Surgeon thinks I may have a tear 2 months after TKR

Posted by fran102 @fran102, Jan 27, 2023

I am very upset because I have to have an MRI to see if I have a tear two months following TKR. I don’t know what that means and I’m extremely upset that it’s even a possibility. Has anyone had a similar situation? I finally got my bending number up to 95 and I know that’s not great but I’m making very slow progress. He also said that if I don’t have a tear then I should have a manipulation before the 3 or 4 month mark. I really do not want a manipulation and think I can live with a lower bending number. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

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Have heard that’s a tough surgery. I wish you the best and hope it goes well.

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@fran102

I called the surgeon’s office and learned that the possible tear I have is called a quadricep tendon tear.

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fran,

The quadriceps tendon is cut during TKR surgery to release the patella so it can be moved to the side. But that's a small cut that heals on its own, post-surgery. For my TKRs, no special post-op care was required. It was painful to the touch for a week or so, then fine.

MRIs are notoriously inconclusive identifying tears. I wonder if it's an aggravation from the surgery. Worth asking the surgeon.

And I don't know what kind of "manipulation" the surgeon is referring to, sorry. That's worth an explanation from the surgeon.

Can you describe your symptoms? Also the ROM should be greater than 95 by now. How have you done with the post-op rehab and at-home exercises?

Get well and please keep us posted.

Joe

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@lrcraig

I don’t remember why I didn’t have a manipulation back 15 years ago but when I went back for my one year checkup he wanted me to go through 6 more weeks of rehab. I’m a Vietnam Vet and the 6 weeks of rehab was worse pain. A friend of mine who was once a PTA had TKR and just couldn’t get the bend he wanted. He said it was the best thing he has ever done. I’m stuck with a knee that won’t bend enough for me to drive our gator, sit in the stands at a basketball game without being in terrible pain even get up from a chair without pushing off. Oh how I wish I had been put to sleep and not followed the Surgeon’s thought I could break the scar tissue loose myself.

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Bummer Craig, I'm sorry. I've never heard of doing rehab at one year. I'd check with another surgeon and see if a redo is possible. I know you don't want that, but you should be able to easily do the things you describe after TKR.

FWIW my surgeon used the Mako robotic assistant. I got my legs in shape pre-surgery and did all the post-op exercises.

All the best to you.

Joe

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@heyjoe415

Bummer Craig, I'm sorry. I've never heard of doing rehab at one year. I'd check with another surgeon and see if a redo is possible. I know you don't want that, but you should be able to easily do the things you describe after TKR.

FWIW my surgeon used the Mako robotic assistant. I got my legs in shape pre-surgery and did all the post-op exercises.

All the best to you.

Joe

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Thanks Joe, appreciate your concern. I had a TKR on my knee done robotically about a year and a half ago. It is doing great. Revision of the first knee is a consideration but I have read that revisions of TKR’s do not come with the same degree of success. I am 75 so it is a consideration that will take more research and prayer. I have a revision of my rotator cuff and then we are concentrating next on why my wife’s TKR from 18 months ago makes a loud clicking noise.

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@lrcraig

Thanks Joe, appreciate your concern. I had a TKR on my knee done robotically about a year and a half ago. It is doing great. Revision of the first knee is a consideration but I have read that revisions of TKR’s do not come with the same degree of success. I am 75 so it is a consideration that will take more research and prayer. I have a revision of my rotator cuff and then we are concentrating next on why my wife’s TKR from 18 months ago makes a loud clicking noise.

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Wow, you certainly have your hands full. All the best to you and your wife. It's not unusual for TKR prostheses to make some sound, but it shouldn't be that obvious.

And yeah, I've heard that a TKR redo isn't optimal. For one thing, they'll cut more bone meaning a larger prosthetic. It's just complicated and at some point, you have to decide if it's worth it.

Again, best wishes to you and your wife. Joe

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First,a manipulation can be done up to a year,it has changed now.however, doctors prefer the 3 month mark because it's still early;I had one done.
There was still some tightness behind my knee.so I was prescribed steroid pills that are taken for 7 days straight.it helped a lot.my knee inflexion improved.
This post TKR is tricky.the more exercises you do, inflammation and swelling occurs .you do less,the knee area tightens on you,so you have to find that middle that works for you.

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I am with you slow and steady… a manipulation will most definitely set you back for weeks an a lot more pain I say from experience and it may not give you anymore flexion than you already gained …..my new dr at 95 would never do manipulation…. After revision I am at 95 pushing 100 I work at it everyday always will …. Good luck slow and steady

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@lrcraig

Thanks Joe, appreciate your concern. I had a TKR on my knee done robotically about a year and a half ago. It is doing great. Revision of the first knee is a consideration but I have read that revisions of TKR’s do not come with the same degree of success. I am 75 so it is a consideration that will take more research and prayer. I have a revision of my rotator cuff and then we are concentrating next on why my wife’s TKR from 18 months ago makes a loud clicking noise.

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I have a revision on my knee within a year…. My first tkr was two sizes too big I only had 65z-75 flexion I go could not maintain it with all my exercises ….. I found new dr who told me replacement to big surgery downsize my knee today Year out of revision 95-100 flexion 4 degree of extension so it was life saver for me….. so depending on what you have going on revision can work …. Trust me last thing I want to do go through all that pain again …. But to my amazement revision was not so painful having the right size knee makes a big difference..,,good luck to you

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