Laser for scar tissue

I am interested as, well. Had LKR in 11/23 and still have so much flaring with scar tissue - was diagnosed with thick Plica pad and patellar Tendonitis. Thanks

Jane: I have a very stiff knee due and the scar tissue has been difficult to deal with. I had the MUA on Feb 10th which briefly improved my ROM but the scar tissue which was broken up during the procedure, has returned to make it difficult to bend again. I'm not giving up, walking over a mile every day and doing my exercises. I'm really not sure what more can be done, other than arithoscopic surgery to remove the scar tissue, but then there's a real chance it may return. I had to fire my previous PT because his, "no pain, no gain" philosophy was literally causing me excruciating pain and anxiety. I've requested a referral to a different PT (woman) who has expertise with Geriatric patients. I'm 67 and just not capable of going through that kind of pain every day! Best wishes for you and your recovery! Hang in there!💖🫂🙏

I have had 4 surgeries and 1 manipulation. I had lots of scar tissue too. Manipulation caused more scarring and stiffness. Knee was so swollen I couldn't work thru the pain. Different Dr and lots of steroid shots snd medication swelling went down. Was referred to a revision specialist who removed lots of scar tissue. Did not replace the apparatus. Big improvement. Got up to 110% bend. 6 mo. later he had to remove 12 hugh sutures that were showing under my skin. That freed up my knee even more. I found swimming "every" day or at least working my knee in the pool, just like at pt helped a lot. Also, in hot tub every day after the pool which really helps at my gutness center. Plus PT
Also, don't be afraid to take aleve etc when needed. I fought doing thay but dr says it really helps. He said 1 tylenol and 1 aleve, advil etc. This whole thing sucks. At least I can walk, sit in a chair, and function. Best of luck. Worst part was that my problem was misdiagnosed. Was never my knee. The revision specialist told
me it was an inflamed pes anserine bursae below my knee. Cortisone was the solution. Not surgery.

My Doctor at HSS (#1 Ortho hospital worldwide told me that I could try it if I wanted to waste the $ and get no positive results. I had my TKR about 2 years ago and because of excessive scarring (Arthrofibrosis), since then I have had an MUA, Arthroscopic Debridement of scar tissue and finally an Open Debridement of scar tissue. With each successive procedure, I got worse scarring. HSS recommended Revision surgery to a Hinged Knee. Good luck in your journey and remember that you need to be your own best critical advocate because there is no single formula once your TKR has gone wrong. The medical industry NEEDS to focus on better solutions for those with failed TKR’s. Best of luck in a healing future!!!

Ugh, I feel like my underlying issue didn't get addressed either, so I went with the partial medial LKR, thinking I could rebuild my quad strength and conditioning from there, but am still having the same old problems with both legs - tightness, stiffness, pain no matter how much stretching etc.; seems like more of a connective tissue/inflammatory muscle disease that needs a different treatment plan. I have done so so much P/T, physio, dry needling, strength training, and when the only thing that brings it all down is prednisone, well, that's something else. Your feedback helps me to not move into the direction of removing the scar tissue, re-traumatizing the area and then dealing with more scar tissue.

I have found swimming helps a lot. If you don't want swim walk hard thru the water, get on the steps and kick hard, walk up and down the steps, stretch legs in every way you can. The water makes it easier. Also, riding a bike at gym orin neighborhood helps. Hot tub great. I put my knee in front of the vents for massage. I use LA fitness.

Same hospital. I wonder if we had the same surgeon? But .... these are the days for exercising extreme caution and I do not want to be accused of surgeon bashing and be taken to task for it. I ,also experienced and I am still experiencing problems with my TKR after approximately one year since the surgery. I totally agree with the latter part of your comment!!! In addition, I believe that a lot of blame is placed on scarred tissue buildup without acknowledging other possible causes. Scar tissue builds up whenever there is excessive trauma. Is it possible that the surgeon's operating skills during surgery and attitude could help in alleviating some of the scar tissue drama ?
I had a surgeon who was totally unsympathetic towards my complaints regarding extreme tightness and stiffness attributed to excessive scar tissue ( Insane level!!!!!) and even refused to do additional imaging to see if he could diagnose the problem.
Individuals need to THOROUGHLY research their surgeons for TKR successes, NOT Hip surgery!!!!.
Also ,like you said "The medical industry NEEDS to focus on better solutions for those with failed TKR’s.
Best of luck in a healing future!!!
Good luck to anyone who is planning to do knee surgery !!!Thoroughly research your surgeon.!!!!There are excellent surgeons whose patients experience great results. I have spoken to people who had such results, but their surgeons input (especially their interpersonal relationship and yes, I know that this is a two-way street) played a vital part in the outcome.
As for me. I put on the weight that I had lost after surgery, and I am wondering if this is exacerbating my discomfort. So... my plan is to lose some weight and see if this helps.
My journey continues with the help of my God.

Good points and well stated. The best of luck going forward!!

Suggestions: a mild anti depressant to calm your feelings.
Use a flexionator if you can rent on. Some pt have it. Sit in a chair while cranking you foot to bring your knee to bend. Can crank your knee more each day. I'm 74 so you can do it. I now go to pt at the hospital which has better equipment and therapists.