Swelling and stiffness, 3 years after total knee replacement

You are absolutely correct!!!

I had to have my hardware removed and replaced with a press fit TKR after finding I was reacting to the bone cement. Can you look into this? My new surgeon is Dr Mark Tuttle @ PSL in Denver, CO. I am so sorry you are suffering as I did, and it sounds like many others.

What did they do to fix your problem?
I have a shoulder replacement that broke in Pt
and my pain has been outrageous.
My first surgeon used cement too. I am do to just replace a “part” on the prosthesis, because
Of the rod being cemented in.

Same situation after revision 2018. I want a scan as nothing shows up on X-ray. I keep falling which has made pain 100 times worse. I am losing the will to live. Sometimes think it would be better to have amputation. That is how bad the pain is. I am female aged 78

I suggest a CAT scan and a bone scan.
X-rays are useless except for diagnosing fractures or some other diseases.
The cat scan and bone scan showed my doctor that the plate was loose at the femur.

After two manipulations from my prior surgeon, a CPM that was not implemented until 2 1/2 months, and Dynasplint I was very relieved to find someone that was willing to tell me if there was actually something wrong and it’s not my lack of exercising.
You have to be pushy because they’re not going to offer to you.
Maybe a very good doctor would but most of them will not.

I'm writing this with sympathy and total understanding of the pain you are dealing with. I lived with severe chronic pain for years and understand how you are feeling. Lack of sleep from pain, then brief fitful sleeps and then getting up in the morning to face it all over again, just like the movie "Groundhog Day" will break your will to live. To entertain myself while lying in bed I plotted the best way to commit suicide. I was so close to following through. Fortunately because of another discussion site on Mayo unrelated to knee replacement a blogger shared an experimental solution others had tried with some success. A miracle, it worked for me.

My point is dear auxiliary it is not possible to live with 24/7 pain and not start to loose your mind. If I were you I would travel the country,
and see multiple specialists; you may have already done this. Never count on one or two specialists to diagnose your issue. I am speaking from experience. If they still can't determine the cause I personally would have the amputation. I would have to adjust my life to accommodate being in a wheelchair. Yet I know, without pain, I would find activates I could find happiness in and appreciate the gift of life. The pleasure of being able to sleep soundly at night is a blessing.

Believe me I am not suggesting amputation lightly. I already know what is in my future, probably a wheelchair. I follow this site even though I have NOT had a knee replacement but because I am always seeking knowledge because as of today no implant will not cause an allergic reaction in me leading to rejection. I may end up in a wheelchair because I do not qualify for a knee replacement. I have had extensive allergic testing which documents my allergies to metals and among a host of other allergies I am allergic to 5 different metals and my ortho told me even titanium, which I didn't test allergic to has traces of other metals which I am allergic to. There is a ceramic coated knee implant which we considered but now this company has a class action lawsuit against them because the bone cement, which cements the implant to the bone is place is not adhering to the implant. I do have hope that before I need a wheelchair they will have figured out this issues.

My TKR was 5 years ago and I, too, have swelling and limited ROM. I’ve been to 5 different Ortho specialists including the original surgeon and all tell me the same thing...nothing wrong, it happens!!!! I would ask if anyone has tried Lymphodermic Therapy. I’ve heard it helps with post breast cancer patients and us often used for extremities after surgery or injury.

Hello @ayurman1, Welcome to Connect, an online community where patients and caregivers share their experiences, find support and exchange information with others. Is your question has anyone tried Lymphedema Treatment on extremities after surgery or injury?

I was diagnosed with lymphedema prior to my right knee replacement surgery and was wearing 20-30 mmhg compression socks as a treatment. It helps with the swelling for my legs but I had some problems getting them on after my TKR. I switched to using compression socks with a side zipper and it makes it much easier to put the socks on and take them off. Here's a little more information about the Lymphedema and the treatment - https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/lymphedema/care-at-mayo-clinic/mac-20374693

Have you thought about getting a second opinion to see what is causing the swelling in your leg?

I’ve had several opinions and each time I’m told “it happens”. Your remark about compression stocking with side zipper sounds interesting. I’ll check it out. Thanks.

my knee replacement is 20 years old. Had swelling right away. getting worse. What to do?? What is the cause?