How long does the pain last?

The duration of the symptoms depends on the underlying cause. Usually the pain decreases after one week after the operation under pain medication and can easily persist for several weeks. However, if the pain remains constant, a doctor should always be consulted.

In addition, complete loading of the knee is normally only possible again after about six weeks. Physiotherapy should be carried out under instruction for two months after the operation and should be carried out independently by the patient for another year. In some cases, the pain symptoms can last longer or even last permanently.

If the artificial joint has become inflamed, it can also take several weeks or even months until the symptoms disappear. If the joint has to be removed due to the inflammation, a prolonged course must also be expected, since the inflammation must first have completely disappeared from the body before a new joint can be inserted. If the prosthesis has loosened, a new prosthesis will be inserted as soon as possible.

The postoperative course after changing the prosthesis should be the same as after the first use of the prosthesis – i.e. a few weeks. Broken bones usually take six weeks to heal. If a vascular occlusion has occurred as a result of the operation, this is eliminated after a few days with a quick, drug therapy. However, drug therapy of the vascular occlusion usually takes three to six months.

Pain especially in the hollow of the knee

On the one hand, shortening of the muscles and tendons around the knee joint can lead to pain in the hollow of the knee. These shortenings can be caused by a relieving posture of the leg after the operation and can be compensated by stretching and extension exercises. In order to prevent these complaints, a physiotherapy plan after the operation should be followed at all costs.

On the other hand, a Baker cyst can be responsible for pain in the hollow of the knee. In this case, the knee joint capsule sags due to the accumulation of inflammatory fluid, which can also be responsible for swelling of the knee joint after the operation. A swelling becomes apparent.

In addition, pain in the hollow of the knee occurs. The Baker cyst can be visualized by ultrasound. Furthermore, a vascular occlusion can be responsible for pain in the hollow of the knee. This can also be excluded or determined by ultrasound.