Knee infection after a TKR 4 years prior

Oh my goodness, this is my worst fear. Do you know what caused the infection? I am a year out and afraid to go to the dentist because of this. I am so sorry you are going through this, it must be awful.

I’m so sorry. This is also a fear of mine, I take antibiotics before any dental appointment even though my surgeon says new studies show it’s not required after a certain period. I’m 2.5 years out . Any idea how long the infection was there?

My experience goes back to 2012, so protocols may have changed, but six week antibiotic therapy failed until the metal prosthetic was removed. In spite of multiple flushing out surgeries, the antibiotic didn’t work until the metal was removed. A physician friend used an analogy to how a small sliver in your finger festers until it’s removed; and the metal prosthetic is like a giant sliver that festers until it’s removed. Then the same 6 week antibiotic therapy then worked and a new permanent prosthetic could be put in. It became a year long ordeal, but no problems since then.

Thank you for sharing
Because my infection appeared to come on suddenly and the bacteria was stephococcus, They are hoping this works. Do you remember what your bacteria was and how long after your tkr. Did they initially give yiu antibiotics via a PICC line for 6 to 8 weeks? Thankful you are doing great now

@caseybo1115 I think I caught it very quickly like 2 says. I was 4 years out. I think mine was from a dental procedure 3 weeks prior so going forward I will always use prophylatic antibiotics prior to dental work even teeth cleaning

Do some research on Ozone as a post operative therapy for infection and inflammation. I have had as well as my spouse successfully benefited from this treatment. With antibiotics becoming less effective for many infections and side affects that can cause severe complications especially to ones immune system, Ozone is a very strong and effective alternative. (NO SIDE EFFECTS).
The medical and insurance industry however do not embrace this option so you will likely have to pay for it out of pocket. The only reason for this I have come up with is because it works extremely well and fast.

I had a TKR in Nov of 2025. The knee is now infected and I am scheduled for a reconstruction in mid November. I am really bummed out about it. I have put it off for a while and I have a rash around the joint. Now it is an emergency. I taken antibiotics for C. Diff so I could have gotten the infection that way. I will probably get at least one course of antibiotics after the operation and I am hoping that doesn't give me C. Diff again. I thought maybe hypoallergenic prosthesis was the way to go to prevent the infection from coming back. But I read here that someone got an infection with a hypoallergic knee. How does that happen?

@knifeboy I did some research and this therapy is not approved for safety or efficacy.I could not find any reliable research studies on the effectiveness yet.

@aileenredding I am.sorry that you are having surgery. Did they tell you what the bacteria was? Praying as you wait and then a successful surgery

@aileenredding
Are you allergic to any metals, or other materials in your current implant? If not I’m not sure why you’d need a hypoallergenic replacement. Your revision surgeon should be able to refer you for testing, there is a place in Dallas that specializes in testing for implant materials. It’s usually self pay but it’s worth it imo.
I’m sorry you’re dealing with CDiff along with your infected knee. That has to be difficult.