What is a resection arthroplasty? My mother has an infection in her total knee joint and this is what they are planning.

Resection arthroplasty is the removal of an implant or prosthesis. In this case, the total joint replacement will be taken out. This is one treatment option for patients with a failed total knee replacement.

During the operation the surgeon will remove all parts of the implant including the cement. The joint is cleaned very carefully. Any infection, torn soft tissue, or rough edges of bone are removed. The ends of the bone are carefully shaped to come in contact with each other.

The patient is put in a cast and uses a brace when the cast comes off. The patient can bend and straighten the knee a little. In a small number of cases the joint may fuse itself.

Once the infection is cleared up, the surgeon may try to insert a second implant. If the joint is too unstable then the joint may need to be fused surgically. This is called a arthrodesis.