Painful partial knee replacement

The majority of patients with a partial knee prosthesis are fortunately very satisfied. However, a small percentage may develop complaints, and this can be a complex issue. A painful partial knee prosthesis, also known as a unicondylar knee prosthesis, can occur for various reasons. Here are some possible causes and factors that could influence the pain:

• Loosening of the prosthesis: Sometimes the prosthesis may loosen from the bone, causing pain. This could happen due to insufficient bone growth into the prosthesis or overloading.

• Infection: An infection around the prosthesis can cause severe pain, swelling, redness, and warmth around the knee. This is a medical emergency and requires prompt treatment.

• Overloading or mechanical problems: If the prosthesis is not properly aligned, it can lead to mechanical issues, putting additional strain on certain parts of the knee. Over time, this can cause pain and wear.

• Instability: Knee instability after surgery can result in feelings of insecurity, where the knee “gives out” or becomes difficult to control. This can lead to pain and fear of movement.

• Osteoarthritis in the untreated part: A partial knee prosthesis only replaces one compartment of the knee. The other compartment may still be affected by osteoarthritis, causing pain.

• Scar tissue or tissue irritation: After surgery, scar tissue or irritation of surrounding tissues (such as tendons or ligaments) can cause pain.

• Meniscal tear on the untreated side.

1. Seek Medical Advice: If you experience pain after a knee prosthesis, it’s important to contact a doctor or orthopedic specialist as soon as possible. They can determine the underlying cause of the pain through a physical examination, X-rays, or other imaging techniques. Often, the cause can be identified and treated accordingly.
2. Physical Therapy: Physical therapy can help with pain caused by muscle tension, weakness, or poor posture. A physiotherapist can provide exercises to strengthen the muscles around the knee and improve mobility.
3. Pain Management: In some cases, medication or injections (e.g., corticosteroids) may help manage the pain.
4. Revision Surgery: In severe cases, such as prosthesis loosening or mechanical issues, revision surgery may be necessary to replace the prosthesis or properly realign it.

If you have developed issues after having a partial knee prosthesis, schedule an appointment at Medische Kliniek Velsen for further analysis of the cause of your knee complaints and appropriate treatment.