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Bloody fluid drained 7 times after TKR

Posted by roodog575 @roodog575, Sep 4 5:28pm

I had a TKR this past January. The first 2 months or so things were progressing well but by March, noticeable swelling had set it.

In April the surgeon drained about 40 ML of a light red fluid from the joint.

By May the fluid was drained again and was very dark red, almost like straight blood.

On July 1st, 2nd and 12th, 300 ML of red fluid was drained in total.

In August and after metal allergy testing returned negative, the surgeon reopened the knee and removed some synovium and scar tissue, replaced the plastic joint spacers and put a plastic backing on the kneecap after resurfacing it. The back of the knee cap had started flaking off. He also tested samples for infection from various areas within the joint but found none.

15 days after surgery (just yesterday) he drained 38ML of lighter red fluid from the joint and 22ML of what looked like blood from the knee cap area. 24 hours later it is swollen back up.

I asked him what the next options were and he said he would have to confer with another surgeon as he was perplexed. He said there was a good chance the joint would have to be removed and a new one would have to be installed. Not what I wanted to hear, especially because I’m not at all convinced it will solve the issue.

Has anyone experienced issues like this? For some basic background, I’m an active and healthy 53 year old male with prior ACL and meniscus repairs to the same knee.

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Mentor
Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Sep 7 11:30am

@roodog575 Ouch! This is a journey nobody wants after a joint replacement. You said the doctor tested for metal allergies. Did they also test for allergies to the polymer/plastic they are using, and any glue they might have used?

The only other things I can think of are possibly a temporary drain. Not even sure if it's a "thing" for knees, but it is sometimes done on hip replacements. Or further testing of you bloody drainage to see what it is composed of - that could give a clue to the cause.

Her's hoping your surgeon has someone knowledgeable to consult - there are a few ortho surgeones who specialize in complex cases.

REPLY
1 reply
roodog575 | @roodog575 | Sep 7 1:31pm
In reply to @sueinmn "@roodog575 Ouch! This is a journey nobody wants after a joint replacement. You said the doctor..." + (show)
@sueinmn

@roodog575 Ouch! This is a journey nobody wants after a joint replacement. You said the doctor tested for metal allergies. Did they also test for allergies to the polymer/plastic they are using, and any glue they might have used?

The only other things I can think of are possibly a temporary drain. Not even sure if it's a "thing" for knees, but it is sometimes done on hip replacements. Or further testing of you bloody drainage to see what it is composed of - that could give a clue to the cause.

Her's hoping your surgeon has someone knowledgeable to consult - there are a few ortho surgeones who specialize in complex cases.

Jump to this post

Thanks for the reply. I’ve wondered about the plastic as well and will be asking about it. I have had metal in my other knee since 1995 without any issues. As of now, the surgeon is going to put me on an a 6 day course of oral steroids to see how the knee responds. However, I know that it can’t solve the issue long term. I’ll be seeking a second opinion as well, despite the surgeon telling me he’s going to confer with another surgeon.

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1 reply
Mentor
Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Sep 7 1:38pm
In reply to @roodog575 "Thanks for the reply. I’ve wondered about the plastic as well and will be asking about..." + (show)
@roodog575

Thanks for the reply. I’ve wondered about the plastic as well and will be asking about it. I have had metal in my other knee since 1995 without any issues. As of now, the surgeon is going to put me on an a 6 day course of oral steroids to see how the knee responds. However, I know that it can’t solve the issue long term. I’ll be seeking a second opinion as well, despite the surgeon telling me he’s going to confer with another surgeon.

Jump to this post

The steroids may calm things down enough to stop the fluid production...but I think a second opinion is prudent in your case. Are you near an orthopedic or teaching hospital? On orthopedist who is also a professor or resaercher might be a good choice.

REPLY
roodog575 | @roodog575 | Sep 7 2:42pm

We have very good orthopedic options available to us so I’m not worried about a qualified second opinion. And I’m also not unhappy with the quality of the work of the primary surgeon. However, I haven’t be too impressed with the length of time it has taken him to realize the severity of the issue seeing as how it’s been going on since at least March. I’ve been patient but my patience is running low.

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