TKR revision surgery and problems

i use Regenexx for my stem cells. They recommend no scoping of the knee etc as arthritis sets in at that site. I have read their research on the matter.
With my tkr i have had pain and swelling for 5 -6 years and now they have found a bone trying to grow over the device. So, now a bone scan. Thankful i did not do my other knee.
I have noticed over the years reading the comments si some people have good luck while others suffer through the pain and problems. Wish i had a do over.

Hello @szqyoung, welcome to Connect. I'd like to invite some members who have talked about having a revision so they can share their experience with you. @amberpep, @gutthookd, @franciesusan, and @maryann1753 have all talked about having knee revisions and may be able to share how long it took for them to recover. I think you may also find a few of the following discussions worth looking through as well:

- Scar tissue after knee replacement, https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/scar-tissue-after-knee-replacement/
- Having knee replacement: how to prepare and questions about PT, https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/im-having-knee-replacement-l-on-june-20th-any-suggestions-on-how/

@szqyoung, what is your range of motion like after having a knee revision?

Range of motion is great. No issues with straightening my knee and bend was over 130 degrees within 2 weeks of surgery. Even with the issues I’ve had, my range of motion is still good except after a busy day on my feet. Then the swelling affects the range slightly. I should have noted that I have always stood with my knees hyperextended. My DR said that this does affect my tendons.

Hi there .... Yes, about 10 years ago I had 2 meniscus surgeries, then finally a RTKR about 5-6 years ago which continued to give me problems, pain, swelling, etc. So, about 4 years ago I had a revision. Truthfully, it has really worked out very well. When the weather is going to be bad, and the barometer drops, then it hurts, so then I rub it with Arnica cream and wear a support over it. It has done quite well since the surgery, and I did really work it when I went to P.T. One thing you mentioned, and this could be at least part of your difficulty .... you said "fat" .... if you weren't joking, I know that being overweight can really cause the knee to not heal well and also buckle. My sil's mother is short and quite overweight. Her knees pain her so much she can hardly walk. The Orthopedist told her he will not do knee surgery until she loses a substantial amount of weight, which she seems unwilling to do. I really don't want to be insulting, but if you truly are overweight, that could definitely be causing your problem.
Take care ..... abby

I had a partial knee replacement Nov 29, 2017 and have had pain ever since. It's been 2 years since I've had a day without pain...and have been limping that entire time. I saw my surgeon for a follow up today and he said I need to make a decision...can I live with the pain as is, or do I want to convert to a total knee. I'm 43 years old. Prior to the knee pain starting I walked 3-4.miles a day, now I have a hard time walking into work from the parking lot. After over a year on prescription NSAIDS, my stomach rebelled in August so I can no longer take them (unexpected bonus, i lost 30 pounds in less than a month while dealing with my GI issues, so am no longer considered overweight). I'm so frustrated and getting more depressed every day. Another surgery doesnt guarantee that the pain will go away. I'm going to seek a second opinion prior to making a decision, but am just at a loss with what to think. This damn pain is affecting so much of my life.

You are so young to be going thru all that. I’m normally a very quick healer, even at 69, and have a positive outlook on life in general. My weight prior to the original injury was very healthy and I felt great. Enjoyed my 3 mile walks with my pup and she loved them too. Since the injury I do get down in the dumps, my weight has increased dramatically and I feel like this is never going to end. I hate being a whiner and want to find a solution. Find a doctor that you can talk to and will take the time and effort to listen to you and explain your options. Unfortunately my doctor did not have any of those qualities. I’m in the process of finding a new doctor with the help of my general doctor. Good luck to you!

Thank you for taking the time to reply. When I had the original replacement my weight was healthy. Lack of exercise and pity eating has put me definitely in the over weight category. I’m committed to losing weight and working with an orthopedic doctor to solve these issues. You were very kind in your reply.

I sure understand the "pity eating." I am SOOOO prone to that, so you're not alone. In speaking of doctors, when it comes to my family doctor, I want an Internist who is kind, a good listener, and compassionate. But, when it comes to a specialist ... such as an Orthopedic Surgeon, I go for expertise and reputation more than personality. I checked out my Ortho. Surgeon very carefully, including people who had used him. I went with him due to his excellent reputation in this surgery and it's worked out well. But ... I must say, he had the personality of a stone!
abby

There have been a few mentions here and there about wrong size artificial knees. I am curious how exactly one determines that..... what are the specific problems that occur, and how do you zero in as the size of the replacement knee being the culprit?

@ellerbracke I too never realized that wrong size could happen as frequently as it apparently does, and then require a revision. I chose to get a custom made knee simply because I read that the recovery was quicker and easier, and of course more satisfactory since it was made to match your original knee and not just taken off a shelf. I'm glad now that I went that route and I would highly recommend it to anyone who is looking to have a TKR.
JK