Partial Knee replacement failure

lof

Hi
I had a partial right knee replacement in April 2012. My left knee had been partially replaced in 2006.The latest replacement started to be painful about 6-8 weeks after surgery. The pain is on the side of the replacement and one particular spot is very sore. I went back to the consultant and eventually after a course of physio he did an arthroscopy in September as he was worried about loosening. He said he didn't find any loosening but had cleaned it out. I had three weeks pain free before I was back to being in pain. He then tried a lubricating injection saying it was looking like the knee needed a TKR or the knee cap replacing.
I saw him in December and he arranged for blood tests and a bone scan saying he would make a decision based on the results. I had my appointment yesterday and my consultant was in surgery but his registrar spoke to him and he said he wanted to leave it for three months and then make a decision, giving me stringer painkillers for that time. The registrar's words were "we are not fobbing you off". I said I wasn't happy to leave it so long so he agreed 6 weeks. I am at the point of constant pain, struggle to walk up steps and get up from sitting and have had two falls
Sorry for the long story but basically I feel like its a numbers game and they want to wait until after 12 months so the figures are good. Should I go back to my GP and ask for a second opinion with another consultant? The other consultant in fact sorted out the problem on my left knee replacement and-the only reason I didn't go to him initially was I thought I had only torn my cartlidge and never expected to be here
Thank you

helpline_team

Hi lof

Thanks for your posting.

I’m really sorry to hear about the pain you are experiencing with your knee.

As you mentioned, you could ask your doctor for a referral to your previous consultant, though by the time you get your appointment the six week waiting period may have elapsed. Particularly if it’s a major decision regarding a further operation, another specialist’s opinion wouldn’t do any harm.

For more information on coping with pain see our booklet at http://www.arthritiscare.org.uk/PublicationsandResources/Listedbytype/Booklets/main_content/Copingwithpainbooklet2011.pdf and on knee replacement surgery at http://www.arthritisresearchuk.org/arthritis-information/surgery/knee-replacement.aspx.

You are welcome to ring us if you would like to have a chat about this.

All the best

Nick
Helplines Team