Use of Prednizone

[NLVCa]

I had an appointment with my OS last week because my active flexion is still at 90 and my extension is -5 at week 14 post op. These measurements were taken after the PT had warmed the knee and stretched it a bit. The active measurement taken as I walked in the door of the clinic were 85 and -13.

My OS does not want to use MUA or a scope to remove scar tissue because of previous problems I have had with DVT. He gave me a prescription for a short application of Prednizone. He claims that 2/3's of patients benefit from the use of this drug.

I have poor memories of the use of this drug for my late wife some 40 years ago. She developed a "moon" face and gained a lot of weight while battling leukemia which took her life at age 26.

Has anyone else on the forum ever been prescribed Prednizone to reduce scar tissue?

Vern

 

[edk]

I don't think prednisone will do anything for scar tissue, what it should do is
reduce the swelling around the knee. I think then you'll be able to see how
much of your ROM problem is due to swelling and how much due to scar tissue.

Side effects are minimal for short term usage.

 

[JudyS]

Vern
I am very sorry about your wife.

I have endocrinology problems. What you describe is called cushings. My body for a while was making high amounts of cortisol, the stress hormone. Kind of the same catergory of prednisone. It does cause weight gain, the moon face, and a whole host of other symptoms.

When I get cortisone injections in my spine, my endocrinologist has told me that it can cause weight gain . I thought it would take a lot more than one cortizone dose. He is the top in the field and does medical research full time.

I do agree that it's main effect is reduction of inflammation. I don't know enough about scar tissue to guess at prednisone's effect on it.

Good Luck
Judy

 

[Josephine]

It doesn't so far as I know. I think would be what ed says - will reduce the swelling and allow him to see what's really going on.