R knee arthroscopy

[karen2362]

Hi, I had R knee arthroscopy approx 4wks ago and am still having significant pain and swelling. Pain & swelling seem to be mainly on medial aspect of knee from quads/vastus medialis through to medial and anterior calf/shin. Significant swelling just above medial joint line to back of knee. I have a copy of my surgeons letter to gp and it says I have significant changes to patellofemoral joint, grade iv changes to the the trochlea & grade ii changes to the the patella. These areas were subjected to chondroplasty. Lateral meniscus was also debrided & also have grade iii changes to lateral tibial plateau. I have been told that I will eventually have to have a total knee replacement. Also.i have read the MRI report pre surgery & it said there is also minor pers bursitis & tendonosis to quadriceps tendon. Neither of these have been discussed with me as regards treatment. I'm not sure if I'm just being impatient with recovery expectations or if it's normal to still be so uncomfortable 4wks post surgery. Can't lock my knee straight yet although it does slip back on its own occasionally when I'm standing which is rather painful, and still can't bend my knee much past 90deg. I'm due to see surgeon for 2nd post op visit on 28th sept, better to go sooner or just give it a bit more time. Still taking painkillers at night as that seems to be the worst time. Any comments/advice?

[karen2362]

Hi, thanks for your comment. No haven't had any PT. Surgeon doesn't seem too concerned about that. I have seen him since my original post and am now on Naprosyn anti inflammatories 1000mg SR once daily and they seem to be making a significant difference. Still a lot of swelling particularly at night but icing and elevating once home from work. Noticed you are a PT, do you think it would be worthwhile have some PT done now? I know with the damage I have to my knee I am facing the unavoidable fact that I will at some stage be facing a total knee replacement later in life but obviously would like to delay that as long as possible. Cheers!

[Gwhonic]

It sounds like you have a lot of damage in the knee. The arthroscopic surgery was unable to "fix" it all. Are you having P.T.?