Define the problem
Clinical assessment, imaging and infection investigation where appropriate.
Complex Reconstruction
Complex Hip & Knee Joint Reconstruction
Specialist planning for selected primary and revision cases involving severe deformity, bone loss, previous surgery, fracture, infection or anatomy that cannot be addressed with a routine implant strategy.
Specialist reconstructionStandard implants where possible · specialist solutions where necessary
Quick Answer
What makes a joint replacement “complex”?
Complexity can arise from severe deformity, major bone loss, previous implants, fracture, infection, ligament deficiency or unusual anatomy.
Planning may need to consider
- bone stock and fixation
- alignment and stability
- removal of previous implants
- specialist stems, cones or augments
- patient-specific or custom-made implants in selected cases
Principle
Use the simplest reconstruction that safely solves the problem
Custom technology is not inherently better. It is considered only when conventional implant options cannot adequately address the anatomy or bone loss.
Plan fixation & stability
Choose a reconstruction that addresses bone loss, implant fixation, alignment and soft-tissue stability.
Escalate selectively
Specialist or custom-made components are reserved for selected cases where they solve a specific reconstructive problem.
Patient-specific and custom-made implants
In severe deformity or bone loss, advanced imaging can be used to plan a component designed for the patient's anatomy. These implants can be valuable in selected situations but require careful case selection, manufacturing time and detailed surgical planning.
Complex primary replacement
Not every complex case is a revision. Severe deformity, previous trauma or unusual anatomy can make a first hip or knee replacement more challenging and may require specialist implants or planning from the outset.
Complex revision
Revision cases may require reconstruction of major bone defects and restoration of stability. The strategy depends on the pattern of failure and remaining bone and soft tissues.
