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TKR revision surgery and problems
Joint Replacements | Last Active: Aug 27, 2022 | Replies (87)Comment receiving replies
<p>Problem 2 1/2 years post tkr</p><p>After I was ok 2 1/2 years post surgery, I awoke one morning unable to put weight on my leg. There was significant swelling. In the 6 months since this developed, I have had about 8 flare ups, which only occur during the night, while I am sleeping. I need to use a cane for several days after a flare up. During the other times I am able to resume my other activities, though with caution. Nothing showed in x-rays and original surgeon isn't sure what is the cause. His assessment is for revision surgery is to consider putting a thicker poly in verses changing the tibial component and using constrained poly. Infection has been ruled out. Possibility of allergy to metal or cement, though I've been told that allergy testing has many false positive results. I am doing PT to strengthen the muscles around my knee, using an exercise bike. Second opinion by another surgeon: possibility of some early reaction to the polyethylene debris. It has not gone on to loosening but these episodes of effusions could be in response to the plastic. Both surgeons have conferred and are encouraging me to wait until more flare ups before having a revision replacement. I'd welcome any input from others, particularly in regard to why the problem develops only while I am sleeping.</p>
Replies to "Problem 2 1/2 years post tkrAfter I was ok 2 1/2 years post surgery, I awoke..."
@rsroseco Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect, a place to give and get support.
To have swelling suddenly 2.5 years after surgery and continuation since this is obviously concerning and you are looking for answers and support.
I moved your question to an existing discussion where members like @doodles418 @cobweb @amberpep @contentandwell @debbraw have previously discussed this topic.
A revision is a major surgery, especially since you are unsure of the problem. You said that you met with 2 surgeons. May I ask if either of these surgeons were at a specialty or teaching hospital system? If not, have you considered getting a third opinion from a specialist?
Hi, @rsroseco Welcome to Connect.
I definitley agree with @erikas, revision is basically like another TKR I think, so pretty major. I would want to be darned sure that was the only option before going forward with it. I agree also, that generally teaching hospitals have some of the best and most knowledgeable doctors, primarily because they see more problems than other doctors. I went ahead and checked US News hospital ratings in Orthopedics. I think US News is pretty much the gold standard in these, and UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital is rated #39 in the country, #1 in CO.
I presume you have searched your brain to figure if you have done anything specific preceding each of these flare-ups and come up with no answers.
My husband had a problem a long time ago and he consulted with at least 3 orthopedic doctors (this was not a knee problem) to try to determine his problem. Then he conferred with our primary doctor who was a dean at Harvard Medical, chose one of the doctors, and finally got relief with surgery. Some problems are very tricky and can be very difficult to diagnose, and with a 2.5 year post-TKR problem that really is strange.
I do hope you can find the answer. A third consultation would hopefully shed a bit more light on things and help you to get that knee back in better shape. If the exercise bike doesn't bother you more, it really is a great exercise. My orthopedic surgeon positively loves exercise bikes for pre and post TKRs.
I wish I could be more helpful but it definitely is a mystery.
JK
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Your situation has many similarities to mine. I am almost five years post- op after 5 surgeries on the same hip. After considerable research I am not rushing into any more. I am allergic to nickel, chromium and cobalt all of which were put in my body in the first Surgeries. I tested positive with blood tests from Melisa testing in the US. Unexplained pain will not be a reason for surgery for me at this point. I do know their is some lucency tho but still doing my research. Am investigating neuropathy now. Happy to connect any time.