Scar tissue removal - is it the right thing to do?

I had tkr in 2021 the surgeon put knee that was 2-3 sizes too big was never able to gain or keep flexion …. My new dr seen first dr mistake had a revision 1 year later now 0 and 100 the difference is I keep what flexion I gain …. I still deal with scar tissue because of having to have two surgeries , and having wrong parts in for a year …so I hear you tough with that flexion to function…..good luck whatever you choose

Did myofascial release therapy or anything else you tried help any? Obviously it didn't help enough but wondering if it helped at all. I have heard shockwave therapy may help and then there is ultrasound-guided hydrorelease which I want to learn more about.

I’m 74 and I had 2 TKR surgeries on my left knee before discovering I was allergic to metal…3rd surgery was a success since they put in ceramic and just had my right knee done July 2022 with ceramic as well at Mayo in Arizona with Dr. Clarke…..he is great…..I’ve had zero issues since then!

None of the treatments have helped, I will say that while receiving myofascial therapy, it seemed to help in the moment but quickly went backwards after treatment. I am praying for some relief after the scar tissue removal.

I am praying for relief post scar tissue removal surgery. My surgeon did say he was going to check the size of the poly spacer when he is in my knee. I hope that it is clearly visible when he gets in there exactly what the problems are.

I can't even imagine anymore what it would feel like to have my daily pain diminish.

I just started wearing a full sleeve compression …. I will tell you helps tremendously…. I do mfr been since first tkr went wrong, I also do Graston technique this I find to be very helpful…. I found an awesome chiropractor that does graston , cuping , laser, taping …..definitely has been key for my recovery…. Well that and right size knee lol…..

After the TKR, did you do PT and for how long/often, and did you do the post-op exercises (usually three times a day) as soon as you got home? Scar tissue usually forms due to inactivity after surgery.

I don't know that removing the scar tissue will help, or rather how much it will help. But check with the surgeon about post-op exercises. I think for all joint replacements, if rehab exercises are ignored or not done fully, scar tissue will form and place limitations on flexion. I'm a little surprised you're at full extension (zero degrees) with the scar tissue.

I'm not assuming, but so often scar tissue forms due to post-op inactivity. A successful joint replacement and recovery are about 10% due to the skill of the surgeon, and about 90% due to the work of the patient pre and post op.

I'm a 68 y/o male and had both knees replaced in 2022. I worked with a trainer before the surgery, did all the post-op exercises with a PT and at home, and am in the gym 6 days a week. I'm very sorry about what's going on with you at such a young age. I get the frustration. Hopefully the scar tissue removal will help, and please ask about a post-op regimen to get your knee flexion back.

All the best to you.

I had my left knee done in January of 2021….right knee TKR with ceramic also last July 2022…in January I made a trip to my daughters house in Omaha….she has a three story house….now mind you, when I went, in order to go up and down her stairs I would have to go one step up and bring my other foot up, then foot up and other foot up…..also, to get up from a chair, toilet or whatever I would have to put my hands on something and push myself up…. After walking up and down her stairs for 2 weeks (she had me painting bedrooms upstairs and down) so also up and down ladders…I can now lift myself up, no hands also go up and down stairs just like a regular person who never had replacements…it’s great! As they say, exercise is your friend and they made a believer out of me!

Thank you for your insight and input. I did do exercises etc. I was very active prior to surgery, in the gym, road biking, walking daily, kayaking etc. I went into PT immediately after surgery and worked hard. When scar tissue began reforming is when the restrictions started. I did many sessions of PT after that only to have my knee blow up with fluid. I have been on this journey for 4 years, all during that time, I have done the work. My last session of PT, my surgeon ceased PT due to my knee swelling to the point of me not being able to walk. I have spent the last 3 months letting it "settle down" so he could perform the scar tissue removal surgery. I am doing my best to remain positive throughout this process. I have good days and bad days. Living with the ongoing pain daily with every step I take is wrenching. It can put you in a bad dark place. I am ready to see the light.
Again, thank you for all you insight.

I totally get it. I am so happy for you that your situation is now better.
Hugs!!!