Manipulation for tkr

It was a success. It was a quick and painless procedure and was able to bend to 130.

I have heard of MUA but sorry, no first hand experience.

At 8 weeks, 100-105 ROM isn't great but certainly isn't terrible. The goal after a TKR is 120 and a total recovery can take up to one year. I don't think the MUA can hurt but I'm not sure what the goal is - break up scar tissue? Suzy might know as she had success with it.

(I did some quick research on MUA after TKR and it is suggested that if you have it that it be done within 3 months of the TKR. So your Dr's suggestion is consistent with this.)

Can you share what is limiting the ROM? For me is has been a really tight lateral tendon and nerve pain at its insertion point behind the knee. My PT used the Graston technique and it completely worked! I went from 107 to 120 on my own and finally pain free! Ask your PT about it. Here’s some info: https://www.opcnyc.com/graston-technique-muscle-and-scar-tissue-treatment-nyc

Has anyone here had an MUA as late as 5+ months post TKR? My flexion started declining at 4 months post op, despite doing physical therapy 3x week. Any experience to help me with suggestions? I just know I didn't do all of this not to see it all the way through to success. Thanks!

Hi! 6 months post op and today Dr suggested Manipulation Under Anesthesia.

Did you move forward with it and if so how did it go? Recovery?

Thanks so much!

I take it you mean 3 sessions with a PT each week. Have you been doing physical therapy, with a therapist and at home, 3x day everyday since your surgery? That's a tough schedule to meet 100% - still some pt everyday after surgery is required, especially in that first month.

As for MUA, never had it. Is that to break up scar tissue?

What was your ROM before surgery.
Mine was 110 and I’ve reached 113 after 2 months.
Are you happy with your PT, does he massage and maneuver your knee and area around at every session.
I found that to be the difference
Good luck

People do things for different reasons ….. if your 100-105 that is awesome I don’t know your story…but I have been to hell and back since having first tkr …. My second tkr after getting right size knee I am able to get 100-105 which I can do most everything….i go to the gym 5 nights a week always work in progress…. I do not know what you do for you but there are other things personally I would try first instead of procedure that will set you back before you go forward….have you ever tried myofascial release, or graston technique these are two things that help with scar tissue may help you get moving …. My experience with mua was not good set me back instead of forward….. we have to remember these dr we go to they are surgeons so of course they want to do a procedure……the more procedures the more ….hope you find what works for you

ezas this is an interesting take on recovery and expectations. I was told that 120 ROM and zero extension were the goals. But none of us are alike, and even our knees are different from each other.

Yeah, ideally 120 and zero would be great. But if a person has done all the required therapy, at PT and at home, 3x/day - then the results are what they are. To your point, you can do everything you want. If that's not the case, then yeah, that needs to be addressed by the Dr.

All the best to everyone who has had a TKR and who needs a TKR.

Joe

Yes I had TKR Feb of 2023 had alot of difficulty with my recovery. My extension was poor and my bend was extremely difficult. My surgeon deducted it must be scar tissue so May 2nd I had MUA it was very painful but believed in the saying hey no pain no gain so I wen to PT 3x a week did the CPM machine got up to 120 in agony but I did it. But none of this transferred to helping my knee. One of my PT spent minutes pressing down on my leg almost every time I went to PT . . . it was horrible. I changed therapist and he diagnosed my problem as synovitis (angry knee syndrome) I think it is a condition where my synovial fluid has become inflamed which by the way, my swelling in my knee has never ceased. Up until April 2nd I had a semblance of an active life after my knee calmed down. I went to the gym and swam took long vacations eventhough my best bend was only 102. Then on April 2nd of2024 I took a step in my kitchen and bam I fell with a broken femur. So I am with a walker again but NOT going crazy with the exercises and respecting what my body is telling me to not over do it. To answer your question about MUA I am not sure my issue was ever scar tissue as much as inflammation. Please be aware of therapist that are too aggressive.