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What is Persona® Revision Knee System?

The Persona® Revision knee system is an advanced total knee system designed specifically for the purpose of complex primary or revision knee replacement.

Revision knee replacement surgery is performed to replace a failed knee prosthesis with a new prosthetic component in which all or part of a previously implanted knee prosthesis is replaced with a state-of-the-art Persona® Revision knee prosthesis. It comprises of unique and specially designed anatomical components including femoral components, articular surfaces (bearings), tibial baseplates, stem extensions, femoral and tibial augments, and femoral and tibial trabecular metal cones.

Persona Revision knee system provides surgeons with a wide variety of anatomic components developed with patient anatomy in mind. The system offers femoral and tibial cones and several stem options to address fixation needs at the same time as the femoral components and multiple bearing constraint alternatives focus on restoring soft tissue balance and stability. With these advancements, Persona Revision can provide patients with a truly personalized implant fit.

Patient-specific implants, precise instrumentation, and proven technologies of the Persona® Revision knee system allow surgeons with the capability to individualize their surgical experience to best meet the requirements of each patient while accomplishing the intended bone coverage, fixation, and stability during revision knee replacement.

Indications for Persona® Revision Knee System

Revision knee replacement surgery with Persona® Revision knee system may be advised to patients if they have one or more of the following conditions:

  • Chronic progressive joint diseases such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis
  • Trauma/fracture to the knee joint
  • 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 prosthesis, a process known as osteolysis (bone loss)
  • Stiffness in the knee
  • Leg length discrepancy

Preparation for Persona® Revision Knee System

Preoperative preparation for Persona® Revision Knee System may involve the following steps:

  • A thorough examination is performed by your doctor to check for any medical issues that need to be addressed prior to surgery.
  • Depending on your medical history, social history, and age, you may need to undergo tests such as blood work and imaging to help detect any abnormalities that could compromise the safety of the procedure.
  • You will be asked if you have allergies to medications, anesthesia, or latex.
  • You should inform your doctor of any medications, vitamins, or supplements that you are taking.
  • You may need to refrain from medications such as blood thinners or anti-inflammatories for 1 to 2 weeks prior to surgery.
  • You should not consume any solids or liquids at least 8 hours prior to surgery.
  • You should arrange for someone to drive you home after surgery.
  • A signed informed consent form will be obtained from you after the pros and cons of the surgery has been explained.

Procedure for Persona® Revision Knee System

Revision knee replacement surgery with Persona® Revision Knee System may involve the replacement of one or all of the components. The surgery is performed under general anesthesia, and in general, involves the following steps:

  • Your surgeon makes an incision over the knee to expose the knee joint.
  • The kneecap along with its ligament may be moved aside so that there is enough room for your surgeon to perform the operation.
  • The old femoral component of the knee prosthesis is removed.
  • The femur is prepared to receive the new femoral component of the Persona® Revision Knee System.
  • 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 of the Persona® Revision Knee System.
  • Similar to 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 the top of the tibial component.
  • If the patella (kneecap) has been damaged, your surgeon will resurface and attach a new plastic component of the Persona® Revision Knee System.
  • The tibial and femoral components of the prosthesis are then brought together to form the new knee joint.
  • With all the new components in place, the knee joint is tested through its range of motion, and all surrounding tissues and structures are restored to their normal anatomic position.
  • Finally, the incisions are closed with sutures and sterile dressings are applied.

Postoperative Care and Recovery

In general, postoperative care instructions and recovery after revision knee replacement using Persona® Revision Knee System may involve the following steps:

  • You will be transferred to the recovery area where your nurse will monitor your vital signs as your recover from the effects of anesthesia.
  • You may notice some pain, swelling, and discomfort in the knee area. Pain and anti-inflammatory medications are provided as needed.
  • Antibiotics are also prescribed to address the risk of surgery-related infection.
  • You are encouraged to walk with assistance as frequently as possible around the hospital bed to prevent the risk of blood clots.
  • Keep the surgical site clean and dry. Instructions on surgical site care and bathing will be provided.
  • You will be placed on crutches for the first few weeks with instructions on restricted weight-bearing.
  • You are advised to keep your leg elevated above the heart level for a defined period while resting to prevent swelling and pain.
  • Refrain from smoking as it can negatively affect the healing process.
  • Eating a healthy diet rich in vitamin D is strongly advised to promote healing and a faster recovery.
  • Use of a continuous passive motion machine (CPM) at home may be advised in the first few weeks to aid in the constant movement of the knee joint under a controlled range of motion.
  • Refrain from strenuous activities and lifting heavy weights for the first couple of months. Gradual increase in activities over a period of time is recommended.
  • An individualized physical therapy protocol is designed to help strengthen your knee muscles and optimize knee function.
  • You will be able to resume your normal activities in a couple of months; however, return to sports may take 6 months or longer.
  • Refrain from driving until you are fully fit and receive your doctor’s consent.
  • A periodic follow-up appointment will be scheduled to monitor your progress.

Benefits of Persona® Revision Knee System by Zimmer Biomet

Some of the benefits of the Persona® Revision Knee System include:

  • Minimal risk of dislocation
  • Minimal implant wear
  • Highly durable
  • Minimal soft-tissue damage
  • Precision in component positioning
  • Minimal pain
  • Faster recovery time
  • Improved knee stability 
  • Improved surgical outcome and patient satisfaction

Risks and complications

Revision knee replacement with Persona® Revision Knee System is a relatively safe procedure; however, as with any surgery, some risks and complications may occur, such as the following:  

  • 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