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Damage from Iovera Nerve block prior to TKR
I had right TKR 18 weeks ago. Prior to surgery I had lower leg neuropathy and a neurologist could not determine why after testing (you're part of the 20% of the population that gets it for an unknown reason she said). My surgeon recommended the Iovera nerve block prior to surgery because it would help with pain after the surgery. He said that the nerve block would last for about 3 months. I had no problem when the injection was done, minimal bruising and my leg was numb. It's now been more than 3 months later and I still have numbness going all the way down the inside of my thigh to my knee and when I touched the skin it feels like someone's taking a razor blade and slicing my skin open. I'm also having problems when I bend my leg in certain ways or touch my leg in certain spots I start get sharp nerve pains down on my lower leg. I don't know if this is from the Iovera injection or not. And I have a feeling nobody's really going to tell me. Has this happened to anybody else? I already had a chronic pain condition before surgery and if I had known that I would feel the way I do now I don't think I would have had my knee replaced!
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I'm six months post op and I would NEVER recommend Iovera to anyone. Still having pain and swelling making it difficult to walk, sleep and any daily activities
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1 ReactionSorry to hear that! I had this therapy done last Thursday, the 25th.
I hope I don't have any long term problems with it like you.
If I do I will shout it from the roof tops, because I was assured there would be no issues and I would be happy I had it done.
I had my left knee replaced in September 2023. I had the Iovera treatment done and while it was interesting to watch, it was very uncomfortable and once my nerve froze the shock was enough to make me about wet myself..
Here I am several months later and I’m still having pain in my leg and knee from the Iovera treatment. Honestly I wish I wouldn’t have gotten it done. Yes the incision area was not painful and I was able to bend it with ease in that aspect. But in every other way it sucks and is not worth it. The slightest touch to certain parts of my leg and knee about make me jump out of my skin..
Has anyone found out anything further. My husband had the injections done at the end of December 2023. He experienced pain and discomfort in his thigh for the two weeks prior to surgery. No bruising, just pain and discomrot. Now, 4 weeks post surgery the pain is unbearable above the knee in the same thigh area. Like Kathi65 above, it also feels as if his skin is being cut with razor blades from even the slightest touch. He is only able to sleep for a couple of hours a night due to this. It is simply miserable. Any information you have to share would be appreciated.
I just received IOVERA two weeks ago, so I can't tell you much yet. After I have surgery and see what happens, I will definitely respond to this board.
I'm 20 months post Iovera and TKR. Had a normal recovery with just the kneecap numbness until 2 months ago when I experienced the same vice like pain at the knee that shot down the outside of my lower leg into my foot. Horrible pain and locked up leg for 15 min or so, then it slowly subsides. It happens regularly now. Dr says most likely a nerve issue. I'm getting an MRI today. You seem to be the only one here with a very similar experience so not sure if this Iovera related or not.
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1 ReactionHi. I slipped on ice in December 2023 and then banged my knee and started to have some neuropathy in my lower leg and foot. Due to mild arthritis in my left knee my surgeon recommended iovera which I had at the end of January. By mid February I couldn’t walk without being in agony. I’m now using a cane and in Physical therapy. My muscles are very tight. I would not recommend to anyone that they get iovera. I should have done some research before hand. I have to keep my leg up at all times and use ice or a heating pad. I was used to walking 5 miles a day. I’m 65. I’m still numb above my knee which I don’t mind but I have pain in my knee cap,joints, shins,and feet. I’m hoping this eventually goes away. It’s very frustrating and depressing. My physical therapist has never even heard of iovera and I don’t think there’s been a connection to the pain and muscle issues I’m having with the iovera. I’m glad I found this forum. I just want to walk again!! J
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1 ReactionI opted to have the Iovera treatment prior to my total knee replacement because I have an allergy to all opiates. It sounded like the perfect procedure to help me manage the pain. Instead, I had a severe reaction. The pain was unmanageable wherein i contacted the anesthesiologist and surgeon prior to my surgery which was scheduled the following Monday morning expressing my concerns about continuing on with the surgery. I don’t think they understood the extent of the pain I was experiencing and convinced me to continue with the surgery after providing a sedative. It’s been a year and The pain is still there along with a visible scar and obvious scar tissues and bumps from the injection site. I’ve been told I’m the only person that’s ever had an allergic reaction And there’s nothing they can do to help me. I wish I never had that treatment.
I had a severe allergic reaction to the treatment. Yet the surgeon continued with my total knee replacement. The pain was unbearable post surgery and continues to hurt to this day a year later. The Doctor Who performed the procedure said no one else has ever had a reaction and just referred me to a pain specialist. I don’t know what to do?
One year later, and I am still experiencing pain at the Iovera injection site. The pain has never subsided
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