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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rayreich3 | @rayreich3 | Nov 7, 2019

In reply to @golfshrink "Does anyone know how long after surgery you can have orthoscopic scar removal? I’m almost 2..." + (show)

I had mine removed after one and half years unfortunately it grew back

golfshrink | @golfshrink | Nov 7, 2019

In reply to @rayreich3 "I had mine removed after one and half years unfortunately it grew back" + (show)

That’s why I’ve hesitated. I fear the same. I had them both manipulated 6 weeks post op, worked them constantly, did myofacial release therapy, and it just kept coming back. What was recovery like after you had the scar tissue removed? Did you have to do PT? I have about 100 flex. I don’t want to lose anymore...

rayreich3 | @rayreich3 | Nov 7, 2019

In reply to @golfshrink "That’s why I’ve hesitated. I fear the same. I had them both manipulated 6 weeks post..." + (show)

Yes I did PT but the body just keeps producing the scar tissue it’s no longer where the original surgery was it’s where of the needles went in for the orthoscopic surgery so I’m just cursed with a body that loves to produce starts issue

JW54@JW54 | @lynnwade54 | Nov 12, 2019

In reply to @rayreich3 "Yes I did PT but the body just keeps producing the scar tissue it’s no longer..." + (show)

I it's been a while since I have been this site. Here is my story I had surgery on Jan 8, 2019, had home therapy as well as outpatient therapy, nothing seem to help. My left knee was very stiff. I had a MUA on February 27, 2019, once again I followed all my therapy my knee was still stiff, swollen and painful. I then had surgery again on May 21, 2019 on the same knee. my surgeon said I had scar tissue growing everywhere, like none he has ever seen in all his years of surgery. I started all over again home PT as well as outpatient PT. The knee started out doing good I was able to bend it and I didn't feel the tightness as I did with the 1st surgery. About a month or so out something happened my PT noticed that I wasn't able to bend as much, I had a lot of pain which hindered me from being able to perform as much as I should. My PT contacted my surgeon and informed him that he needs to see me. When I went to him he was as puzzled as I was and he couldn't understand what was going on. He eventually tried to draw some fluid out which was not accurate because he wasn't able to get enough out the knee to have it read. Since then I have been experiencing so much pain in my knee even to the touch. I still can't sleep in my bed comfortable, I always end up in my recliner. I am schedule Friday to have arthroscopic surgery to see what going on as well as to break up the scar tissue. He said if this doesn't work he will probably have to go back in to change out the cushion etc. He said he can also recommend me to get a second opinion to Shands in Gainesville, Fl. My husband said he would rather the second opinion. I'm just hoping and praying that the arthroscopic surgery will be the answer. All I know is that I am so tired and aggravated. i'm so sorry for the long post.

dduke | @dduke | Nov 12, 2019

In reply to @lynnwade54 "I it's been a while since I have been this site. Here is my story I..." + (show)

I had the same. My Prtho performed lydia to cut the scar tissue out. Took over two hours. Helped quite a bit. Now, 8 months later (after last procedure) my knee is really hurting. Supposed to see rheumotogist, but 3 month wait. I would be content with another scar tissue removal....

dickiedo | @dickiedo | Nov 13, 2019

In reply to @lynnwade54 "I it's been a while since I have been this site. Here is my story I..." + (show)

Just had stitches out (2) from arthroscopic to remove scar tissue causing patella to catch on scar tissue. Problem resolved. Just made trip this weekend to Ocala fl for winter. At 6 month mark of TKR. Good luck with arthroscopic.

exflyer | @exflyer | Nov 13, 2019

In reply to @dickiedo "Just had stitches out (2) from arthroscopic to remove scar tissue causing patella to catch on..." + (show)

I am suffering from the same issue with scar tissue following TKR in both knees. I have consulted with three different orthopedic surgeons following my diagnosis of arthrofibrosis and all three have advised against removing the scar tissue because they say the scar tissue will simply come back and will possibly be worse than now. I am following your progress and hope you will keep us informed on your status as time goes on.

exflyer | @exflyer | Nov 13, 2019

In reply to @lynnwade54 "I it's been a while since I have been this site. Here is my story I..." + (show)

I feel sorry for you after reading this post because my condition in both knees following TKR is exactly like yours and I literally feel your pain. If you decide to have the scar tissue removed I hope you will share your progress and let us know if the scar tissue returns.

JW54@JW54 | @lynnwade54 | Nov 13, 2019

In reply to @dduke "I had the same. My Prtho performed lydia to cut the scar tissue out. Took over..." + (show)

Hi dduke can you explain the lydia surgery, what did the surgeon do? You said it helped but your knee is hurting badly after the last procedure. If you don't mind sharing what type of procedure did you have to have an was it due to the scar tissue growing back?