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Cannot Passively Hold Full Extension After TKR
Hello, I would appreciate any additional info on similar experiences. Below are the procedures I have had done in the last 19 months. I was very active before surgery. Could walk 4-5 miles but would have pain after and was having issues going down stairs.
May 2024 - Total knee replacement
August 2024 - Manipulation
April 2025 - Scar removal surgery (was determined that my physical therapy was no aggressive enough from the beginning)
August 2025 - 2nd Manipulation
I am 66 and other than my knee I am in good shape. My surgeon now gives me the option to redo the knee replacement. Since my joint seems to work fine but I just cannot passively extend it 100% or hold it, I am worried about making it worse.
I have done nerve conductivity tests and an ultrasound and all was good. Currently, I can walk (with a limp) and it hurts my lower back and hip.
Thank you!
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Is this the same surgeon who did your TKR? Sometimes feces just happens but I would want to be convinced that it was not his fault before going into a revision with him.
I think you want an opinion from an experienced and skilled revision surgeon. Don't say that you think your surgeon screwed up; you just want to know if she thinks a revision would work and the risks and benefits of doing it.
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2 Reactions@steveinarizona
Yes I just had a consult done with a surgeon outside the network that my surgeon is in and they wouldn’t come out and say directly any percentages as to effectiveness. However, they gave me the impression that my chances of it improving and the chances of it making it worse are about the same.
Not quite the odds that I make me want to give it a try. I have another consult next week so trying to get all the feedback I can before I make a final decision.
I appreciate your input.
Thank you!
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1 ReactionI’ll be watching this as I too can’t extend fully . My lower back seems to cramp/spasm after a few steps . I am 5 months out after double knee replacements . I’m told to wait til the 12 month mark post op …. Now I’m concerned . I don’t want more surgery 🙁
@shandra I also am 5 months post op TKR, plateauing at 90 degree bend last 3 months . Also told I can wait another 3 months, up to 12, to decide about Manipulation with possible arthroscopy, 3 pencil-sized holes to remove scar tissue. told it's possible ROM might start improving on its own. Told these 2 procedures might help, might not, and could make ROM worse. Like you, I don't like more surgery and am not comfortable with the "odds." Has anyone had continued ROM improvement after 5 months? What is post-op pain level for arthroscopy and manipulation, please?
I had 103 degrees at 6 months and 110 degrees at 9 months. I’ve been out of rehab since then so I don’t know my ROM. At my annual checkup, my surgeon didn’t measure my flexion but estimated it was between 110 and 115 and said it would continue to improve. At 14 months, I began walking upstairs and downstairs normally (“reciprocally”) without holding onto the railing. So, yes, I continued to improve after five months. Good luck and stay in rehab.