Cannot Passively Hold Full Extension After TKR

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.

@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!

I’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.

Did they suggest that you put your foot up on a chair or stool while setting down and let your leg relax into a straight position? It will hurt but it helps to get your leg straight. As for getting more flex from your knees, try doing squats, relax in-between each one while down. I have to do this all the time to keep my knees working right.

Have you tried strengthening through a gym with a qualified personal trainer? I'm 20 months out, started a gym last January and am now at 130 ROM, based on my second second opinion. Was still lifting my leg to get it in the car and that has resolved!

My first second opinion (revision specialist) said he could remove scar tissue, but go for more PT. My second second opinion (also does revisions) said I had bursitis, gave me a cortisone shot and offered more PT. He was very clear not to open a well installed knee.

I would let your knee hang unsupported with the leg up. I also feel the gym has helped strengthen me and I won't stop till my pain/swelling is manageable.

If you choose another anesthesia event, please ensure your original Surgeon is not practicing on you. My plan right now is for a third second opinion if I can't get the stiffnes resolved.

Best to you!

@tonilynn After waking up from manipulation I had the worse pain I could ever imagine. It did decrease after a couple days but my knee was swollen for a few weeks. Has a scope to remove scar tissue that worked better but scar tissue formed again after a few weeks. Am now doing shock wave and high intensity laser light to help.

@lorag Thank you. How are your shock wave and high intensity laser light working for your knee scar tissue? Were you going to PT and doing home exercise following your manipulation and scope?

@tonilynn The treatments are helping me. My pain level is reduced a lot and swelling is gone. I am about halfway through treatments. Yes I was going to PT as ordered and doing home exercises . The scar tissue just kept returning. My surgeon had no answers for me_ I am one of the rare ones that forms it quickly.