Implant extraction in revision knee arthroplasty

Revision total knee arthroplasty is a complex process involving removal of prior implants and reimplantation of new ones. Successful reimplantation requires thorough knowledge of why the first arthroplasty failed. Although most of the emphasis of the revision surgery is about the final construct that goes in, it is equally important to have a safe, soft-tissue sparing, bone-conserving implant extraction. With younger patients getting arthroplasties, the frequency of revisions will increase in the future. We hope to offer basic principles and extraction techniques for the revision surgeon to have in his or her armamentarium to successfully tackle the impending revision burden.