Scar tissue after knee replacement

I too am a registered nurse

@contentandwell, @debbraw, and all the other mentors: I wish there was a way (perhaps there is??) to get word of this website out to the general public. I happened on it by lucky accident, of course AFTER the TKR, which has had generally successful results so far. However, it would be so much better when more people could gain some insight into the problems, the questions to ask before the surgery, and also hear about the positive outcomes experienced by actual patients. Obviously the latter are not posted here as frequently, though. Thanks for the good work!

@ellerbracke - Thanks for the kind words! I agree that the Connect platform can really be a lifesaver when we are going through some of these medical "adventures" and need friendly encouragement and support. We try to get the word out with flyers and brochures but it can be an uphill battle. Meantime, please share on any social media platforms you use yourself. Also, is there a way you think might be even more effective to spread the word?

@ellerbracke
I had my TKR 5 years ago. Although I did wind up back in the hospital a couple of days after being released, it was due to kidney issues, not my knee surgery. The knee surgery was probably typical, with pain and swelling after. I’ve hesitated to comment because I’m so happy with the results. I have maximum ROM and negligible pain. I did the exercises before and after surgery and had PT. I remember while doing PT, my knee was cracking a lot. The therapist said it was probably scar tissue breaking. When I’ve gone in for follow up appointments, the dr always gets a little grin when he sees how far my knee bends. I’ve told him that it was the best thing I’ve done for myself. That was before my kidney transplant, though. I was pretty naive about what could go wrong. Maybe that was a good thing. I hope this is encouraging for anyone considering a TKR.

@ellerbracke It sounds as if both the knee and the kidney have worked out great for, that's wonderful.
What is considered to be "maximum ROM"? I know that if you reach 120 that is considered to be good but a woman in my water aerobic class claims to be at 145. Is that even possible? I'm wondering if she may have misunderstood something.
JK

@ellerbracke I think some people realize the importance of being as knowledgeable as possible about their medical care, and those people will google things and may well discover Connect.
There are people who just assume that everything will be great and do no research. They, of course, will not come upon a forum like Connect.
I think Facebook can be a great way to get people informed but other than that I don't know how you would do it.
JK

I don’t know the maximum Rom. The orthopedist holds up his measurer and I’m well beyond so he just smiles and sets it down and tells his assistant taking notes that it’s at maximum. Because it was never an issue, I didn’t ask.

Hi. I had knee replacement, in Aug. 2018, got to 90° Bend, then fell, severed quad muscle, fractured femur, had surgery was in cast then stabilizing brace. Now my knee won't bend past 60° I started at under 30, progressed to 60 ° nowbuts stuck. Was told can not be manipulated even tho 4 months after quad reattachment. Could re damage, p.t.is torturous and wouldn't mind if I was making progress, I'm not, been 5 weeks going on 6 stuck Dr. Wants me to wait at least another 3 to 4 months before even thinking about arthroscopic. After every p.t. session, which is very painful, I have swelling, black and blue, sever pain. At my wits end. Anyone else experience this?? Any suggestions???

Hello @aabhealey, welcome to Connect. You may notice that I moved your discussion and combined with an existing discussion on scar tissue after knee replacement. The conversation is a bit long, but by moving your post, all the members who are discussing scar tissue issues after knee replacement or surgery will see your message. You can also read through some of the previous posts made by members as well. If you are replying by email, in your email notification to this message, you can click on VIEW & REPLY to be brought to the new location of your post and to see other posts.

I also experienced severe scar tissue after my knee replacement in 2006. It took two manipulations and a freak jumping incident to finally loosen my scar tissue a good 18 months after my initial surgery. However, I did not have the added complication of breaking a femur, which, from what I understand, is a major recovery on its own. Has your surgeon or PT provider mentioned muscle atrophy as a potential reason for slow gains? I am not a medical professional, but it would be reasonable to assume that the surgery, which causes scar tissue, combined with having to be sedentary and not move your leg would be a combination for the scar tissue to grow while the muscles weaken.

I am new to this discussion group and just saw your post. Like most participants on this site I suffer from chronic pain in both knees three years after double knee replacement surgery. My diagnosis is arthrofibrosis or excessive scar tissue. I have had both knees surgically manipulated which helped initially, but then over time the scar tissue continued forming. I finally tried 25 laser treatments (deemed experimental so not covered by insurance) but my condition did not improve. Now my hip is becoming compromised because of compensating for my knee that won't bend more than 80 degrees, making it difficult to get in and out of the driver's seat in my cars. My X-rays all look perfect and my surgeon is afraid that if I try revision surgery I will simply develop the same problem post-op. I notice your post is over a year old, did you ever find relief?