Infection after TKR

So joint infections may seem to go away, but often lurk in the fluid or soft tissue waiting to pounce the moment your resistance falters due to a virus, stress, surgery, etc. In order to preserve the joint long term antibiotics may be used.

My prayers go out to you…. I have not experienced this so I don’t have anything to add except I am glad you found dr that you trust ….. so important

Had tkr infection and did the 6 weeks IV ANTIBIOTICS. TKR was removed before antibiotics. Now surgeon says he has to see if there is enough muscle tissue left after the infecrion. Next appt isn't till 2 months from now. Xrays scheduled then. Wondering if this is normal in this situation and what the chance of a revision.

Welcome @jimconnell, sounds like you've had an unexpected rough go with getting an infection after your total knee replacement. Now your surgeon's concern is if there is enough mucle tissue to do a TKR revision.

Did you surgeon suggest any resistance exercise or physicial therapy to help build the muscle mass during the wait time? Is this something that might be recommended?

Leg is immobilized.
So I can't bend it.there is a rod in it now. I think he was refering tomuscle tissue inside the knee

Nothing but problems with my left knee since initial TKR 4 years ago! Revision TKR performed in November 22', Manipulation done one month later December 22'. Last month during PT a therapist noticed redness in the top portion of my incision (thigh area). I was prescribed antibiotics (a 14-day treatment). The surgeon indicated at a follow-up visit that it was blood seeping to surface, which can happen after MUA, and not to worry. Three weeks later upper part of incision still red, not worse, but not better. It still itches, sometimes small red bumps appear. I called the practice indicating my concern and was told to come in. A different antibiotic has been prescribed. It's been 10 days now - the redness which comes/goes is back. It appears to be spreading in thin red streaks. I will continue taking this course of antibiotics and I'm continuing with PT and exercises at home desperate to get more ROM. While the doctor and the PA's don't seem to be too concerned...I am very worried. Anyone else have this or similar experience and what was outcome? I do have an appointment later this week.

@elaineva, this sounds awful. To help you connect with others like @sueinmn @emintexas @titia131 @rebeccamary who have had experience with TKRs and infection, I moved your post to this existing discussion:
- Infection after TKR: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/infection-after-tkr/

See all discussions in the Joint Replacements support group: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/joint-replacements/

How is the PT going with this infection and inflammation?

Please get in to see an infection specialist. Soon. Two courses of antibiotics and spreading red streaks is an indication something needs to be done. You are probably at the point where they need to do a culture to see what is hiding in your knee. My cousin was too patient with "nothing to worry about" after hip replacement and ended up with an antibiotic spacer instead of a hip.
Sue

@colleenyoung Thanks for leads to other discussions.
PT is going well considering I’m also now having hip pain on the right side. The Hits just keep on coming…
The expectation was I’d get to 90 based on being at only about 20 degrees for last four years. I’m at 77 ROM now and still working at it.

After my first tkr I also developed an infection, it was removed and a spacer with antibiotics was put in for 6 months while I also was on a home IV with a strong antibiotic administered twice daily, after the 6 months and tkr was done but 1-1/2 years later it became loose and then another tkr, totaling really 4!! Pain and swelling still there, will be this way for my remainder.