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I to had tkr on left knee June 24 2014. I also can't bend my knee as if today's date which is March 09, 2016. Been in so much pain since day one. I had been explaining to my orthopedic doctor who performed the surgery of this and he said it's scar tissue, but the problem with that I gave gad scar tissue in the pass and I know the difference, I told him it feels like my knee cap is not in it'd groove, he said no its not that and that I would benefit from a manipulation as well, so I had it down 3 month after surgery, he claims that while under anastasia that he was able to bend my knee this way and that away, which I feel he is was lying. Well after painful pt, for 2 months and still not able to bend, pt informed me to let my doctor know that they did not feel comfortable putting me though this and that they felt they was doing more harm then good, we'll I tell him this and he tells me, he put the implant in correct and that their was nothing else he could do for me because he done his job. He told me that I he is referring me to Pain management and that I would just have to live with the pain and not being able to bend. Get this out of 8 surgery the say of my surgery, I was the first and 6 are having the same problem as me and 2 did well. No wait for it, he has since left the practice and send me a letter to tell me that I could continue coming there for treatment because he has two other brother in the practice that will be taking over fir him. So I started going to his older brother that has 28 years of practice, which did another manipulation, the reason I went to the brother is 1,he explained to me that his baby brother think he knows more then him, he explained to me that unlike his younger brother he, will have my leg tide back to the bed when I come from under anastasia, we'll o was very much looking far ward to waking up to my leg bent, but as you can probably tell, when I woke up to see my legs side by side I was very disappointed, he told my wife he was able to bend it and got good range of motion, then my wife ask what happened to tying my leg diwn, he ignore her and said what more do you want him to say, and just take his word it bend, I was so disappointed as I am now. Finally I ask to be referred to Cleveland Clinic and I am now take my care there, guess what as I has expected my knee cap was never lined back up correctly from the first surgery, I have an appointment this month to discuss a revision of my knee cap, and I plan on doing it and Ask that you guys please pray for me that this will solve my problem, because I have not been able to raise, bend my knee in nearly two years my muscles is striking up one leg is shorter then the other, so I say to you stay on them, they know they made a mistake but they would keep trying to push upon you it scar tissue when in fact they did not line you kneecap up correctly. I wish you luck and if ever you need to talk we are all here for you. Don't give up keep pushing till someone hear your pain.

Hi Glynis.  I'm in a similar situation.  My knee cap is moving, but I am just at a wall.  I'm slightly over 90 degree bend at 10 weeks.  My Dr has mentioned MUA a couple times now & I am so afraid (aside from the procedure itself) because I get so sick from the anestheia.

After each shower, I strongly massage my knee cap with lotion & make sure it moves.  My PT will massage it each way occassionally to make sure it keeps moving.  It works for me.

I have been upset about my bend for weeks now & this site suggested that I stop woorying about it.  Since taking that advice, I am much happier.  I have maybe gained a couple degrees, but still unable to go down stairs properly.  I'm working on it daily & am dreading what my Dr may say on Wednesday.  What is your bend at this point?  I wish you the best!

If your knee cap is not moving, why should it? You are having a problem bending and your knee cap is most probably scraping(for want of a better expression) over your new joint, plus the scar under your skin is most probably tight and needs stretching. Concentrate on strengthening your thigh muscles, bending, but please don't do the stats, will help, but all in good order.  Don't go down the MUA route, just work on your physio.. Go to hydrotherapy lessons, they are so beneficial, easy to do with no after effects. Try not to get too depressed, though it is a common side effect, you may not be able to sleep much, but try and rest as much as possible.. Drink lots of fluid as it rids your body of anaesthetic residues and ant debris that is floating around. Please keep taking your prescribed meds.  There are top ups you can take instead of increasing what you are taking. Plus it will allow you to stay in control of what you are taking.  

What you are going through now is natural and normal and very much early days.  It be normal can take up to a year.  Sounds a long time, but it's not really. 12 weeks is about the time your joint takes. Think of a broken bone and the healing time necessary.  Then add the foreign object and the fact you have come through a major procedure.  Do not be in a hurry to recover, you will get there, with determination and lots of patience, without specifically taking time out to exercise, you are able to incorporate your daily life into getting your joint working properly

hi Glynis

I had an MUA on both of my knees, as couldn't straighten them after a few months.  I did have a general, but you're only out for about 30 mins.  Ask if they can do under local...if you are brave enough.

One of my MUAs was successful, and I made good progress from there, the other was not and I had to have the knee opened up again after a year.

I would certainly recommend an MUA though.