The inside of your knee might hurt after knee replacement surgery due to various reasons related to the new joint and surrounding tissues.
Several factors can contribute to pain on the inside of the knee following a total knee arthroplasty (TKA). According to research, some well-described causes include:
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Infection: Post-operative infections can cause significant pain and inflammation.
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Component Malposition: If the artificial knee components are not aligned correctly, it can cause uneven stress and pain.
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Components Oversized: If the components are too big it could cause pain inside the knee.
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Inadequate Soft Tissue Balancing: The ligaments and tendons around the knee need to be properly balanced. If they are too tight or too loose, it leads to pain.
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Hardware Failure: Although rare, the components of the knee replacement can break or fail.
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Periprosthetic Fracture: A fracture around the new knee joint can be a source of pain.
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Instability: If the knee feels unstable or wobbly, it can cause pain and discomfort.
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Aseptic Loosening: Over time, the artificial knee components can loosen from the bone without infection, causing pain.
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Polyethylene Wear: The plastic (polyethylene) insert between the metal components can wear down, leading to pain and instability.
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Arthrofibrosis: This condition involves excessive scar tissue formation within the knee joint, limiting movement and causing pain.
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Patellar Maltracking: Problems with the kneecap (patella) tracking properly in the groove of the artificial knee joint cause pain.
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Patella Baja: A condition where the patella sits too low after surgery, leading to pain and limited function.
It's important to consult with your orthopedic surgeon if you experience persistent knee pain after a knee replacement. They can properly diagnose the cause of your pain and recommend the best course of treatment.
