TKR revision surgery and problems

I'm using your words because my problem was/is exactly the same "my knee would buckle while still in the hospital. DR said PT would take care of it. Knee continued to swell and buckle and be painful. In December of 2017 I returned to DR and he ordered more PT. Unsuccessful in correcting buckling, swelling and pain" I'm lucky if I can walk 1/2 mile and almost fell down a flight of stair coming out of a restaurant last week. Doc says "everything looks fine" but I don't agree. My Quads are still weak from ankle surgery the year before. Is more muscle the fix or what should I do?

I think so.

I feel for you. This is what I am told after my third revision - x-rays look good, I need to build up my legs. I would need legs like Arnold to overcome this instability I think. Steroids anyone? lol!

I feel for you, I understand your pain and frustration. I am just under 3yrs from original TKR and 1 yr post revision, I have been stuck at 9 on pain chart for 3yrs. I can’t walk more than 20 yards before pain just over takes me. I am told it’s most likely nerve damage and nothing can be done, so next step is DRG implant. Back surgery to stop the leg pain is not what I signed on for. Sick to my stomach

I had my n knee replaced about 7 years ago. They used the wrong size "spacer" so I had a revision. Next the bottom part of the implant became loose from bone. Revision #2. I still had a great deal of pain, so I switched doctors and had a fourth surgery. Soon after I had my right knee replaced. I think it deteriorated by trying to compensate for the left. I experience stiffness and aching, but the most bothersome is a burning feeling under the knee cap. Had nerve conduction studies but nothing appeared abnormal. Every step hurts. My doctor says it's a matter of weight. I weigh 233. Anyone else have similar pains?

Hi @robinchats and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I have heard of the problem of a wrong size spacer and/or device a lot since moderating the bones joints and muscles group and total knee replacements. You will see I moved your comment to a discussion about revision surgery problems so you can connect with people who have had difficulties after their procedures.

When you were in PT did your therapist ever mention weight being the issue for your pain? I feel like that would have been mentioned early on if that was the case.

No one.mentioned it--but I realized that it probably made the situation worse. I had read how every pound put an extra 6 pounds of pressure on your knee. I weigh about 20 # less than I did with the first surgery.

I had TKR 2 yrs ago this aug.26. About 3 wks after surgery I had pain so severe that Nothing took pain away. I went to ER…they didn’t see anything.well the pain has lessened, but since Nov. of 2019, I have consistently have pain on the the same spot, tightness, throbbing, and I have muscle tightness.it’s been like this since then. Well finally had a new knee dr. Looking at it. He sent me to allergist. They tested me for metals, glues,
Well so happens I’m allergic to the glue! And the antibiotic they used! You might want to have allergy testing done.they checked for metals, glues, antibiotics…..something like that may be your problem….it’s worth it to check it out. I never had any allergies
Good luck. Irish283

Hello, @irish283. Thank you for sharing your very frustrating journey to finding out what was causing the ongoing pain after your TKR. I'd like to validate that you never gave up in being your own advocate. I'm so happy you kept at it and found a knee doctor who listened to you and decided to refer you to an allergist. I've heard from friends about their allergies to the hardware and other substances used in joint replacements and sadly your experience isn't unique. You reminded us to listen to our own bodies, joints and all, and never give up when we know something isn't right. I live in small community and sometimes people are afraid of hurting their doctor's feelings or insulting them if they, as the patient, question the doctor's judgment. One of my favorite family doctors who sadly (for me anyway) is now retired said to me one time - "you're the expert of your own body". So true as you've shown us.

I wish you good health and wellness.

Hi, Naturegirl5. Thank you so very much for those words of encouragement and understanding. I actually saw 6 other doctors, including two from No. Carolina! Everyone of those drs. Had a different reason for my pain. It was the 7th doctor who listened. So I’m going to have to do a revision, but I’m not in a rush and I’m a bit skeptical .
But I liked the way your retired doctor spoke….listen to your body.
Again, thank you for your message. I’m truly appreciative. Good luck also with your issue. Stay well. Irish283