision surgery receives a detailed assessment that includes imaging studies, medical history review, and a thorough discussion of treatment options. In some cases non-surgical treatment may still be appropriate, while in others revision surgery offers the best opportunity to restore joint function.

Because Dr. Kabaei has personally undergone orthopedic surgery himself, he understands the physical and emotional challenges patients face during recovery. His goal is to provide clear guidance, realistic expectations, and a treatment strategy designed to restore mobility and quality of life.

Revision Hip and Knee Replacement in Los Angeles

Persistent pain, instability, or loss of function after joint replacement should always be evaluated by a specialist experienced in complex joint reconstruction.

Advances in surgical techniques, implant design, and surgical planning now allow many failed hip and knee replacements to be successfully corrected.

Patients in Los Angeles experiencing complications after hip or knee replacement surgery can consult with Dr. Farzin Kabaei for expert evaluation and advanced revision joint reconstruction designed to restore comfort, stability, and long-term joint performance.

Frequently Asked Questions About Revision Hip and Knee Replacement

How do I know if my joint replacement has failed?
Symptoms may include persistent pain, instability, swelling, limited mobility, or difficulty walking. Imaging studies and clinical evaluation help determine whether revision surgery is necessary.

Is revision surgery more difficult than the original joint replacement?
Yes. Revision procedures are typically more complex because the surgeon must remove existing implants, correct structural problems, and reconstruct the joint with specialized components.

What causes hip or knee replacements to fail?
Failure can occur due to implant wear, loosening, infection, trauma, instability, or progressive bone loss around the prosthetic joint.

Can a revision joint replacement last as long as the original implant?
Modern revision implants are designed for durability, and many function successfully for many years depending on bone quality, implant positioning, and overall joint health.

Should I seek a second opinion before revision surgery?
Because revision surgery is complex, many patients seek evaluation from a specialist experienced in joint reconstruction to confirm the diagnosis and treatment plan.