why does my knee tend to collapse in towards my other knee after total knee replacement surgery
I HAD TKR IN AUGUST 2008. I HAVE HAD SEVERE PAIN SINCE AND TAKE ZYDOL 100MG AT LEAST TWICW DAILY. MY KNEE IS FULL OF FLUID ALTHOUGH I HAVE HAD THE KNEE ASPIRATED 3 TIMES SINCE SURGERY. I HAVE AN INDENTATION JUST ABOVE THE KNEE CAP FROM THE SURGERY SCAR TO THE OUTSIDE OF THE LEG. I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT SOMETHING HAD TO SUTURED AT THIS LOCATION. MY LEG TENDS TO COLLAPSE INWARDS AND IS BOWED TOWARDS THE OTHER LEG. I GET ALOT OF PAIN AROUND THE KNEE CAP AND DOWN THE FRONT OF THE TIBIA AND I SOMETIMES THAT THE IMPLANT IS GOING TO BREAK OUT FRON BEHIND MY SHIN BONE . ANY ADVICE ?
Barring having a revision surgery if the alignment of the prosthesis is off; from a rehabilitation perspective, the most overlooked region for optimizing knee function is actually the hip. The alignment of the entire leg hinges on the hip. "Knock knees" is common in those with weakness in the external rotators and abductors of the hip, commonly known as the butt muscles. If the butt muscles are weak, the femur rotates inward causing the knees to knock togther or collapse towards each other. These muscles move the knees and legs apart at the hip.
Unfortunately, some surgeons believe that after a new part is slapped in place, rehabilitation or physical therapy is not needed once the part has adequate range of motion. However, the time leading up to the arthroplasty is when weakness develops as limb is favored and protected because of pain. Strengthening the entire limb (somtimes called a functional chain) is the key to success after most orthopedic surgeries.
Dr. Christina Lasich, MD
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