Staple inside knee after TKR

My father has had 5 TKR's and is getting ready to have his next (last) one in 2 weeks. When they did the bone scan, they found a staple inside laying next to the knee cap. How would this have happened, since they only use staples on the outside AFTER surgery?

[S. Kaul, MD]

Hi there!

Staples may be used to secure some of the internal strictures in the knee as well. Though I’m not sure about the exact procedure he’s had but it is likely to be one of the internal staples in this case. You may discuss the situation in detail with his doctor.
Hope this helps.

Take care!

[Suzi20071]

Hi, well there are lots of surgeries that require staples Inside to stay forever! Like gastric bypass surgeries and other abdominal surgeries. So there is nothing wrong with finding a staple there since the doctor probably needed to attach a tendon, ligament, etc very strongly to the kneecap.  I personally cannot pass through the xray machine at the airport without setting it off, so be happy with one! LoL hope this helps.