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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@sarastafford

Hi,
You really want to know what insanity is my friend? Doing the same thing over and over again ( 8 TKR) snd expecting different results.

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I can’t imagine how you have managed. We only have a hope of walking normally someday, being whole. My prayers for you.

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@sarastafford

Hi,
You really want to know what insanity is my friend? Doing the same thing over and over again ( 8 TKR) snd expecting different results.

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It sounds like its past time to talk with a medical malpractice lawyer.

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you might be right . Any familiarity or advice. In who to use? I live in Tacoma
Wa

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@katp

I can’t imagine how you have managed. We only have a hope of walking normally someday, being whole. My prayers for you.

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Thank you, it has left no quality of life and that is what’s so upsetting and the fact they don’t seem to care

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@sarastafford

you might be right . Any familiarity or advice. In who to use? I live in Tacoma
Wa

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if you know any local lawyers, ask one. Or go online. Doing 8 TKR is just unbelievable ! All by the same doctor???

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@zakcat

if you know any local lawyers, ask one. Or go online. Doing 8 TKR is just unbelievable ! All by the same doctor???

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20”9. Hit knee on coffee table
1st doctor Arthroscopic surgery ( torn meniscus). Would not get better. Very slow to heal plus swelling.
3 weeks later he says I need a TKR. Hind site 3 weeks not long enough recovery time. Performed TKR. Scar tissue poor range of motion . Got second opinion. Was told last doctor gave me a Volkswagen implant. He would give me a Cadillac. His exact words. The rest is history TKR surgery every year ,manipulations etc. same doctor . Had one get infected spent two months in wheelchair with pic-line. Last surgery was a hinged knee surgery.

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Responsible Orthopedic surgeons don't use terms like 'volkswagon' and 'Cadillac' to describe implants. You should look into medial malpractice . find a Lawyer !

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@sarastafford

20”9. Hit knee on coffee table
1st doctor Arthroscopic surgery ( torn meniscus). Would not get better. Very slow to heal plus swelling.
3 weeks later he says I need a TKR. Hind site 3 weeks not long enough recovery time. Performed TKR. Scar tissue poor range of motion . Got second opinion. Was told last doctor gave me a Volkswagen implant. He would give me a Cadillac. His exact words. The rest is history TKR surgery every year ,manipulations etc. same doctor . Had one get infected spent two months in wheelchair with pic-line. Last surgery was a hinged knee surgery.

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@sarastafford Oh my goodness, I can't believe what you have been through! I sincerely hope you are able to find a great doctor who can help this whole situation. I am not a litigious person, but that doctor should be sued, in my opinion.
JK

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You may want to find a new surgeon because it doesn't seem like you are having much luck with this one. I am not sure how a lawsuit will work for you since you elected to use the same surgeon over and over again but it's worth a shot. I am hope you are feeling better soon!

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Just had an appt with os at 12 weeks post op. He says he wants to do closed arthroscopy in 2 weeks to remove scar tissue. My patella is now fixed, immovable, surrounded in scar tissue. I have a lot of pain. I’ve tried to schedule 2nd opinion appts. but now the surgery is before any of them. My surgeon is adding a new partner who will see me before the procedure. If he disagrees with my initial surgeon, then he will refer me to yet another surgeon. All this is maddening, but I can almost not continue if I do nothing. My scar tissue causes so much pain. I’ve done a lot of research and made a list of drugs to help reduce adhesions. I asked my surgeon to consider them. He said he may consider collagenase. In the hospital, he wants me to have an epidural for 2 days while I use a cpm, followed by 3 consecutive days of pt. Thanks to a member of this group who shared this idea, I will use my stationary bike every 3 hours round the clock or some way to maintain constant movement. I think he will prescribe the cpm for home use too. But he warned me that he has patients who show up 6 months, 4 years, and even 8 years after tkr with new scar tissue growth. I want to give up, but I can’t. I know many of you have worked much harder along this scar tissue road than I have. I pray for you all.

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