Scar tissue after knee replacement

There is something wrong. Arthrofibrosis. You have massive scar tissue surrounding your knee. You need arthroscopic lysis. I had the procedure as did several on this site. It made all the difference.
Arthrofibrosis
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Arthrofibrosis (from Greek: arthro- joint, fibr- fibrous and -osis abnormality) is a complication of injury or trauma where an excessive scar tissue response leads to painful restriction of joint motion, with scar tissue forming within the joint and surrounding soft tissue spaces and persisting despite rehabilitation exercises and stretches. Scarring adhesions has been described in most major joints, including knees, shoulders, hips, ankles, and wrists as well as spinal vertebrae.[1][2]
Arthrofibrosis of the knee[edit]
Arthrofibrosis of the knee has been one of the more studied joints as a result of its frequency of occurrence.[3][4] Beyond origins such as knee injury and trauma, arthrofibrosis of the knee has been associated with degenerative arthritis.[5] Scar tissues can cause structures of the knee to become contracted, restricting normal motion. Depending on the site of scarring, knee cap mobility and/or joint range of motion (i.e. flexion, extension, or both) may be affected.[6] Symptoms experienced as a result of arthrofibrosis of the knee include stiffness, pain, limping, heat, swelling, crepitus, and/or weakness.[4] Clinical diagnosis may also include the use of magnetic resonance imaging (or MRI) to visualize the knee compartments affected.[7]
The consequent pain may lead to the cascade of quadriceps weakness, patellar tendon adaptive shortening and scarring in the tissues around the knee cap—with an end stage of permanent patella infera—where the knee cap is pulled down into an abnormal position where it becomes vulnerable to joint surface damage.[8]
Patients who are recognized as developing arthrofibrosis may improve motion with appropriately directed physical therapy, corticosteroid injections, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and cryotherapy. In many instances, however, as fibrosis has set in, surgical intervention is necessary.
Specialized arthroscopic lysis of adhesions knee procedures such as anterior interval releases may be indicated and utilized to great success, in the hands of an appropriately trained specialist.[5]

There are a couple of good Facebook groups for people with arthrofibrosis. Many people recommend Dr Noyes in Ohio, Stedman Group in Colorado, Dr Abdel at Mayo Rochester. There are others but those are off the top of my head

There are a couple of good Facebook groups for people with arthrofibrosis. Many people recommend Dr Noyes in Ohio, Stedman Group in Colorado, Dr Abdel at Mayo Rochester. There are others but those are off the top of my head

Hi. New to group. I had TKR 18 months ago. Doc put wrong sized implant in and new doc did revision. Correct sized implant in now, but 6 months post op and lots of scar tissue. Knee is constantly swollen and stiff. ROM is good, 125 and 0 degrees on extension. But the scar tissue is causing the swelling. It's rubbing on tissue and causing bleeding. Most is above the knee and caused by the quad tendon being cut and repaired numerous times. Had 40cc's drained off and it was red, fresh bleeding. Knee still looks terrible. Cannot see kneecap or any definition. New doc says only hope is arthroscopic scar tissue removal surgery. This will be my 7th surgery on that knee. Can't decide if the risk of scar tissue returning is worth it. Any similar stories????

I am reading your story …. This is my story lol…. I don’t know if you are still on mayo but if you are can you tell me How you are now …. I am looking into doing arthroscopic scar removal now same path as you …..that is why wondering how you are if scar tissue came back , how is the pain … thanks

This is an old post so hopefully you get this. My TKR surgery was as 2 years ago and my ROM is still only 105/4 extension. I am in a lot of pain and believe it is from scar tissue. Dr says scar tissue removal doesn’t work and is now referring me for nerve ablation. Surgeons in my area don’t perform surgery for scar tissue removal. I am willing to travel, live in Louisiana, any suggestions on how to find a reputable surgeon??

Hi- saw your post. I'm originally from Central Louisiana- have lived in Houston area since 85. I was referred to a Wonderful doctor at Texas Orthopedic Hospital and have met a few folks down there coming g in from Louisiana. He is Greg Stocks. He came highly recommended from a lifelong friend- he did a knee replacement and hip replacement for her mom and 2 hip replacements for her. One knee replacement for me. Give his office a call. I hope you get better soon.

I experienced sciatica with both knee replacements. First knee it lasted about 4 months. This knee I am still dealing with it and it has been since Dec. I have been going to PT. Got an injection which helped a little. Doing lots of exercises. I find the thing that helps the pain the most is just walking. ROM was at 119 4 weeks out and is staying at that level. I can fully extent the knee. I would be doing great except for the sciatic pain. They seem to think it is a combination of SI joint inflamation and periformis also.