Total knee replacement problems

Posted by daynaj @daynaj, Aug 6 4:12pm

I am really hoping someone can help. I had a total knee replacement 3 years ago (age 48) due to a motorcycle accident in my teens. I am in more pain than I was before. My knee constantly feels like there is an ace bandage wrapped around it. It is very tight, stiff, and painful. I did all of the PT and still can't straighten my knee any further than I could before. I have been back to my doctor twice about this problem and have gone to see a different doctor, and they both tell me some patients just don't do so well with knee replacements. This can't be the only answer! I am 51 years old and struggle to accept the fact that I will have to deal with this for the rest of my life. I have very tiny bones. I had a disc replaced in my neck and had to go back in 2 weeks later to have it replaced with a specially ordered disc because the smallest one this particular manufacturer makes was too big for me. It makes me think this might be the issue with my knee as well. Any advice?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Joint Replacements Support Group.

I also had my right knee replaced 7 years ago. I had problems with pain immediately after. I did everything that could be done medically and found no relief until one doctor suggested knee ablation and it worked, I now go in about every 10-12 months and have it done. They burn the nerves that are causing the pain signal to your brain nerves do grow back which is the reason for the repeat. Instant relief and for a couple of days your knee will be bruised but your awake for the procedure and can walk away right after.
I highly recommend as I have had great results. Stay Strong it will get better

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Mine has been almost 3 years and the doctor said MUA is no longer an option because it has been too long. But the tightness and pain make me think maybe the artificial knee is too big. Not sure if that's even a thing. I wish you the best of luck with your knee. Those first few weeks are very painful.

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@pat1015kristy

I also had my right knee replaced 7 years ago. I had problems with pain immediately after. I did everything that could be done medically and found no relief until one doctor suggested knee ablation and it worked, I now go in about every 10-12 months and have it done. They burn the nerves that are causing the pain signal to your brain nerves do grow back which is the reason for the repeat. Instant relief and for a couple of days your knee will be bruised but your awake for the procedure and can walk away right after.
I highly recommend as I have had great results. Stay Strong it will get better

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Oh, this would be wonderful! Another suggestion that I hadn't thought about. Thank you!

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@tiredoftkr

I strongly suggest a second opinion by a very reputable ortho even if you have to drive or fly to see. And you at minimum need new X-rays and maybe an MRI.
The sizing of the TKR is vital and also their may be problems with the glue not adhering or even an infection. One personal note. Before surgery I spoke to the doctor and said MAKE SURE IT IS THE RIGHT SIZE (please). He had to work with the rep and sure enough my actual size was in the 3 range. Very small.
My opinion is your problem is serious and damaging your quality of life and you need reputable help for a serious issue. I send you only my best in getting truly to the bottom of the matter.

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See, the size of the replacement IS a big issue. I had a feeling. I am absolutely going to see a third doctor. The one who did mine has received many awards in the Dallas area, so I thought I was already with the best. Thank you so much for this info.

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@ezas123

I had tkr could not get much movement out of it … just like you after few months got second opinion was two sizes to big would have never gotten any further….,long story short had revision went from 65-70 now I am 100-105 I can do most things … I still have some pain and stiffness but I always will….good luck hope you find relief

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As much as I hate the thought of another surgery to have this one replaced with a smaller one, I am very thankful to know that the size of mine is likely the issue. Thank you for your story.

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Had the MUA yesterday. He got it to 135* and I think he said between 1-2*. Slept well with my ice machine and 5 mg oxycodone.
Swollen today, about to embark on my routine. Wish me luck.

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I found the responses entitled"success stories for TKR revision surgeries" very helpful. I am getting a second opinion in September with a joint specialist. Hoping to find answer to my situation. Good luck with yours.

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@daynaj

See, the size of the replacement IS a big issue. I had a feeling. I am absolutely going to see a third doctor. The one who did mine has received many awards in the Dallas area, so I thought I was already with the best. Thank you so much for this info.

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I've been fortunate and had two successful knee replacements in 2022. I was 67 y/o when I had the TKRs.

I talked to my Dr about how the prostheses are sized. I don't recall what he said about the femoral replacements, but for the tibia, the edges of the plateau, the flat part of the prosthesis, should be inside the edges of your tibia.

That said, I doubt that a Dr would make such a mistake, but I suppose anything can happen. And you said you have small bones, so it may be worthwhile to have a second Dr look at your X-rays.

I don't think the prostheses are custom made. The size that is available that is best for you is used, and there are several available on the day of surgery. But what if your bones are so small that none of these would fit?

Again, I think it's unlikely, but you have nothing to lose by checking.

Another possible cause is inflammation. I have osteoarthritis and have only recently cut out all (ok almost all) refined sugar from my diet. Sugar is a significant cause of inflammation, and inflammation causes joint pain.

I hope something here helps. All the best to you! Joe

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@skshapiro

I found the responses entitled"success stories for TKR revision surgeries" very helpful. I am getting a second opinion in September with a joint specialist. Hoping to find answer to my situation. Good luck with yours.

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There are orthopedic surgeons who specialize in replacement surgery. I didn't know that. It is a specialized practice in joint replacement surgery. I know it's true for knees. not certain about other joints but imagine the answer is yes.

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@daynaj

Mine has been almost 3 years and the doctor said MUA is no longer an option because it has been too long. But the tightness and pain make me think maybe the artificial knee is too big. Not sure if that's even a thing. I wish you the best of luck with your knee. Those first few weeks are very painful.

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I had tkr few years ago now but … but first time I had tkr I had from moment I woke up during therapy I did not get there far with flexion I was 65 … I moved around a little but always lost any gain I had mua made it worse just whole lot of pain did not get any more flexion…. Long story short second opinion said was 2 sizes too big and would not get any further… schedule surgery had to wait the year from first surgery…. Woke up was amazing no pain this recovery was so much better …. I am 100-105 but I can do most things …. So what is your flexion is a good indicator?

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