Following a total knee replacement procedure, one of the most significant risks patients face is the need for a revision procedure. Recent studies indicate that one of the most significant risk factors for revision is smoking. For this reason, patients undergoing knee replacement surgery should quit smoking immediately.

About the Study

The study in question covered a total of 436 patients who had undergone total knee replacement surgery. Researchers followed the patients over a period of 13 years and recorded any revisions required in order to identify risk factors. The study determined that, smoking increased the risk of needing a revision by 300 percent.

Among the revisions that did occur, the most common situations leading to a revision were infection, aseptic loosening, stiffness or instability. The study did not investigate the mechanism by which smoking leads to a higher risk of revision. Further research will be necessary to investigate the connection in more depth.

What It Means for Patients

Based on this information, it seems plausible that smoking increases the risk of needing a revision following total knee replacement. For this reason, smokers who know they need a knee replacement should quit smoking as soon as possible. Quitting smoking is also recommended for patients who have already had a knee replacement procedure and hope to limit their chances of eventually needing a revision.

In addition to quitting smoking, there are other steps patients can take to reduce their risk of needing a revision after total knee replacement surgery, such as choosing the right surgeon and following his or her instructions carefully. To learn more about total knee replacement surgery, please contact Southeast Orthopedic Specialists today.