Public

Hi Karen,

I can’t give medical advice because I’m not a clinician, but in my opinion revision knee replacements should not be performed unless there is a problem with the existing prosthesis – that is, if the prosthesis is loose, infected, or there is a mechanical problem that is clearly identified in the scans. I don’t believe that revisions should be performed only because of arthrofibrosis and in our experience repeating the surgery that appears to be the initiating "insult" often doesn’t lead to better outcomes.

I’m aware there are cost barriers, but I feel that it’s important to obtain the opinion of an experienced arthrofibrosis surgeon who is prepared to treat post-knee replacement patients with arthrofibrosis. If you’re able to see the surgeon Dr Jason Dragoo in Colorado, I think that would be helpful. Alternatively, you could request a telehealth appointment with the European Knee Arthrofibrosis Centre (EUKAF), email info@eukafcenter.ch. They can review your scans and provide clinical advice. They may suggest tests for nerve damage and infection, if these haven’t been performed already.

Please know that, unfortunately, you’re not alone and this is not a rare problem. It is, however, a real and complex problem that requires expertise and understanding.

I hope the website helps, please feel free to ask questions. There are also IAA interviews with experienced arthrofibrosis surgeons and physiotherapists available on YouTube, see https://www.youtube.com/@Arthrofibrosis.

All the best,

Kayley

Hi Erika. I've never tried one, but did purchase a celluma light that my Acupuncturist suggested in the past and it made my AF a lot worse, I could feel the spider web electrical formation happening while it was on. It has blue light, red light, infrared light used for different purposes. I learned after it stimulates myofibroblasts so of course scar tissue formation. I'm just letting you know this because I know it can feel desperate at times to find something to cure or help and didn't want you or anyone with AF to try it.

I'm curious how the grounding mats work and will look that up.

There isn't a simple answer to this great question, since it depends on many factors, however, in general an inflammatory stimulus elsewhere in the body can increase current arthrofibrosis symptoms in a joint. For example, getting the flu, or menstrual inflammation, can create worse joint symptoms. This is due to inflammatory cytokines (signaling molecules) and cells being transported via the blood to other locations. Usually, this increase in symptoms will resolve.

However, it's unlikely that surgery to another part of the body will increase the risk of (new) arthrofibrosis developing in the future, unless there is a significant and ongoing inflammatory response.

Kayley

There is sufficient evidence that semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) has powerful anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effects, that I included it in my presentation at the Sports Medicine Congress in Copenhagen earlier this year. I'm planning to write a blog on this topic after the Arthrofibrosis Awareness Day.

I think semaglutide could help with post-op recovery, but unfortunately, it's unlikely that it will be a cure for established AF, as this has not yet been achievable for any form of fibrosis. However, anecdotally it may provide some relief from symptoms. There aren't any studies investigating it for AF at this stage.

Kayley