A November 2022 study (1) examined whether patients who had a previous knee arthroscopic surgery will have a higher complication rate if they move onto to total knee replacement. The study authors speculated that “Our hypothesis was that a prior knee arthroscopy may be detrimental to the outcomes of knee arthroplasty in the future.” In this study the data of seven previous retrospective studies was examined the conclusion reached was: “Total knee arthroplasty, when preceded by knee arthroscopy for osteoarthritis may lead to an increase in complication rates like prosthetic joint infections, revision, and re-operations.”
A June 2022 study (2) wrote that up to 20% of people who undergo total knee replacement surgery have ongoing pain and discomfort.
- Two main themes were identified amongst the patent groups in this study
- when describing chronic postsurgical pain, some participants also described sensations of discomfort, including heaviness, numbness, pressure, and tightness associated with the prosthesis;
- participants reported a lack of connection with their replaced knee, often describing it as alien. They also lacked confidence in the knee’s ability to perform.
The study concluded: “Participants’ experiences indicate that some people do not achieve full incorporation of the prosthesis. . . Our findings suggest that to optimize postoperative outcomes, rehabilitation must focus not only on strengthening the joint and promoting full recovery to tasks but on modifying a person’s relationship to the new joint and managing sensations of otherness to achieve full incorporation of the joint or re-embodiment.”
1 Goyal T, Tripathy SK, Schuh A, Paul S. Total knee arthroplasty after a prior knee arthroscopy has higher complication rates: a systematic review. Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery. 2021 Sep 20:1-1.
2 Moore A, Eccleston C, Gooberman‐Hill R. “It’s not my knee”: understanding ongoing pain and discomfort after total knee replacement through re‐embodiment. Arthritis care & research. 2022 Jun;74(6):975-81.
291