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Scar tissue after knee replacement

Posted by leithlane @leithlane, Jan 31, 2017

I had knee replacement surgery 6 weeks ago . Through PT I have been working on breaking up the scar tissue only for it to regrow by the time I get back to PT two days later. I have been massaging at home, using a hand held massager and roller. It is painful and swollen. I am getting very disheartened. Any suggestions as to what else I can do. Has anyone had laser treatments to break up scar tissue? Were they effective?

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exflyer | @exflyer | Jan 31, 2019
In reply to @rayreich3 "Hi I feel your pain. my surgeon recommended arthroscopic surgery within the next six months if..." + (show)
@rayreich3

Hi I feel your pain. my surgeon recommended arthroscopic surgery within the next six months if my scar tissue doesn’t heal he has never used the laser so i would like to hear about it if you use it

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In desperation I tried a series of 25 laser treatments. Unfortunately, they weren't covered by insurance and did not help.

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greig2517 | @greig2517 | Feb 1, 2019

Are you seeing any doctor improvement from massaging?

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1 reply
golfshrink | @golfshrink | Feb 1, 2019
In reply to @greig2517 "Are you seeing any doctor improvement from massaging?" + (show)
@greig2517

Are you seeing any doctor improvement from massaging?

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I need it to do it earlier to help ROM, but definitely have pain relief. Acupuncture has probably helped me even more

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rayreich3 | @rayreich3 | Feb 2, 2019

Hi just had arthroscopic to remove scar tissue from Partial knee replacement, the knee is now swollen and hopefully no more scar will return, muscles are definitely weaker through out last year and half.
I will keep you updated.
Thanks
Ray

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3 replies
exflyer | @exflyer | Feb 2, 2019
In reply to @rayreich3 "Hi just had arthroscopic to remove scar tissue from Partial knee replacement, the knee is now..." + (show)
@rayreich3

Hi just had arthroscopic to remove scar tissue from Partial knee replacement, the knee is now swollen and hopefully no more scar will return, muscles are definitely weaker through out last year and half.
I will keep you updated.
Thanks
Ray

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Thanks. I am debating either trying an arthroscopic surgery to remove the scar tissue or a revision. My doctor is afraid that the scar tissue will return in either case.

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1 reply
dduke | @dduke | Feb 2, 2019
In reply to @exflyer "Thanks. I am debating either trying an arthroscopic surgery to remove the scar tissue or a..." + (show)
@exflyer

Thanks. I am debating either trying an arthroscopic surgery to remove the scar tissue or a revision. My doctor is afraid that the scar tissue will return in either case.

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Arthroscopic would be much less invasive, faster recovery. Total revision, you would have to start completely over.

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JK | @contentandwell | Feb 2, 2019
In reply to @rayreich3 "Hi just had arthroscopic to remove scar tissue from Partial knee replacement, the knee is now..." + (show)
@rayreich3

Hi just had arthroscopic to remove scar tissue from Partial knee replacement, the knee is now swollen and hopefully no more scar will return, muscles are definitely weaker through out last year and half.
I will keep you updated.
Thanks
Ray

Jump to this post

@rayreich3 Is the arthroscopic the same as lysis? If not, do you know what the difference is? I am considering lysis.
Please do keep us updated.
JK

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dduke | @dduke | Feb 2, 2019

Arthroscopic surgery
A growing number of surgeons are now turning to minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery to remove the scar tissue. This process is called arthrolysis.

Specialized arthroscopic lysis of adhesions knee procedures such as anterior interval releases may be indicated and utilized to great success, in the hands of an appropriately trained specialist.

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1 reply
JK | @contentandwell | Feb 3, 2019
In reply to @dduke "Arthroscopic surgery A growing number of surgeons are now turning to minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery to..." + (show)
@dduke

Arthroscopic surgery
A growing number of surgeons are now turning to minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery to remove the scar tissue. This process is called arthrolysis.

Specialized arthroscopic lysis of adhesions knee procedures such as anterior interval releases may be indicated and utilized to great success, in the hands of an appropriately trained specialist.

Jump to this post

@dduke that’s what I am considering having. I am just concerned about the rehab afterward. I really do not want to go through that again.
JK

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2 replies
dduke | @dduke | Feb 3, 2019

From my experience, you don't get the burning pain pain from post-op. It is necessary to do more repetitive re-hab though.

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