Scar tissue after knee replacement

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.

Almost two years after bilateral TK surgery, I still have constant burning pain, and sleepless nights. I've tried every suggestion my surgeon, and pain Dr have suggested, to no avail. I would like to get a second opinion from an orthopaedic surgeon. However ,no one wants to see me. Anyone suggestions, as to how I might accompolished this ?? I am really desperate for help.

hi relating but early in my recovery, 5 months, my MD says if scar tissue does not go away I will get arthroscopic procedure. My knee was only damaged in the knee cap, the other sides are good. When you had your knee replaced were the other parts of the knee damaged and in need of replacement? Or was it a decision to go to TKR suggested to solve the problem because partials dont really work?

Friends who had partial had problems and wished they did TKR. My TKR swelled when I exercised in the pool. Been three years and my swelling has finally gone down. Drs had no answers. Glad I did stem cells on the other knee so I can garden easier and get down on one knee. My experience from friends is everyone is different. Good luck.

I had tkr 11/16/2015, and like you, I’m still suffering. I wish I could help you. I can just tell you, you’re not alone. I’ve had manipulation 4 months after surgery, which didn’t help. I had the nerve blocks done, and they didn’t help. I know my problem is scar tissue and nerve entrapment (my own diagnosis). I’ve had 2 second opinions, and both said my joint looks fine. I take 700 mg. of gabapenten every day, and 3 5/325 mg hydro codone. It just dulls the pain. I don’t know where to turn either. My surgeon said he could do arthroscopic surgery and try to remove the scar tissue, but I don’t trust him anymore. I hope you can find a solution.

I'm afraid a second opinion will only lead to the same results for me also. As my joints look perfect on X-ray. I suppose I just keep hanging on to the hope that there is someone out there that will have the knowledge to help me. As I sit and write this at 4:00 am , I wonder if my Dr's even have any idea, or really believe what an ordeal this has been , or what it's like to go to bed each night, and wake each morning, with the same old pain !!
I really hate that anyone else is going thru this, but at he same time, it strengths me know that there is someone else in the world that does understand my pain.. I have the gabapentin route, I was on Percocet for nine months ( as you say it only dulls the pain) I have tried nerve blocks,also. All to to avail..
I'm still holding on to the hope that someday this nightmare will end for me, and all of you ,who are going thru this.

Hi thanks For the response I am five months into the surgery and still have pain walking is getting slightly better but my doctor as your doctor said wants to go in arthroscopically and remove the scar tissues if it doesn’t get better I’m going to try it, keep in touch I know how you feel about the surgeon my first surgeon was very arrogant after I came back to him so i wentfor a second opinion much nicer bedside manner for the second doctor And just as qualified so I’m sticking with the second surgeon i’m just continuing PT walking and doing the exercise. hope it gets better Soon for both of us

I had right knee replacement surgeries in 2002 and 2004 and 2006 and 2008. Then in 2011 I broke the large bone in my upper leg and they put in a bar (and scar) from hip to knee and on October 5, 2017 I tripped and broke the fibula in a difficult place to find, but it was broke and after surgery (In which the surgeon couldn't find any bone to work with in the knee area) I am in a heel to groin brace and I am not allowed to step on it for 3 months so am in a TCU where I live, Never had to worry about scar tissue. In some respects I wish I had, maybe life would be different. At 74, I fear I may be stuck in a wheelchair because my leg will be so weak after 3 months of no use or exercise. I may also be stuck in a wheelchair because the surgeon didn't give me a very high chance of success considering how he was forced to connect the two areas, UGH - My cousin says UGHS should be changed to HUGS, but I have a bit of trouble doing that! trouble4343

Ouch! My sympathy. My husband (82) broke a femur in a bike accident last summer. It was a very bad break (7 pieces!) and he was not allowed to bear weight for 6 weeks. The knee was placed in an immobilizer (such as they use for knee surgery) for the first 4 weeks. After that he still couldn't bear weight on it, but was able to start some physical therapy. Are you allowed to wiggle your toes or anything? Moving the knee was painful for him at first, but he now has most of his range of movement back, and was allowed to start minimal weight bearing at 6 weeks. He has a plate and 13 screws in holding the pieces together. Hopefully the new bone will grow quickly. He was able to use a walker during the time he couldn't put any weight on it. I definitely think you could use some HUGS, so I am sending a virtual one right now.
Pat

Hugs to troubles and mnpat. I could use a few too . I broke my femur 15 mths. Ago. I also have a fib . The break left bsd leg shorter. I go the 9th.for lift to the shoe. Wish e luck that I can walk better. I have a bad limp. Still have to use walker most of the time.