Spacer replacement 4 years after TKR

Unfortunately, it looks like if I do anything it will be a revision. It seems the doctor didn’t take into account that I had osteopenia and used the implant where the bone was supposed to attach to the implant. Apparently the extra space was caused by the implant sinking into the bone so the doctor doesn’t feel like the spacer will correct the instability. Also, the recovery is the same as an entire replacement. She feels replacing it with an implant that is attached with bone cement will correct things.

I am now pushing 20 weeks and I can report that this procedure is working. Much of the pain and swelling is gone. My recovery has been longer than I thought though. I feel another 4 weeks will see further improvement.
As I was recovering from the original TKR, I felt I was behind. I had daily swelling and pain. As time went by, I saw some improvement but never fully recovered. I did feel instability and had to work hard to keep up with others when walking. I also had a clunking feeling and the knee would sort of lock at times. The main difference, though, between now and then was the pain and swelling. Because that is less, I can walk much better now. I may have been lucky on getting second opinion - doctors do shy away from these cases. I will check back in later and update if anyone is still interested.

I know it’s been some time since you posted here but I’m hoping that you’ll see this message and can give me some information about your revision. A little over 13 months ago, I had a total knee replacement and probably about four months ago. I started having a lot of clicking and pain. When I move my knee from side to side, there’s a clunking clicking sound. Walking, driving, and sleeping are all uncomfortable again. The doctor thinks the spacer is too small and wants to do a revision surgery to swap out the spacer and put a new one in. I’m just not up for the revision, but I also am starting to have a lot of pain in my hip because my gate is off. Did you find that you had pain and other parts of your body due to your gait being off?

It’s awful going through something like this and not knowing the right direction.
I would definitely seek a second opinion. Your insurance may pay for it. They will want current imaging.

I know it’s been some time since you posted here but I’m hoping that you’ll see this message and can give me some information about your revision. A little over 13 months ago, I had a total knee replacement and probably about four months ago. I started having a lot of clicking and pain. When I move my knee from side to side, there’s a clunking clicking sound. Walking, driving, and sleeping are all uncomfortable again. The doctor thinks the spacer is too small and wants to do a revision surgery to swap out the spacer and put a new one in. I’m just not up for the revision, but I also am starting to have a lot of pain in my hip because my gate is off. Did you find that you had pain and other parts of your body due to your gait being off?

There have been developments regarding my knee. A new doctor has found the cause of the problem and it is infection. I don't know for sure but I believe this was from the revision. Either way, I now regret going forward with this revision - even with a second, concurring opinion. My advice, FWIW, now is to STOP and get testing done before any revision! The original doctor never mentioned testing. I found a new, more modern doctor and he found the cause. I reached out to a clinic known for orthopedic excellence and they would not see me because I had this revision. I am glad I have found some care as many doctors shy away from these problems. In the end I look at this as a positive. I have been struggling with this one for almost 2 years. Now that we know what the problem is I am very confident that this knee will improve significantly. I am going to be okay. Good luck all!

I had a simple blog test for infection, a bone scan, and a synovial fluid test. The last one is the gold standard per the doctor.

There have been developments regarding my knee. A new doctor has found the cause of the problem and it is infection. I don't know for sure but I believe this was from the revision. Either way, I now regret going forward with this revision - even with a second, concurring opinion. My advice, FWIW, now is to STOP and get testing done before any revision! The original doctor never mentioned testing. I found a new, more modern doctor and he found the cause. I reached out to a clinic known for orthopedic excellence and they would not see me because I had this revision. I am glad I have found some care as many doctors shy away from these problems. In the end I look at this as a positive. I have been struggling with this one for almost 2 years. Now that we know what the problem is I am very confident that this knee will improve significantly. I am going to be okay. Good luck all!