Hi, I am from Germany and have been dealing with arthrofibrosis for a couple of years now. On and off...
It started after a knee surgery I had to fix my patella luxations in 2014.
Didn´t know a lot about arthrofibrosis back then and still not sure I understand exactly what is going on to be honest. But tried a lot of things to fix it; physical therapy (pushed through the pain / only in a tolerable amount), exercise, CPM, medication (cortisone), arthrolysis (arthroscopic and/or open).
The knee never felt normal again after that initial surgery but it got to the point where I was able to walk, ride a bike (with some adjustments) and the ROM was at 0-0-90.
Then last year in March I had a partial knee replacement. Since then I am in constant pain, that feeling of pressure in my knee is worse and ROM is at 0-10-30.
What I find really annoying is the fact that it still gets worse with exercise (even just walking) - swelling, more pain, limited mobility... The doctors recommend yet another surgery to fix it - arthrolysis again, TKR...
Quality of life is poor at the moment. But I am not sure another surgery is the way to go. But what is the alternative?
Is there any chance the knee gets better on its own at this point? At least to a point where it isn`t worsened by the slightest exercise?
Hi,
Your knee is in a bad way, and I would suggest that you see an arthrofibrosis specialist for a proper assessment, including ruling out any mechanical problems with the prosthesis. Unfortunately the majority of surgeons are not trained in arthrofibrosis pathology, and their surgery can make the symptoms worse. I certainly would not recommend a revision TKR unless there is a clear mechanical problem with the existing prosthesis.
I'll contact you privately to talk about some options.
All the best,
Kayley