One notable exception was the slow pace of recovery and rehab immediately after my knee surgery. “Most people also feel or hear some clicking of the metal and plastic with knee bending or walking,” according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Typically the types of surgery will be: Knee Arthroscopy - A few small incisions will be made and the doctor will perform minimally invasive surgery to repair damage to the knee using a tiny camera. The x-rays show everything as it should be. This is not necessarily a complication. Essentially this is a procedure where a scope is inserted through the skin with a light and a camera on the end. My doctor told me that sometimes people develope this after arthoscopic surgery. Research shows that people who have partial knee replacements are more likely to have the knee revised than people who have a total knee replacement – about 1 person in 10 needs further surgery after 10 years. In Nov 2006, I had a complete knee replacement. Precautions after Knee Replacement. I remain busy with physical activity and I continue to do my physical therapy exercises for my knee. You may have a drainage tube for blood that collects around your knee. Partial or Total Knee Replacement; Plica Excision or Removal How to prepare for knee meniscus surgery Type of Procedure: The most common procedure type for meniscus surgery is called arthroscopy. Stress results in fluid build-up and inflammation near loose joints. However, you can manage with regular pillows as well. I had Meniscus surgery on my right knee…I also have a blood disorder (Leiden Factor 5) and my leg has been extremely swollen and bruised…it’s almost 2 weeks after surgery…I had fluid drained once…my surgeon told me that the blood disorder could be the reason for the bruising…which is very sore. We've collected scar images from patients who've had a total knee replacement (TKA, TKR), partial knee replacement (PKA, PKR), and bilateral knee replacement surgery (BTKR). So the more swelling that’s in that knee, the tighter the balloon gets. The length of recovery after revision knee surgery varies in comparison to a person’s first knee replacement. A knee pad may be useful in making it easier to kneel on the affected knee. Nurse Director . The swelling that takes place is the body’s way of starting the healing process. After the home therapist’s first visit, she gave me the okay to begin massaging the area around and behind my knee. Josephine NURSE DIRECTOR EMERITUS. Swelling may be moderate to severe in the first few days after knee replacement surgery, but it will gradually subside as you recover. This can result in aspiration or drainage of the fluid or revision surgery to correct the problem. There is limited pain but the problem is the buildup of fluid on my replacement knee. However, home remedies, such as ice, compression, elevation and exercise, help to control swelling and pain. Here are some of the answers What Not to Do after Knee Replacement Surgery: Infection, implant loosening and knee cap dislocation can cause your knee replacement to fail. Infection tops the list of knee replacement problems after surgery and occurs in 1 to 2% of patients, he said. It is common to have swelling after knee replacement. To prevent pain and inflammation, you will need a revision operation. Elevating your knee above the heart level helps reduce the swelling after knee surgery and help you control the fluid build up in your lower legs. Knee replacement surgery can be a life-enhancing procedure for those who suffer from chronic, disabling end-stage arthritis. If the bursa remains filled with fluid, a needle may be inserted and the fluid drained. However, for how long after knee replacement surgery is it still normal to feel pain? While it will seem difficult, and maybe even impossible at times, try to remember that what happens after your surgery is just as essential to the overall success of the procedure as the surgery itself. This synovial fluid has little immune defense, and when infection enters this space it can be difficult to treat. Over time, scar tissue builds up inside the knee, causing the knee joint to shrink and tighten. It can also occur after surgery on the knee, such as a knee replacement. You'll have an IV tube, usually in your arm, to replace fluids and give you pain medication. Now on IV antibiotics- WBC (blood test) now normal (<7). When it comes to choosing a treatment for knee arthritis, your surgeon should consider all possible alternatives to knee replacement surgery. My father had knee replacement surgery in March of 2009, and afterward, the pain in the surgical joint never disappeared. Mayo Clinic staff says knee replacement surgery helps pain and disability associated with osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis and avascular necrosis, a condition that develops when bone tissue dies because of restricted blood flow. Knee replacement surgery is most commonly performed in people with advanced osteoarthritis and should be considered when conservative treatments have been exhausted. In case of worn out polyethylene components may be reoperation could be considered. Pain in the knee after total knee replacement can occur due to knee infection or loosening, resurfaced patella, with effusion in the joint occuring due to worn out polyethylene components, due to damage to the vessels and nerves around the knee etc. Fluid build-up occurs after knee replacement surgery with increased wear and tear. Post-op: Waking Up After Surgery. I just had an MRI done to see what was going on. Now time seems to be zipping by. However, in situations where stiffness occurs, there are steps that can be performed to try to improve the situation. Still, you might experience some mild to moderate swelling in the weeks and months following your recovery. Total knee replacement is also an option to correct significant knee joint or bone trauma in young patients. I did fine for the first two weeks after surgery and now I am having the same problem. Post-total knee surgery, you will have to take some precautions. I hate to think what the third time will be like and there is a high probability that I'll need a shoulder replacement. After 6 wks of IV antibiotics, should the infection clear? No infective agent found. Here are some do’s and don’ts to help you along the road to recovery. She explained that massage helps to stimulate blood circulation around the muscles, which increases the flow of oxygen and nutrients to them. Quality of life can be improved immensely, and return to near-normal function and to activities of daily living are major goals of this type of surgery. In case of infection antibiotics would help. Does this mean that WBC in the knee must also be normal or will they need do another knee stick to confirm? Read this blog to know about essential Precautions after Knee Replacement, What Not to Do after Knee Replacement Surgery, ... You should also continue to drink plenty of fluids and avoid alcohol and should continue to watch your weight to avoid putting more stress on the joints. High WBC in synovial fluid of knee while on antibiotics for staph infection after surgery. Having a right knee wedge can make your life much more comfortable. Arthroscopic knee surgery is done in the Operating Room , most commonly under a general or spinal anesthetic. Amazing, I had knee surgery on December 26, 2007. Good results and 8 weeks of therapy. It is Day Care Surgery meaning you go home the same day as the surgery. Bummer! Possible complications Some of the possible risks and complications of knee replacement surgery can include: Allergic reaction to … Knee replacement surgery without complications usually involves a seven to 10 day hospital stay. Stiffness after knee replacement surgery can generally be avoided with appropriate pain control, physical therapy, and steps to reduce the likelihood of complications. Even though the operation involves less interference with the knee it is often a more complex operation than total knee replacement. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons says athletic activities loosen small particles referred to as "wear debris" in the joint, causing pain and fluid build-up. The Dr. aspirates my knee about every 3-6 months and draws several ounces of fluid (pink to dark red). Although this is considered an alternative to knee replacement surgery, osteotomy might make it difficult for patients to undergo successful knee replacement surgery at a later time, if needed. Fluid buildup can occur after a knee replacement because of infection, according to Healthline. The knee may continue to fill with fluid after being aspirated. Swelling typically lasts for 2 to 3 weeks after surgery, but may persist for as long as 3 to 6 months. General pain may occur for up to several weeks following a total knee replacement. Maintaining the swelling also known as edema, to acceptable levels however, can be tough for some patients depending on multiple factors. I can’t believe it’s been two years after knee replacement. How Massage Helps With These Issues After Knee Replacement Surgery. In addition to that, post Knee replacement surgery you have to start brisk walking, therefore, sports shoes are the Best Shoes to Wear after Knee Replacement. I worry about DVT and/or a blood clot. The Dr. says there is nothing he can do surgically. When the joint is infected, typical symptoms include swelling, warmth, and pain with any movement of the joint. Bacteria can enter a joint either by a penetrating injury or through the bloodstream. He is contemplating a TOTAL KNEE REPLACEMENT! Of course, the pre-surgical pain of osteoarthritis went away. And so what happens as you get that fluid in the knee structure that supports it (the joint capsule,) it swells like a balloon. Fluid buildup sometimes develops after knee replacement surgery. MAKING THE DECISION. After knee surgery, there is no doubt you will encounter challenges and pain on the path to recovery. Sometimes infection occurs in the new replacement joint after surgery, resulting in fluid buildup, swelling and tenderness, states Healthline. Swelling after the surgery is something every total knee replacement patient will go through. Although everyone heals and recovers from knee replacement surgery at a different rate, we thought it'd be helpful to check-in the scars of real patients. Time seems to fly by as we age. During the drainage procedure, if there is no evidence of infection, a small amount of cortisone may be injected into the bursa to control the inflammation. It takes between 30- 60 minutes. Clicking or popping sounds after surgery are a normal knee replacement side effect. Similarly, total knee replacement can be performed to correct mild valgus or varus deformity. Swelling and scar tissue after knee replacement are the two biggest challenges you will face. Your stitches are removed about 10 days after surgery.