Elderly Post-TKP Quad Strain

71 yo female had total knee replacement mid June.  Rehab went very well.  Discontinue walker and cane after 5 weeks.  During 10th post surg week, pt was excercising in pool and later felt some pain in quad area on the same leg operated on.  The next morning she was unable to bear weight on that leg.  Now 3 months post surg and 5 weeks post 'injury', she has pain when she attempts to walk on affected leg and requires a walker.  Orthopod feels it's a qual muscle sprain and will improve with more time.  Xrays and ultrasound for blood clots all negative.  Any other thoughts?  Pt is getting depressed about regressing back to needing a walker.

[Dr Vinod]

Hello!

It is very difficult at that age to me motivated to exercise.
Physiotherapy is the secret of complete recovery after total knee replacement surgery.

I would suggest you to continue the therapy and with persistence and endurance over a period of time the pain will decrease and the movements will become active.

Follow up regularly with the operating surgeon, with no other issues or injuries it will improve. Be careful and take the support of a walker initially and then a walking cane and finally you would not need any support.

Take care!