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What Causes Swelling In The Knee After Knee Replacement Surgery?

Posted on Thu, 2 Feb 2017

Question: I have had knee replacement in both knees. First in 2007, which is my concern. The knee is moderfately swollen and has been since surgery, additionally, there is numbness on the left knee side. It has now become painful until I can't continue Zumba or spinning classes. Two weeks ago, rays were taken on this knee. Results, no hardware was moved just severe swelling and pain which I was prescribed topical t apply twice daily. The other knee is great(different surgeon). Why so much pain and swelling? Thank You so very much.

this pain and swelling only began after an intense workout class involving squitting, twisting, jumping and some kicking. Have done this for past 7 months with no problems.

Answered by Dr. Aashish Raghu (24 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Infection, implant loosening

Detailed Answer:
Hi there.

Thanks for the query.

Expected causes been be excessive wear and tear of the implant, implant loosening from the bone or infection.

I would advise you to get an Xray to look for loosening, and a bone scan to look for infection. Get complete blood count to look for infection.

Apply warm packs to the affected region. Avoid knee flexion. Apply a long knee brace. Don't do Zumba yet.

Kindly get the investigations done and upload for my reference.

I hope I have answered your query.

I will be available to answer your follow up queries.

Regards,

Dr. Aashish Raghu

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Remy Koshy

Follow up: Dr. Aashish Raghu (24 minutes later)

Thank you Dr. XXXXXXX you've suggested warm pack instead placing an ice pack on the knee? I love it, I will get into the sauna at the gym. It's cold here is Los Angeles, so that's perfect. Clarity please, had xrays and results, indicating no movement of hardware was shown. However, I will do as you prescribed ad email the results to you
Appreciate and Thank you! Dr. XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Aashish Raghu (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Follow up

Detailed Answer:
Thank you for the reply.

Yes, the sauna will be a good choice.

Try to get a bone scan done to look for infection. Please upload the Xray if possible.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Aashish Raghu (16 days later)

Hi, I have provided some attachments. Please review them.

Answered by Dr. Aashish Raghu (18 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Could be infection

Detailed Answer:
Thank you for the Xray report.

There is fluid collection in the knee which could indicate infection.

Do get this fluid aspirated by your Surgeon and sent for culture and sensitivity testing to look for infection. After that the respective antibiotic may be started to kill the specific organism causing the infection, if present.

Do not delay.

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D