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What Causes Persistent Knee Pain Post Knee Replacement Surgery?

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Posted on Wed, 16 Dec 2015
Question: I had a total knee early May and still have severe pain 8-9. There is no infection and had a total body bone scan that was normal. Good range of motion. Having a knee scope in 2 weeks. If that is negative what do I do next. YYYY@YYYY
doctor
Answered by Dr. Kathy Robinson (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Several options

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXX,
I am sorry you are having so much pain after a surgery. This is not typical for a knee replacement and you should be able to find an answer to the reason that you are having so much pain. If you have a MRI and a repeat arthroscopy then hopefully they will be able to find the cause of your continued pain and correct it. If they do not find a cause then you have several options. One is to continue to work with physical therapy but instead of a focus on rehabilitation of the knee the focus would need to change to pain management. Next you could try some alternative practitioners like acupuncturists t see if they could help lessen the pain. If these strategies do not work then you may need to consult a pain management specialist to help you deal with the pain. I truly hope that your orthopedist can find the cause of your continued pain and repair whatever is causing the ongoing pain.
Wishing you the best,
Dr. Robinson
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Follow up: Dr. Kathy Robinson (5 days later)
Gave me reassurance we were doing the right things. Have extensive tests for infection( drew fluid from knee and sent to special out of state lab) Negative results, range of motion okay just constant pain since Total Knee on 5-11-15. Having arthroscopy with Lateral
Release Synovectomy. on 12-3 Does that sound okay. Then haven't told doctor yet but don't think he'll object. Going to a pain clinic MD(anesthesiologist) he only practices at the pain clinic no longer does hospital anesthesia on 12-9-15. He's going to block 2 nerves around knee with Marcaine (with sedation) if this works for short time I'll go back in 2 weeks for an oblation. Will probably have to be repeated 6-18 months later and that all there. Had this done late summer for lateral muscle pain after spinal fusion. Great results.
Of course crazy things happen to medical folks. I'm a retired CRNA.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Kathy Robinson (19 hours later)
Brief Answer:
yes, these all sound okay

Detailed Answer:
I am sorry you are having so much difficulty. I agree with the plans and am glad they ruled out infection. It is good that you are a medical person. You understand that we can not always isolate the source of pain. The release synovectomy may help if that is the cause of pain. I totally agree with the pursuit of pain management. Sometimes even a temporary relief of he pain can allow the body to relax and do some healing on its own.
I wish you the best.
Dr. Robinson
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Kathy Robinson

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1989

Answered : 3535 Questions

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What Causes Persistent Knee Pain Post Knee Replacement Surgery?

Brief Answer: Several options Detailed Answer: Hello XXXX, I am sorry you are having so much pain after a surgery. This is not typical for a knee replacement and you should be able to find an answer to the reason that you are having so much pain. If you have a MRI and a repeat arthroscopy then hopefully they will be able to find the cause of your continued pain and correct it. If they do not find a cause then you have several options. One is to continue to work with physical therapy but instead of a focus on rehabilitation of the knee the focus would need to change to pain management. Next you could try some alternative practitioners like acupuncturists t see if they could help lessen the pain. If these strategies do not work then you may need to consult a pain management specialist to help you deal with the pain. I truly hope that your orthopedist can find the cause of your continued pain and repair whatever is causing the ongoing pain. Wishing you the best, Dr. Robinson