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Cannot Passively Hold Full Extension After TKR

Posted by mer3032001 @mer3032001, Dec 27, 2025

Hello, I would appreciate any additional info on similar experiences. Below are the procedures I have had done in the last 19 months. I was very active before surgery. Could walk 4-5 miles but would have pain after and was having issues going down stairs.

May 2024 - Total knee replacement
August 2024 - Manipulation
April 2025 - Scar removal surgery (was determined that my physical therapy was no aggressive enough from the beginning)
August 2025 - 2nd Manipulation

I am 66 and other than my knee I am in good shape. My surgeon now gives me the option to redo the knee replacement. Since my joint seems to work fine but I just cannot passively extend it 100% or hold it, I am worried about making it worse.

I have done nerve conductivity tests and an ultrasound and all was good. Currently, I can walk (with a limp) and it hurts my lower back and hip.

Thank you!

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Profile picture for nobend
nobend | @nobend | Jan 5 7:24pm
In reply to @joymina7 "Have you tried strengthening through a gym with a qualified personal trainer? I'm 20 months out,..." + (show)
Profile picture for joymina7 @joymina7

Have you tried strengthening through a gym with a qualified personal trainer? I'm 20 months out, started a gym last January and am now at 130 ROM, based on my second second opinion. Was still lifting my leg to get it in the car and that has resolved!

My first second opinion (revision specialist) said he could remove scar tissue, but go for more PT. My second second opinion (also does revisions) said I had bursitis, gave me a cortisone shot and offered more PT. He was very clear not to open a well installed knee.

I would let your knee hang unsupported with the leg up. I also feel the gym has helped strengthen me and I won't stop till my pain/swelling is manageable.

If you choose another anesthesia event, please ensure your original Surgeon is not practicing on you. My plan right now is for a third second opinion if I can't get the stiffnes resolved.

Best to you!

Jump to this post

@joymina7 it’s so scary I’m having trouble too but the k laser therapy has been helping. The MD’s are strong coming out of the gate but the follow through is disappointing and this is our life and mobility depending on them it’s quite scary.

REPLY
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nobend | @nobend | Jan 6 10:16pm
In reply to @joymina7 "Have you tried strengthening through a gym with a qualified personal trainer? I'm 20 months out,..." + (show)
Profile picture for joymina7 @joymina7

Have you tried strengthening through a gym with a qualified personal trainer? I'm 20 months out, started a gym last January and am now at 130 ROM, based on my second second opinion. Was still lifting my leg to get it in the car and that has resolved!

My first second opinion (revision specialist) said he could remove scar tissue, but go for more PT. My second second opinion (also does revisions) said I had bursitis, gave me a cortisone shot and offered more PT. He was very clear not to open a well installed knee.

I would let your knee hang unsupported with the leg up. I also feel the gym has helped strengthen me and I won't stop till my pain/swelling is manageable.

If you choose another anesthesia event, please ensure your original Surgeon is not practicing on you. My plan right now is for a third second opinion if I can't get the stiffnes resolved.

Best to you!

Jump to this post

@joymina7 thank you I will try that avenue you have given me hope to pursue another avenue. Best to you and your progress.

REPLY
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mer3032001 | @mer3032001 | Jan 15 11:49pm
In reply to @tonilynn "Do you remember what your bend number was at 5 months? Did you plateau a long..." + (show)
Profile picture for tonilynn @tonilynn

Do you remember what your bend number was at 5 months? Did you plateau a
long time? Did you just recently get to 102? I, too, get a sore lower
back, mostly when I walk more than two blocks.

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@tonilynn Hi I at one time could bend to 115 but have lost some due to concentration on extension. Didn’t get there until after the scar tissue removal. I had hip X-rays last week. They show I have arthritis there so we are going to do a referral to see if a cortisone shot will help. I think my limping irritates it.

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kaydee69 | @kaydee69 | May 14 4:27am
In reply to @lorag "@tonilynn The treatments are helping me. My pain level is reduced a lot and swelling is..." + (show)
Profile picture for lorag @lorag

@tonilynn The treatments are helping me. My pain level is reduced a lot and swelling is gone. I am about halfway through treatments. Yes I was going to PT as ordered and doing home exercises . The scar tissue just kept returning. My surgeon had no answers for me_ I am one of the rare ones that forms it quickly.

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@lorag that's what I'm dealing with excessive scar tissue formation

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steveinarizona | @steveinarizona | May 14 7:57am

It is the limp I am concerned about. Is it going to eventually cause you back problems, etc. What does your surgeon say.

I have a torn rotator cuff. It is a small tear but a complete one. My surgeon, at Mayo Arizona, told me that he could do as much harm as good since I had more than 90% of my motion back. So I did nothing.

In your case, you might be willing to live with a limp but are there going to be other bad implications?

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shandra | @shandra | May 17 3:13pm

Wow ! You’ve been through a lot ! Do you put your feet on a bed pillow and let your legs hang ? I’m sad you had to have more surgeries… my knees were bent before but now are both 100 % straight

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jackmineo | @jackmineo | May 30 3:46am

I also had major scar tissue issues after my first TKR.A manipulation after the first four weeks.After six years my knee kept getting worse it wouldn’t bend past 80deg bend or 15 deg flat. My Dr did a hinged swivel revision surgery a month ago.So far it’s been a tough go. The scar tissue is becoming an issue.If you can (IMO)go to a rehab facility with a pool that has 24 hour care.For as long as your insurance will cover it.The first month is extremely important for range of motion and fighting off the scar tissue ...Remember there is no guarantee.If you decide to get the revision done ask your doctor about everything.The type of joint,how many he’s done.You can’t ask too many questions this will effect your quality of life every single day.Good luck 🙏🏻

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patriceheller | @patriceheller | May 31 3:40pm
In reply to @lorag "@tonilynn The treatments are helping me. My pain level is reduced a lot and swelling is..." + (show)
Profile picture for lorag @lorag

@tonilynn The treatments are helping me. My pain level is reduced a lot and swelling is gone. I am about halfway through treatments. Yes I was going to PT as ordered and doing home exercises . The scar tissue just kept returning. My surgeon had no answers for me_ I am one of the rare ones that forms it quickly.

Jump to this post

@lorag Yes, I am also one of the unlucky ones who form scar tissue quickly. I have had one TKR, followed by an MUA 3 mos. later. At two yrs post TKR, (flexion down to 85 degrees) I had arthroscopic lysis of arthrofibrosis (scar tissue) and MUA…with 125 degree flexion achieved. P.T. 3 times week w exercises at home and flexion continued to slowly decrease to a best of 93 degrees. It continues to decrease (estimate 85 degrees?) and now have more pain and stiffness(swelling) after walking 1/2 mile. I am NOT happy with this result and would have to be unable to walk or bear the pain before I would have a TKR on other knee. I plan to consult with another orthopedic practice to ask if P.T., yet again!!, could help at this point.

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lorag | @lorag | Jun 3 12:31pm
In reply to @patriceheller "@lorag Yes, I am also one of the unlucky ones who form scar tissue quickly. I..." + (show)
Profile picture for patriceheller @patriceheller

@lorag Yes, I am also one of the unlucky ones who form scar tissue quickly. I have had one TKR, followed by an MUA 3 mos. later. At two yrs post TKR, (flexion down to 85 degrees) I had arthroscopic lysis of arthrofibrosis (scar tissue) and MUA…with 125 degree flexion achieved. P.T. 3 times week w exercises at home and flexion continued to slowly decrease to a best of 93 degrees. It continues to decrease (estimate 85 degrees?) and now have more pain and stiffness(swelling) after walking 1/2 mile. I am NOT happy with this result and would have to be unable to walk or bear the pain before I would have a TKR on other knee. I plan to consult with another orthopedic practice to ask if P.T., yet again!!, could help at this point.

Jump to this post

@patriceheller my scar tissue started to come back again after shock wave treatments. I am back to doing PT twice a week 11 months post op. I have gained 5 degrees and am at 95 now. I keep working hard so I can hopefully get to 100

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