Pain following a Right Total Knee Replacement

Posted by gardeningranny @gardeningranny, Sep 18, 2018

I had a Rt TKR in November 2017, have full flexion, pain free during the day. At night the knee becomes painful 5-6 on a pain scale. I have shooting pains when I move the knee, roll over in bed and get up during the night. If I get up to walk on it the pain leaves within a few minutes. It just does not like me laying down. I had a bone scan and the Impression was-There is mild abnormal active soft tissue inflammation-cellulitis-capsulitis-synovitis present involving the right knee joint. It is believed to be due to a combination of postsurgical inflammation-healing (given that the surgery was performed less than a year ago) and altered stress mechanics due to the presence of the arthroplasty. The implants are in solid. There is no infection as they tapped the knee. My Orthopedist said to wait for 6 months and maybe then repeat the bone scan. I can not take anti inflammatory drugs as I have only one kidney (donated 16 years ago). Has anyone had this problem?

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@subseti1

I discovered that my metal implant in the tibia is loose, but my doctor is adamant about not having another surgery because of the infections that I have had. I am on my 3rd total knee, have had at least 6 surgeries this go around since I broke my leg at the original (wonderful) replacement on Mother's Day 2021. I can't walk after years of physical therapy, and I am looking for answers.

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You need to go to a different doctor because if your orthopedic doctor didn't put in right he doesn't know what he is doing. You shouldn't have any loose parts. You need to get a second opinion and find out why this is happening!

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@marram

My situation is similar to yours in some ways but different in other ways. I’m three years post TKR and still have several issues including soft tissue pain, scar tissue, and stiffness that limits my mobility. I’ve have every test, including a scintigraphy that showed that my implant is not inflected or loosened. However, I am most comfortable in bed or with my leg raised. Like you, I have only one kidney (born that way) so cannot take anti-inflammatory meds. I have just started soft tissue massage at a sport medicine center that I’m hoping will bring some relief.

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I had a TLK IN 2018. I a left hip replacement in Nov.2023. I started noticing my left knee was hurting when walking and I couldn't go up the stairs or down the stairs like I did before. I had x-rays done that showed my knee components looked fine and went to PT 3 times. Finally I just had revision eft knee surgery,but not all my components needed to be taken out. He need a poly exchange and cleaned all the scar tissue out. Iam in recovery,but my peroneal nerve is not working and I have drop foot. It's kind of depressing now because I have to get this fixed. Iam only one week and 4 days from my surgery so I am giving it time to hopefully wake up.

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gardeninggranny, I also have night pain after TNR done 12/24. Like you no pain during day and if I get up and walk around it goes away. But I can’t do that all night. I am seriously sleep deprived. Maybe I also need a bone scan.
I’ll see the doc if this doesn’t improve soon. I can’t take NSAIDs either and
Tylenol doesn’t help. I hope you don’t have to wait six months for another
scan. Seems like you need something sooner.

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