Knee Replacement Infection - What to know?

[@castaspell7]

Thank you so much for this video ! I have found you last year before my first R TKR and I saw almost every video of yours ! So much learned because of you ! Now , 3 weeks ago I had my L TKR done and this time , pain is totally different !!! Just like giving birth , it's never the same 😊. Again, thank you , great video ! Keep doing what you are doing , it's working 😊

[@KneeReplacementTherapists]

You are very welcome and thank you for the kind words! Best wishes with your recovery after your left knee replacement surgery!

[@castaspell7]

@@KneeReplacementTherapists thank you ! 😊

[@sharmilasaha7265]

Very comprehensive and good informative video Thank you doctor

[@KneeReplacementTherapists]

You are very welcome, thank you for watching!

[@estelleadamski308]

I had abdominal surgery 15 yrs ago and got MRSA. Was hospitalized 6 wks. 4 yrs. ago I had a total hip arthroplasty and as a precaution I was given Vanco. My Ortho said antibiotics were NOT given for replacements routinely. I got no infection, thankfully. Now I am facing TKR and it sounds like there is more of a risk for knee infections than hips? I'm not totally sure of a TKR, but, my Ortho said it was a possibility as my knee is a MESS!(His words) Actually no significant arthritis, but, chondromalacia.. I injured my knee 10 wks ago. MRI shows complex radial medial meniscus tear, bone bruise, Baker's cyst & a few loose bodies. Terrific Pain and I'm afraid my knee will never heal. Great video!

[@KneeReplacementTherapists]

Thank you for watching! It sounds like you have truly been through a lot. I hope you found the video helpful, best wishes with whatever path you take and if that includes knee replacement surgery.

[@Leoralee11]

Hi. I just got knee replaced a couple of weeks ago. Found your channel. Very grateful. Your videos are really inspiring and ĥelpful

[@KneeReplacementTherapists]

Thank you for watching and the kind words! Glad you have found the videos helpful and best wishes with your continued recovery after surgery!

[@markostanic9442]

Is IT painful knee replacement? I Had Hip replacement IT was not so painful.

[@denossportingevents6074]

Thanks for the information

[@KneeReplacementTherapists]

You are very welcome!

[@randymosley1968]

Your video was very accurate. My problem is that I have had to have 5 knee replacements because the infection keeps coming back. Each time it took about 2 years before the infection would tear its ugly head. This last surgery was the end of may of this year and it’s already back. Severe pain the infection has opened a discharge opening on the side of my leg just below the knee. Because I have had chronic trouble with the infection my doctor can’t do anymore replacements and wash outs don’t work that my only course of action is above the knee amputation. Yes I’m scared. I’m looking for a second opinion on my opinions. Please let me know what you think. Thanks!!!

[@KneeReplacementTherapists]

I'm very sorry to hear about your multiple surgeries and difficulties. Unfortunately, I can't offer any alternative advice. Your doctor will be the most knowledgable regarding what the best option is for you. For revision knee replacements, you have to remove the bone that is attached to the replacement and resurface the area, doing this repeatedly means you have lost enough bone stock to effectively perform another revision, and based on your history, even if you had another revision there is an extremely high chance the infection would just be an issue again down the road. Sorry this is probably not what you want to hear, I hope you receive the most appropriate care you need and are able to have the highest level of function and quality of life possible.

[@tracykatoski145]

Hi Luke, So I was talking to someone yesterday, and they said to think of my total knee replacement as an "amputation." Okay, so that was not very helpful and my level of anxiety went through the roof. I am having surgery on June 14th. The hardest part has been getting all the unsolicited advice and horror stories. I recognize that this is major surgery; however, it is my first experience with anything this major. I have found your videos to be very reassuring and calming. I have had to wait three months to get my surgery because I got a cortisone shot in March and they will not perform surgery until 3 months after the shot. Why is that? Thanks again for all the level-headed and informative information...Tacy

[@KneeReplacementTherapists]

Hi Tracy, definitely take all the stories and information you hear with a grain of salt. Everyone's experience with knee replacement surgery will be different and one person's experience does not mean you will have that experience. Knee replacement recovery can have a lot of pain and discomfort involved, and takes hard work, but all the majority of individuals are happy they had a knee replacement and are satisfied with their outcomes. The delay after a cortisone injection is because for a number of weeks after injection there is an increased risk of infection after knee replacement surgery. To avoid this risk, most surgeons will make you wait until the cortisone has cleared out from the knee and body.

[@tracykatoski145]

@@KneeReplacementTherapists Luke, Thank you so much for quieting my anxiety and calming my fears. There are some days when I think, I don't need this surgery...I can tolerate this pain. And there are other days when my knee reminds me, quite loudly, that it is the right time to get this done.

[@patriciacoffey2043]

I had my knee replaced 5 years ago, and for some reason, it REALLY hurts. My Dr. mentioned that it could be scar tissue and assigned PT. I began PT on my own and massaged the scar area and around it. It hurts to the touch, especially on the side, front and back of the knee. It's not warm, and there is no fever.The only change was that I went to a theme park and walked around. After that bout, I was limping. My Dr. took an x-ray and mentioned that the implant looks fine. What could this be?

[@KneeReplacementTherapists]

Hard to say specifically but possibly just a flare up of symptoms. It could be delayed soreness from the increased activity and now your knee and body is exacerbated. In these instances giving it time and just try some very light exercise and activity slowly building back up is the best. Some ideas including pool therapy or swimming, recumbent bike. Your muscles and nervous system need time to calm down and the re-acclimate to activity and movement

[@Mickey-jn8hz]

I seem to have a scab at the top of my incision. My surgeon squeezed some pus out of it but did not seem concerned. He gave me antibiotics but did not seem to believe that I really needed them. I waited for a couple weeks hoping this would clear up and it is still there, I too have squeezed some pus out but it is not better and the scab on top is tender and hurts when I try to remove it. Because of that, I finally took the antibiotics but nothing has changed. I still have a raised scab like thing and each time I squeezed the pus out, it was not like when you pop a pimple and the pus shoots out, te pus that came out seemed dry and thick?????

[@KneeReplacementTherapists]

If you are continuing to have issues and concerns I would recommend following up with your surgeon. This may be normal changes that happen as the incision heals but it may be a sign of infection, your surgeon will be better able to individually evaluate it and make recommendations.

[@donfilkins298]

5 weeks after surgery i got an in fection at the top of the insision. It looks like it is superficial some discharge. Started cephalexin. Is this the less serious in fection? I have no fever or chills. I dont feel sick

[@KneeReplacementTherapists]

I recommend confirming this with your surgeon, but this does sound like a superficial infection that is less serious than an infection to the actual knee joint. The vast majority of the time this can be managed without surgical intervention.

[@zina8360]

I never got relief from pain after my knee replacement 6 years ago.Now it's almost unbearable to live like this.I can bearly walk.

[@KneeReplacementTherapists]

I'm very sorry to hear about your continued pain after surgery.