Knee Pain 1 Year After Knee Replacement Surgery

Nearly 20% of patients who have undergone total knee replacement are not happy with the outcome. [1]

Dr. Scott Albright, MD. Dr. Albright is a non-surgical orthopedic specialist and in my opion one of the best sports medicine doctors in Middletown, Ohio. He has extensive experience in helping individuals treat persistant knee pain 1 year after knee replacement surgery and longer.

This article is based on a recent YouTube interview between Dr. Scott Albright, MD sports medicine specialist and Anthony Maritato, PT physical therapist.

Infection

The main concern for individuals experiencing persistant pain following a total knee replacement is the risk of infection.

Blood work and a comprehensive medical examination is an effective strategy to rule out possible infection.

Infections my affect the skin and superficial tissues of the leg. The most common is cellulitis. 

“Cellulitis is a common bacterial skin infection that causes redness, swelling, and pain in the infected area of the skin. If untreated, it can spread and cause serious health problems. Good wound care and hygiene are important for preventing cellulitis.” – CDC

A deeper infection may occur weeks or months after surgery. If you suspect your pain and soreness is associated with a bacterial or viral infection contact your surgeon or primary care physician for further medical investigation.

Damage to the Lymphatic System

Persistent swelling, increased heat, and generalized stiffness might be the results of damage to the lymphatic system.

A common description from patients is “If I sit still for too long my knee gets stiff and it is painful to start moving. Once I move for a bit it losens up and I feel better until I sit for a while. Then it starts all over again.”

Lymphadema specialists can help teach patients how to reduce the harmful or damaging affect of impaired lymphatic drainage. Search the MedicareHomeTherapy.com therapist directory to find a lymphedema specialist near you.

Allergies or Sensitivities After Knee Replacement Surgery

“The most common metal allergy is nickel, which is found in very small quantities in knee implants and in some hip implants. While up to 14% of people will have some reaction to certain metal allergy tests, metal allergy is a very rare cause of failure in knee replacements.” – American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons

Blood tests and a comprehensive medical exam can help to determine if your body has developed a sensitivity to the implant materials. [2]

References:

1.) Scott CE, Howie CR, MacDonald D, Biant LC. Predicting dissatisfaction following total knee replacement: a prospective study of 1217 patients. J Bone Joint Surg Br. 2010 Sep;92(9):1253-8. doi: 10.1302/0301-620X.92B9.24394. PMID: 20798443.

2.) Saccomanno MF, Sircana G, Masci G, et al. Allergy in total knee replacement surgery: Is it a real problem?. World J Orthop. 2019;10(2):63-70. Published 2019 Feb 18. doi:10.5312/wjo.v10.i2.63