The patello-femoral joint :

When do they drain your knee? - - Posted by Kathy (Kathy), 19 December 2002

My PT mentioned her concern with how swollen I still am at 9 weeks PO (you can't even see my kneecap most of the time). She said something about getting fluid drained to releive the pressure the swelling is causing and I wondered if this is the situation where they drain your knee. I guess I thought it was normal for my knee to swell a bunch for a long time yet. It really is uncomfortable, and hasn't really gone down at all - if it does, it's right back up the next day. Any advice would be appreciated!
Kathy
Posted by Janet (Janet), 19 December 2002

I haven't had a TTT, but I did have an open quad tendon repair and VMO advancement. My doctor was not surprised that I had swelling 6 months later. In fact, I still had some swelling 12 months later. But your situation may be different. I'd ask your OS at your next appointment. If it is the kind of fluid they can drain, it may help ease the pain.

Janet
Posted by Ross (Ross), 19 December 2002

Kathy, it's a matter of personal comfort more than anything else.  The problem with any intrusive therapy is the risk of infection.  Fluid is the body's natural "padding" around a damaged part.  A swollen knee is not all that attractive an appendage but a bunch of infection in something that was healing nicely in its own good time is not a desireable outcome either.

Be guided by your health carer and the level of pain in your knee.  If it's painful, discuss the pros and cons before they drain it so that you fully understand the procedure and the possible outcomes.  Draining a knee is pretty gross (the fluid is less than attractive stuff) but the relief, if you are in pain, is instantaneous once the pressure is relieved.  

If you're considering having the knee drained purely for cosmetic reasons to overcome the pumpkin knee syndrome leave it alone!
Posted by muskypike (muskypike), 20 December 2002

Kathy,

I can tell you that within the past few days my swelling has decreased tremendously in my knee.  I am now 11 weeks post op.  There were more times than not that you could not see my knee structure.

In the past I have had my knee drained after my LR.  It does not feel very good when they stick that big needle in. ,  Like Ross said the fluid is pretty disgusting.  The risk of infection is high.  You definetely receive instant gratification.  

Why dont you put a call into your OS, and discuss it with him.  I know that you are not far behind me in progress, so maybe you just want to wait a couple of weeks and see what happens with the swelling.

Good luck with your decision Kathy.  I do want to mention that I have been taking T3's in a.m. and I believe they have really helped to control swelling.  Yesterday was one of the first days with no meds and I even had an os appt. and NO SWELLING.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

Ellen
Posted by Linds (Linds), 21 December 2002

I haven't had a TTT but I did have a LR 8.5 months ago and I still have swelling, around the LR site. It is a compfort thing and infection is a concern.  But I would talk to your OS and see what he/she has to say. I find my knee is more compfortable when it is swollen beacuse there is fluid to cushion..but everyone is different and my surgery didn't work so I need all the cushion that I can muster. Anyhow, just thought I woudl share my thoughts. I hope that the rest of your Recovery is coming along well Kathy...
Take care
Happy Holidays
Linds
Posted by SueJ. (SueJ.), 24 December 2002

Kathy,
After my TTT, I had a lot of swelling in and around my knee, The OS and the PT always commented on it , The OS just said it was more like edema, not fluid. I still had a considerable amount of swelling even at my 13 week check up.
Then when I had my scope for repeat LR and scar tissue a few months ago, again tons of swelling. It felt weird to walk on but it didn't look that much different than the swelling I had with the TTT. But that time he drained it, at two weeks post-op,...ouchey with the needle but it sure went down! I could actually see my knee again. So I'm not sure when they think it's OK to drain or not to drain. But I think that swelling that has been there for quite some time is not the type they can drain. But then again only your Doctor knows that answer.
Sue

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