Any knowledge or experience of.................?

[Widge]

"Do you have any knowledge or experience of patients suffering recurring
episodes of stiffness and pain every 4 to 5 weeks with each episode lasting 6
days or so? Between episodes the knee reverts to it's normal pain free
function.

I have been tested by my GP for blood tests, X ray and MRI scan without any
diagnosis and I am awaiting a consultation with a rheumatologist.

The knee in question has had 3 operations including, Roux- Goldthwait
procedure, Patellectomy and 7 years ago, Distal realignment (Mr N P Thomas
retired).

The episodes of stiffness and pain commenced 3 years ago and occur with
consistent regularity and are increasing in intensity as the months go by. “

[Vickster]

How old are you? Are you female? Pre, peri or post menopausal? Hormonal changes associated with menstrual cycle or menopause can certainly have an impact on joints and muscles. Certainly something a rheumatologist will ask about if relevant (mine certainly did).  Did the blood tests include hormone profile (all assuming you are a woman)?

 Presumably you had the standard Vit D, bone profile and inflammatory markers tests?

[Widge]

Thanks for your reply. I am a 63 year old male.
First surgery aged 13 !

[Vickster]

Probably not the menopause then 

Did the X-ray and scan show arthritis (reduced joint space, bowed or knock knees)? I'd probably expect that to be the culprit (esp with 50 years of knee issues) with the timing and durations of the episodes coincidental if the rheumatologist can't diagnose a clear reason. Maybe a tailored physio and exercise programme could help (maybe alongside medication)...if a replacement isn't called for