1. < Joint Replacements

Knee weakness following TKR

Posted by westcom @westcom, Jul 30, 2022

I developed weakness in my left knee 3 months past- op left TKR. It’s now 9 months post-op. Knee feels like it is going to buckle when walking; I have to use a walking assist outside of home. Getting an EMG soon to determine if nerve damage. Anyone else experience this?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Joint Replacements Support Group.

Mentor
John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Jul 30, 2022

Hello @westcom, Welcome to Connect. I have not experienced the knee feeling like it is going to buckle after I had my TKR a few years ago. My surgeon had me do pre-surgery and post-surgery exercises to help build the strength in the leg muscles which I think may have helped me avoid what you are experiencing. Hopefully members who have had similar experiences post TKR can share their thoughts or suggestions.

You mentioned you are 9 months post op and are having an EMG to determine if you have nerve damage. Do you have pain or other symptoms along with the knee weakness?

REPLY
1 reply
westcom | @westcom | Jul 30, 2022
In reply to @johnbishop "Hello @westcom, Welcome to Connect. I have not experienced the knee feeling like it is going..." + (show)
@johnbishop

Hello @westcom, Welcome to Connect. I have not experienced the knee feeling like it is going to buckle after I had my TKR a few years ago. My surgeon had me do pre-surgery and post-surgery exercises to help build the strength in the leg muscles which I think may have helped me avoid what you are experiencing. Hopefully members who have had similar experiences post TKR can share their thoughts or suggestions.

You mentioned you are 9 months post op and are having an EMG to determine if you have nerve damage. Do you have pain or other symptoms along with the knee weakness?

Jump to this post

John: Thank you for your reply. I also did pre- and -post op exercises faithfully. I have full flexibility and extension and no pain in the replaced knee- just weakness that impairs my walking. My Ortho says the weakness is not from the surgery, but I’ve read nerve damage can be a side affect of surgery in about 10% of TKR. Hence the reason for the EMG.

REPLY
1 reply
Mentor
John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Jul 30, 2022
In reply to @westcom "John: Thank you for your reply. I also did pre- and -post op exercises faithfully. I..." + (show)
@westcom

John: Thank you for your reply. I also did pre- and -post op exercises faithfully. I have full flexibility and extension and no pain in the replaced knee- just weakness that impairs my walking. My Ortho says the weakness is not from the surgery, but I’ve read nerve damage can be a side affect of surgery in about 10% of TKR. Hence the reason for the EMG.

Jump to this post

Did your Ortho mention any type of PT that might help? Just curious as I saw this YouTube video that describes the problem and thought it might be worth a look.

REPLY
westcom | @westcom | Jul 31, 2022

John: Thanks for the video. I watch other “Brad and Bob” videos but I’ve not seen this one. I have been in PT to strengthen the knee and have similar exercises. I will add those in video- can’t hurt. My knee does not actually buckle; it just feels like it will and there is some numbness.

REPLY
Please sign in or register to post a reply.