Stubborn Rom after TKR
Posted , 9 users are following.
I had a total knee replacement just over ten weeks ago. The movement in my knee wasn't great before I was discharged from hospital but has hardly improved since. It's only about 90 degrees and can't straighten my knee either, probably only about ten degrees . I've been doing my exercises three times a day quite aggressively. Anyone got any tips? Has anyone been through this and found it suddenly improved or did they just have to cope with reduced movement?
0 likes, 17 replies
Guest Bermondsey
Posted
i am the same, doing exercises and ice pack, walking every day not far but at least it's better than nothing, it's getting me down now to the point I'm bitterly regretting having it done
Bermondsey Guest
Posted
Sorry to hear of your problems Morcambe1. We are still early days yet and not everyone progresses at the same rate. My wife had a tkr 2 years ago and had a faster recovery than me with no rom problem. I put it down at the time to how well she did the excercises but I've done mine 100% as well. Hope you see some light at the end of the tunnel soon.
Tomkat918 Guest
Posted
I feel the same way at 6 weeks, nothing but regret.
karen14697 Bermondsey
Posted
perhaps you have adhesions which i had. Your physcian would knock you out briefly (about 10 min) and break the adhesions and send you on your way. That really helped me and i healed quickly after that. Good luck!
Bermondsey karen14697
Posted
Are adhesions scar tissue? I think that's probably what's causing my issue. I wonder Karen, are you (and David) from the USA? I'm in the UK and was operated under our NHS. I don't think it's so easy to see your surgeon after the op. here unless you have a serious problem. When I had my follow up appt. after the op. they noted the problem and said come back in eight months.
Also is what you had done manipulation under anaesthetic? That seems to be quite common in the USA from what I've seen on forums but not so common here as far as I know.
Thanks for your replies.
judi91383 Bermondsey
Posted
Yes, I'm in the US. Since my surgery on 13 Nov, I've seen the surgeon 6 times (including the MUA), and will see him again Apr. 24; have had very good follow-up care. I did live in the UK for 5 years and have some experience with the NHS. Hope you can convince them to give you some help,
karen14697 Bermondsey
Posted
Must be more attentive physcians here in the USA. MUA us what i had PLEASE get some help
Tomkat918 judi91383
Posted
I live in the US and I am six weeks out from surgery and have not seen my surgeon yet. I have an appointment with him next week which will be seven weeks out. I think it depends on your insurance plan here in the US still .
karen14697 Bermondsey
Posted
I'm in the USA in the State of Georgia. My surgeon is in ATLANTA and specializes in knees. He operates on professional athletes and he did my first knee and will do my second. He's terrific, and my knee is a STRYKER triathalon knee.
davidjk22 Bermondsey
Posted
Go back to your surgeon and ask if he can do anything to help.
jean83358 Bermondsey
Posted
i got mine done a year ago too but a feel alot better 110 bend maybe yoy should get a check up on it
judi91383 Bermondsey
Posted
I had a similar problem: stubborn ROM, could not get past 95 at 9 weeks. As others have said, surgeon did a Manipulation Under Anesthesia and now I am at 120-125. Having said that, my extension was at 0 from an early stage; I don't believe that MUA will help with extension. Best of luck to you!
jean83358 Bermondsey
Posted
where in the uk am in uk got mine done at the golden jubille in glasgow on the 19th march
CHICO_MARX Bermondsey
Posted
ROM Work At Home
#3 is absolutely, positively guaranteed to straighten your knee. Warnings:
Gravity is the law and the law must be obeyed. Once you get the guts, try it with ankle weights!!!
Bermondsey CHICO_MARX
Posted
Chico, the excecise I've been given for straightening is where you sit on one chair with your foot on another. You then add weights to the knee. I keep it there for as long as I can, up to 8 mins but no reps. So far this hasn't achieved anything. So I've decided to add your exercise to my routine. I gave it a try yesterday with a bag containing two soup cans (about 2lbs)hanging from my leg. I'm wondering how long you did this for? Given your success I would try and keep it there for a similar time.
CHICO_MARX Bermondsey
Posted
First, I'd do it without any weight. Second, you hang your legs over the bed...that's it. Gravity does the rest. Count the seconds. See how many reps you can do. As it gets easier, increase the seconds and reps. Keep a chart. If it gets too easy, add the weight.
The first time my PT made me do this, I was like Steve Carell getting his chest waxed in the movie "The 40-Year Old Virgin". Cursing (within reason), yelling "Kelly Clarkson" and "Richard Nixon"... This is not easy, hence the above "precautions".
Again, there is no right or wrong way to do this. Just make sure you knees are on the edge of the bed and your legs are hanging freely. That's it. As you count the seconds, it gets harder and harder. Try holding a 5-pound weight in your hand, stick your arm straight out. How long can you keep the arm straight before it drops and you give up. Same thing.
Bermondsey CHICO_MARX
Posted
Thanks Chico, that makes sense.