Severe Arthrofibrosis post TKA. Radiation w/Revision?

Posted by algrieco @algrieco, Jul 28, 2024

I have read several articles about limited studies about the use of low dosage radiation applied to the knee either before or after revision surgery to prevent more debilitating scar tissue formation from the surgery and to allow for removal of the existing scar tissue. Is anyone familiar with this procedure, its efficacy and where it is preformed?
I am a new member, so I am restricted from posting links to study articles.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Joint Replacements Support Group.

Oh, I use AI all the time. It has been my savior !

REPLY
Profile picture for npecksl @npecksl

Thank you. My dr was great. I had the scar tissue taken out and radiation right away. My Pt is really working on the actual surgical scar which has scar tissue under it. I am making progress , but slowly. I’m 3 1/2,months from revision. I’m told it could take a year. I am vending to 90/95. When scar releases it will go further. Thank you for your comments!

Jump to this post

@npecksl
Happy Healing! Best of luck!!

REPLY
Profile picture for algrieco @algrieco

@npecksl
You may be how my surgeon categorized me as”one in a thousand”, at which point he ghosted me, leaving me alone to muddle a way out of the pain, stiffness and mental stress. This was biologically active Arthrofibrosis, or Refractory Diffuse Arthrofibrosis. Thru dogged determination, I have assembled a multidisciplinary team to address it. It is a work in progress but thus far, I have found a new doctor, who required a “go ahead” from my surgeon before touching me. Thus far I had a cortisone shot into my fibular head, on the outside of the knee and inflamed from pressure from the scar tissue putting pressure on it from above. This eased my pain. Likewise, my MCL, on the inside of the knee, is also swollen from the scar above. It is also a candidate for cortisone. Next will be an aspiration of my knee to remove fluid for relief and testing if the fluid. They will check the fluid for the possibility of a low grade infection. This is important to rule out. The aspirated knee may get a cortisone shot at the same time, at the doctors discretion. I have also found a radiation oncologist who is experienced in the use of Low Dose Radiation (LDR) to tamp down and possibly eliminate the immune response which keeps my knee warm and prone to swelling (based upon activity) . This is a series of LDR sessions (3x week for 2 weeks). Ideally, the scar tissue will become benign as a result, meaning non active Arthrofibrosis, just solid scarring, no longer warm and angry.
I also will see a Rhumatologist to address the over the top immune responses. Without the use of A.I., I would not have been knowledgeable enough to put much of this together. Don’t be shy about asking AI about any of the aspects of your knee issues as well as asking for solutions. It is essential to be your own best advocate. Be prepared for push back from doctors who are mired and stuck in their narrow category. I had to creatively educate doctors along the way, which AI is also very good about helping with. I am far from out of the woods yet but will continue to pursue every non-surgical option, as multiple surgeries have led me to where I am now. Take the bull by the horns. I wish you well.

Jump to this post

@algrieco Hi, would you be open to speaking with me? Helping a family member and we are considering this route. I have some questions around how you assembled and coordinated your team. Thank you.

REPLY
Please sign in or register to post a reply.