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Suggest Remedy For Irritation In The Knee Post Patellar Tendon Reconstruction

Posted on Fri, 23 Oct 2015

Question: I had a patella tendon reconstruction 7 month ago. As part of the procedure a titanium wire was installed, attached to tibial tuberosity and wrapping around patella in figure 8 shape. I was told that the wire would break and would not bother in any way. Seven month later I have a practically full range of motion but the wire is still not broken. And it does cause irritation in the vicinity of the tibial tuberosity where it is attached. These irritation happen regularly and last from 3 to 10 days severely restricting my motion and causing significant pain when I try to walk. Muscle contractions cause some motion at wire-bone connection and pain (sharp). I’ve been rather patient as these “flare-ups” started happening a couple of months ago and I was hoping that they are temporary. But they are happening again and again and stopped any progress in my rehabilitation. My question is should I insist on wire removal? Or should I wait some more?

Answered by Dr. Aashish Raghu (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Need to rule out broken wire or arthritis

Detailed Answer:
Hi there.

Welcome to Healthcare Magic.

Thanks for the query.

It is possible the wire must be broken and the broken tip rubbing on the cartilage of the knee.

Other possibility is the development of knee arthritis. If the wire is broken, it must be removed.

Avoid climbing stairs, squatting, cross leg sitting, kneeling. Apply hot water bag for relief. Take pain killers for 5 days. Get an Xray done and kindly post the latest Xray and report for me to be in a better position to help you.

I hope I have answered your query.

I will be available to answer your follow up queries.

Regards,

Dr. Aashish Raghu

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D