Pain with knee prosthesis
The decision to have a knee prosthesis is usually made due to painful restriction of movement. Not least because of this, it is very annoying for patients if pain persists even after the operation. Unfortunately, the follow-up treatment that inevitably follows the implantation of an artificial knee joint is often a test of patience for patients and doctors.
Pain over a longer period after the operation occurs in up to a quarter of cases. The possible causes are manifold. An incorrect size of the implanted joint can cause problems, as can postoperative remodelling of the bone tissue in the area of operation.
Pain can also be caused by other anatomical structures such as muscles, ligaments and the joint capsule. After an operation, an inflammatory disease and weakening of the ligamentous apparatus can occur. Prolonged immobilization may also result in a loss of muscle mass.
In some patients, both these factors lead to instability and pain in the operated joint. Pain can also indicate a loosening of the prosthesis and, last but not least, infection. Any occurrence of chronic pain after implantation of an artificial knee joint should be clarified by a physician.
The potential of clinical examination, laboratory diagnostics and imaging procedures must be fully exploited before revision surgery is performed. An attempt should also be made to approach the problem as conservatively as possible, i.e. without surgery, since any intervention increases the risk of infection and inevitably leads to the loss of further bone substance.
