HELP!! KNEE LOCKING!! -6wks 2 days post Partial Rt Knee Meniscectomy

[Celticgyrl11]

Hi!!

I am 6wk 2days post my Rt knee having a partial menisectomy. Since surgery I have had a problem with it 'locking'. Started Physio 3 weeks ago.

2 days ago, my knee locked for 20mins...the pain was INTENSE!! That has been the WORST locking I've ever had. It swelled and it hurts like crazy!! Saw my PT today and he is concerned, so he called the surgeon and the surgeon said to continue with Physio and F/U with him at the end of September...My Physiotherapist was angry and said I need to see someone sooner..

Had anyone ever experienced this before, is it a normal part of the 'healing' process??  Any advice would be helpful!!

Thank you
Celticgyrl🍀

[LAS]

No it's not a normal  part of the healing process.   You could have snapping and cracking which is called crepitus and that can be part of the healing process.   I have heard from time to time that after a arthroscopic procedure they had locking and it got somewhat better with PT.   It does happen but it's not normal.   I would agree with the PT that you need to be seen sooner.  Is there any way you can see another Doctor for a second opinion?    LAS

[Celticgyrl11]

Thanks for your reply!! There is a 6month wait for a new referral. It's getting worse!! Yesterday at physio, it locked and then after it was freed the muscles spasmed so bad that is moved my kneecap...swelled like a soccer ball and today my calf, hamstring and quad muscles are SO SORE and bruising...

This is extremely frustrating cuz I was told by my Physio that I shouldn't even be driving because it is my right leg, I can't go to work....and it hurts like HELL!!!
And I don't understand why it is happening!!!

Sorry for rambling!!

CG

[vickster]

You should ask your physio to recontact the surgeon as a matter of urgency if it's getting worse.  Or go to the Emergency Department to have the knee checked for bleeding, infection and so on.  Or to your GP to get the referral wheels in motion

Should you be trying to do any physio beyond RICE at the moment as there is obviously something going on.  I had a menisectomy and was pretty much back to pre op state after 6 weeks or so (albeit without the locked knee)

Good luck