I understand that there are unknowns such as the individual's propensity to build up scar tissues based on their body's immune response, but .... is it also possible that the surgeon's expertise and interaction with his patient could help to mitigate some of the negative outcomes? My surgeon who operates out of the "supposedly #1 orthopedic hospital in the US... (World?) did not afford me the time of day when I reached out to him before the 6 weeks appointment that was scheduled.
He refused to do imaging such as ultrasound, Ct scan, MRI that would identify the presence and an amount of scar tissue that seemed to be building up 2 to three weeks after the procedure. Why would a medical professional wait 6 weeks before checking in on a major incision? Why would he refuse to respond to the patient's request for additional imaging? Research says that procedures such as arthroscopy is best done within 6 weeks of the operation.
He then proceeded to perform an arthroscopy without any imaging to predetermine the areas that needed the attention.
We need to stop blaming ourselves and scar tissue buildup as the reason why some of us are experiencing such pain and discomfort after tkr. There are procedures that can be done to help us to heal better. Of course, that is where your surgeon (and insurance) comes into play. Many of them are not telling you the options that are available for helping (mine didn't) and I had to do my own research and actually force the issue. My healing is still not complete, but I believe that I am better off having done the post operation procedures. After all, these are modern times, and I believe that technology is advanced enough to help those of us who are experiencing tkr post operation issues.
I hope that we will continue to stay positive and advocate for ourselves and that additional research will result in improved outcomes for us in the near future.