Knee dislocation - should I have the metal removed?

[harry_d]

Hello all,

I dislocated my left knee in 2000.  Following reconstruction I have had knee pain since then.  Over the years the pain level is increasing.  There is quite a bit on metal attachment devices in the area around my knee, and I am considering having some or all of them removed.

My concerns are that removal of the devices will not relieve the pain.  That removal will cause further scar tissue development.  That surgical removal will weaken the knee.

I am interested in reducing the pain level because it contributes to poor attitude and grumpiness, along with poor sleep and appetite for me.

Thanks in advance for your time.

[harry_d]

I had an emergency arterial replacement, then 3 ligaments reattached and repaired.   Arthroscopic cleanup a while later to increase flexion.  Then are a number of screws and dart type fasteners are still in my knee.

My knee is getting louder, but the pain associated with flexing it has not increased.  Steady state pain has increased in frequency and intensity over the last couple of years.

[DrNavneetMD]

Hello Dear,

Although you have not specified the exact type of knee surgery you underwent. It seems that most likely it has been Knee replacement surgery [also known as total knee arthroplasty]. It might be due to loosening of the cement where the implants meet the bone or due to the wear of the polyethylene-bearing surface of a metal-backed tibial platform or a metal-backed patellar componentis a well recognized complication.
Increasing pain may indicate a revision, or second surgery, which is required to replace the loosened components.

Best.
Take care