I found a useful article on line "Stiffness following total knee arthroplasty "(2014). It discusses arthroscopic removal of scar tissue and range of motion improvement following the surgery. I certainly improved from 70 degrees to 107 in 6 weeks. It has been very hard work but I am getting there. I return back to work on Monday, which would not have been possible 6 weeks ago. Pain is still a problem, in particular neuropathic pain.

In terms of developing arthrofibrosis, my surgeon and physio advised that there are risk factors:- age of the individual ( younger people are more prone ), history of infection after the knee replacement, and being more genetically prone to producing excessive scar tissue.

My surgeon did not advocate a 2nd manipulation as he said the scar tissue would reaccumulate, the only viable options were to wait and see if it resolved by itself (This could take longer than a year, returning to work was my priority and not be retired on the grounds of ill health) or go in surgically and remove it. He felt the surgery was the only way, a risk that paid off thankfully. I had and have total trust in his surgical capabilities, I just hope he is not retired when I need my hip replacing!

I am 8 months out from my TKR and am having the scar tissue removal surgery on 11/28. I have a history of generating too much scar tissue so I suspect my issue is genetic. Ive been researching since August I’ve have one surgeon recommend the arthroscopic removal and one say to to a total revision. From the tons of research I’ve done, if you choose the arthroscopic procedure you have to also know that the PT will be immediate and intense to prevent more scar tissue. The revision is a last resort.