TKR Extruded cement left in knee, causing problems.

Posted by larayne @larayne, Sep 6, 2022

My surgeon left a chunk of extruded cement in my knee. It is causing pain and pinching laterally, as the cement is attached to the tibial implant edge. I’m a little over 5 months PO. Frustrated with surgeon and 2nd opinion, as neither has ever had to operate to remove extruded cement. I will be checking in to a 3rd opinion at Mayo. I need to find a surgeon who’s actually dealt with this in their practice. Apparently, it’s fairly rare. Has anyone ever had a problem with extruded cement?

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Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Sep 6, 2022

@larayne, ouch. Some members, like @kact @coloradotkr @gardeningjunkie and others, have talked about getting a knee replacement revision after discovering they were allergic to cement.

You might find some of the posts in this discussion helpful:
- Need TKR and had positive allergy testing / Bone Cement and Metals https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/need-tkr-and-had-positive-allergy-testing-bone-cement-and-metals/

Here is information about requesting a second opinion at Mayo Clinic if you need it: http://mayocl.in/1mtmR63
I sure hope a revision is possible for you.

larayne | @larayne | Jan 18, 2023

I’m now nearly 10 months PO. A local 3rd opinion notes that along with the chunk of cement, the femur implant too big, spacer too small, that original surgeon “raised the joint line”, that my knee has play in it and the kneecap pain might be helped by fixing that. I wish I’d never had this surgery done. So, thankfully, after all of this, I did get accepted for an appointment at Mayo! I have 3 differing opinions in my town, so, who do you trust? I’m hoping Mayo can shed some light on the best course of action!

ezas123 | @ezas123 | Jan 19, 2023

Good luck best to have all information before you make decision….but if you need revision you may be pleasantly surprised afterwards…. I know I am amazed ever day after having my tkr 3 sizes too big replaced…. Felt so much better from time I awoke from surgery…. Good luck

mabfp3 | @mabfp3 | Jan 19, 2023

In reply to @larayne "I’m now nearly 10 months PO. A local 3rd opinion notes that along with the chunk..." + (show)

Wishing you all the best as you go to Mayo Clinic……..one of the BEST!!! I had TKR two years ago but before the surgery, I was tested for any allergies to any “ingredients” in the replacement, along with the bone cement. They discovered that I had a high allergy to nickel so my surgeon used a replacement without nickel. You are wise to get an appointment at Mayo Clinic!!! I had terrible pain after this surgery for a very long time and became depressed. After two years, my knee is finally pain free, but I still cannot kneel down or do any exercises that require kneeling. My left knee really needs replacing, but I am not going to do it. I am just going to live with it. All of my best wishes to you with your appointment with Mayo Clinic. You will be in excellent hands!!! Mary Ann from Boston

mabfp3 | @mabfp3 | Jan 19, 2023

In reply to @mabfp3 "Wishing you all the best as you go to Mayo Clinic……..one of the BEST!!! I had..." + (show)

PS. My surgery was in Boston.

larayne | @larayne | Jan 23, 2023

In reply to @mabfp3 "Wishing you all the best as you go to Mayo Clinic……..one of the BEST!!! I had..." + (show)

Thank you! I had the same experience, it was a brutal recovery. Became severely depressed. The pain was agonizing and had to take opioids for 4 months….I think because of the problems with the replacement. All of this after suffering for years before surgery. Knowing what I know now, I’ll never get the other one done either. Glad you’re doing better now!