2 Reasons why your knee replacement sounds like Velcro tearing!
The two reasons why your total knee replacement sounds like Velcro tearing when standing up from a chair or walking downstairs are because the underside of your patella is rubbing against the bottom of your femur or you are experiencing the sensation of scar tissue releasing.
Let’s start with the definition of crepitus:
“a grating sound or sensation produced by friction between bone and cartilage or the fractured parts of a bone.”
Crepitus
Prior to having your knee replaced, you may have experienced a grinding sensation while walking downstairs or squatting. This was likely the underside of the knee cap being compressed against the bottom-end of the femur.
After a total knee replacement both of these joint surfaces are replaced, but that doesn’t stop the compression and rubbing of these joint surfaces.
Depending on the materials used in the replacement, the natural lubrication within the joint and the alignment of your hip-knee-ankle, you may now be experiencing a different kind of friction.
Scar Tissue Release (Breaking Adhesions)
The other reason for a velcro-like tearing sound in your replaced knee may be attributed to scar tissue release, also known as breaking adhesions.
This sometimes happens with a patient who has limited knee flexion (less than 120-degrees) and experiences an unexpected force pushing the knee beyond the available range of motion.
Most often this occurs with a fall or slip. Patients will experience a velcro-like tearing sound and sensation followed by immediate relief and improved range of motion.
How do I know the difference between crepitus and scar tissue release?
When scar tissue tears free it happens once and is usually not a repeatable activity. So if you can reproduce the velcro-tearing sound or sensation multiple times then it is not likely to be scar tissue tearing.
Is this bad for my knee replacement?
The sound itself isn’t inherently bad. It does increase possible wear and tear on the new joint surface, but it can usually be corrected with the use of orthotics, physical therapy exercises to improve the hip, ankle and knee alignment, or normal adaptive changes the body will go through as you get used to your new knee.
I would not recommend doing exercises that increase the frequency of these noises, but I also would not be concerned or alarmed by the sound.
Summary:
It is normal and common for your total knee replacement to make noise. Anything from clicking to popping to velcro-tearing.
The key factors to keep in mind is:
- Does it hurt worse after it made the noise?
- Does it hurt worse the next day?
- Are you losing your ability to walk and function?
If you answer yes to any of those questions seek medical advice and further assessment.
Anthony Maritato, PT
Physical Therapist
Anthony Maritato, PT has been a licensed physical therapist and private practice owner since 2006. Ohio license #PT011602.
Anthony has been passionate about helping patients recover from total knee replacement surgery as well as rotator cuff repair surgery.
