Revision TKR Sharkey's Revised Knee

When you say your knee is sticking out, do you mean that your extension is still not there, that your knee isn't going straight? If so, you're not different than a lot of us were. My extension was slower coming in, as are many others, too. A MUA doesn't work on extension, just bend. I was able to get my extension better by taking longer strides, with a toe to heel walk. It was slow, but it did come in!
 
Yes. If I'm standing straight, my right knee sticks out, like it does when I'm laying on a table. It's not even with my left. Also noticed, it's leaning to the right when I walk. Don't know if that is due to how it healed or what. I'll find out more when I see the OS. I have a lot of questions he needs to answer.
 
Yes, that does sound like your extension is lagging behind. It will straighten out in time. I think you should ask your OS everything that's on your mind!
 
How about a photo so I can see what you mean?
 
1st pic is my right knee replacement, 2nd is both knees. Your thoughts?

1.jpeg



2.jpeg
 
Your knee is very, very swollen and I see what you mean about it sticking out.
Did you follow all my suggestions in post #13?
 
Yes I have. Is the swelling normal for 6 months post surgery?
 
No it is not. And I am at a loss as to why that is.
 
I'm going to see the OS in mid February. I also thought the swelling was still extreme. If the strenuous PT caused this, then I'm going to have some issues with him regarding my treatment. Icing doesn't seem to be working either.
 
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No it is not. And I am at a loss as to why that is.

So what do you suggest I do? Is it possible the OS has to go back in to see if there is a problem that is keeping it from healing correctly? I'm really frustrated.....
 
the swelling was still extreme. If the strenuous PT caused this, then I'm going to have some issues with him regarding my treatment.
Strenuous PT will most definitely cause extreme swelling and pain. Your knee is only half way through a year long recovery.
 
Hi Sharkey
I had a TKR ( right knee). on OCT 12, 2017; so I am now at 3 1/2. Months.
I have been doing PT 2 - 3 times a week pretty much since the surgery as that is what my surgeon recommended.
I have been having a lot of pain and discomfort and am still unable to perform a lot of every day activities. My extension isn’t great (don’t know the number); and my ROM is about 120.
Mostly it is the pain and stiffness that is so hard to take and I thought imwould have been much farther along by now as that was the experience of almost everyone I know that had it done.
Finding this forum has been very helpful for me to know that I am not alone in the suffering...
I am not nearly as informed as some of the people on here, but I think that after seeing your photos that you are indeed very swollen and that you should make an appointment to see your surgeon
I don’t think you should wait until February just to be reassured that all is going well.
Good luck and keep us posted!
 
I saw my OS on March 1st. He took X-rays and he acknowledged that my knee wasn't healing correctly, and revealed that my replacement might be too big, and is the wrong size. This is a hell of a revelation, 8 months post surgery. First off, I didn't know that they came in different sizes, he never conveyed that to me. He said that he probably should have put one in that was the next size smaller to the one I have.

Then he tells me, I'm probably not going to get the knee as straight as it needs to be without him going back in and correcting it. Says there is a slight chance my knee will straighten out by August (which will be a year) but he's doubtful from his experience. Too much scar tissue has built up. His theory for using a bigger knee replacement was he was concerned about cracking my femur using a smaller one.

I am beyond frustrated now. He said I was his first patient that has had complications from this surgery. I'm meeting Monday with another OS, to get a second opinion, and weigh my options.

This has been a nightmare for me. I can't do any of the normal things I'm accustomed to doing, without discomfort. I'm wondering now if I should have researched OS more thoroughly but he came highly recommended. I'll just have to wait to find out what this other one has to say before I proceed with another critical decision. This has been way more than I bargained for.
 
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I’m so sorry things have turned out this way for you. I find it hard to believe you are your surgeon’s first patient to have problems, that just doesn’t make sense.

And this is one of the reasons I am opposed to strenuous PT because early on you never know what you are actually dealing with. All that stress on a knee that never had a chance to do well due to the implant itself.

For your second opinion are you seeing someone who has no association with your current surgeon? That is your best option get an unbiased opinion.

I feel your frustration as I am one year post op next week and I have issues I don’t think I should. I had a partial and like you, it’s been more than I bargained for.
 
Sharkey... my heart hurt for you when I read your post and saw the photo of your knee. My gosh.. you have had a tough journey with this... and I'm sure it DOES NOT feel fair. I know when I got the hematoma and had to have it removed, and it set me back, and then the brutal MUA, and then I was told I had an a-typical knee recovery.. I felt it was not fair at all. I felt many things were not fair! I was told many hopeful stories by the OS before the surgery, and people who had had knee surgeries, etc., etc., and when mine did not go that way.. I thought 'what is going on!?' So this journey for you sucks major. All you can do is move forward and go see someone else and if you have to get this thing taken care of by someone who knows what the heck they are doing and won't give you any stupid 'pie in the sky' knee recovery stories. Who will be straight up with you and then get the job done.

My prayers will be with you.
:prayer:
 
I feel very badly for you. I hope you can get it fixed. I agree that you should get a second opinion. Bless your heart.
 
@Sharkey - I'm sorry to hear that your knee has caused you so much trouble.

It seems pretty obvious that you will have to have it revised (done again). However, if it were me, I would not let your current surgeon near my knee again. He's had one chance and he messed it up. Don't run the risk of having him do that again.

Instead, look for a surgeon who specialises in dealing with problem knees and who has no contact, professional or social, with your current surgeon. You need someone who deals with problem knees every working day and who will not be influenced by your current surgeon's opinion.
 
I didn't know that they came in different sizes, he never conveyed that to me.
Well they don't as a rule. But all knees come in three sizes, small medium and large. A few also have extra small and extra large but they're not often used.
He said that he probably should have put one in that was the next size smaller to the one I have.
Well you know what they say, hindsight is 20/20 vision! I very much doubt he did it out of carelessness. I've been in cases where the choice was borderline and the surgeon makes the best choice he can at that moment. But I'm sorry you're having these problems. Not nice.
 
I was seen by my OS straight after my RTKR and he said everything went well, but I had some size of bones and that was the biggest implant he had ever used. I replied I hoped it wasn’t his first. However my recovery has went well and I’ve improved really well from walking and exercising in the pool. Still get stiffness from exercise or sitting in one position and occasionally a tight feeling across my knee cap. Sounds like
You have had a torrid time and have to go through all that recovery again. Go for an independent second opinion and hopefully that starts your road to recovery
 
Your knee still looks so bruised, as well as swollen, @Sharkey . I'm wondering if there is still a small amount of bleeding going on? When you see the second surgeon, do ask about the bruised appearance as well.
 

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