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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Persistent Swelling In The Knee Post Knee Replacement Surgery?

I am 4 weeks post total knee replacememt and my swelling has not gone down much and the side if knee cap is remains warm from the swelling. I am being told (PT) that swelling will remain fir 4 to 6 months as my leg is still in trauma.Is this normal?
Wed, 31 May 2017
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Orthopaedic Surgeon,  's  Response
Hello,
I am Dr. Selmani and I read your question carefully.
My opinion about this is that your situation is normal. Usually I tell my patient that after knee replacement surgery the swelling may take up until 12 months to go down and to be like the other side.
The sensation that you have that the knee cap is warm is a sigh of hematoma that will be absorbed from your body gradually.
I suggest you to use a lot cold therapy , ice pack with 20 minutes interval especially after the physiotherapy sessions when your knee may swell more.
Also keep the leg elevated above the heart level and compressions sock helps to diminish the swelling.
If you have fever then that is not normal and you should call your doctor.
I hope that my advise helped you.
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What Causes Persistent Swelling In The Knee Post Knee Replacement Surgery?

Hello, I am Dr. Selmani and I read your question carefully. My opinion about this is that your situation is normal. Usually I tell my patient that after knee replacement surgery the swelling may take up until 12 months to go down and to be like the other side. The sensation that you have that the knee cap is warm is a sigh of hematoma that will be absorbed from your body gradually. I suggest you to use a lot cold therapy , ice pack with 20 minutes interval especially after the physiotherapy sessions when your knee may swell more. Also keep the leg elevated above the heart level and compressions sock helps to diminish the swelling. If you have fever then that is not normal and you should call your doctor. I hope that my advise helped you.