yourOrthoMD
  • Orthopedic knowledge
    • All Articles
    • All Videos
  • Nutrition
  • Dr. Gorczynski
  • Orthopedic Items

Numb patch on knee after knee replacement

1/24/2018

62 Comments

 
Nearly every patient will experience some degree of permanent numbness on the lateral (outside) side of the knee after knee replacement surgery. This is anticipated. It is so common, most surgeons do not discuss this with their patients prior to surgery. It is not a complication, but a necessary side-effect of achieving a safe exposure to perform knee replacement surgery. 

What is going on?

There are cutaneous (skin) nerves that cross the front of the knee from the inside (medial) to the outside (lateral). A knee replacement incision is made longitudinally over the front (anterior) of the knee. These small nerves must be cut to allow deeper exposure. Other than a numb patch on the outside of the knee, there is generally no other negative effect. 

Once rehabilitated, patients rarely even mention this finding. Most are just thrilled their arthritic pain is gone and they are back to their desired activities again. 
Sketch of right knee
Sketch of right knee viewed from the front
Sketch showing cutaneous nerve branches in the knee
Sketch of right knee showing cutaneous (skin) nerve branches crossing anteriorly (in the front)
Anterior incision crosses cutaneous nerve branches during total knee replacement surgery
Anterior incision crosses the cutaneous nerve branches in the front of the knee
Sketch showing numb patch on the lateral aspect of the knee after knee replacement surgery
Numb patch on the lateral aspect of the knee after knee replacement surgery is common and expected
62 Comments
John Sciarrino link
12/2/2019 03:38:53 pm

Thanks for the information about the nerves in my knee. You showed me how they run across my knee and how making a insicion for knee surgery cuts them so explaining the numbness on the outside part of my knee insicion. Thanks

Reply
Christopher Gorczynski, MD link
12/2/2019 03:41:55 pm

This question comes up quite frequently. I am glad you found my explanation helpful!

Reply
Josephine peros
7/19/2020 09:06:10 am

Will the numbness disappear over time
Should cold compresses be put

Christopher Gorczynski, MD link
7/26/2020 08:59:43 am

@Josephine Peros - Most people report the numbness improves over time, but I would not expect it to completely resolve.

Kathie link
1/22/2020 02:17:51 pm

I too wondered about the lateral numbness in my knee after TKR eight weeks ago. Thank you.

Reply
Christopher Gorczynski, MD link
2/8/2020 06:20:38 pm

You're welcome. It is nice when things make sense.

Reply
Lisa B link
2/7/2020 10:49:49 pm

It's been 10 weeks since my tkr. The left side of my knee has been numb ever since the tkr. Kind of a large section. Also, my knee is still very swollen and red.
Is this normal?

Reply
Christopher Gorczynski, MD link
2/8/2020 06:24:26 pm

As you read in the preceding article, numbness is not only common, but it is an expected, unavoidable issue based on the anatomy.

Some swelling, warmth and redness is normal at this stage, but it is expected to be getting better, not worse by now.

https://www.yourorthomd.com/orthopedic-knowledge/skin-warmth-after-total-knee-replacement

If these symptoms are getting worse, it is important that your orthopedic surgeon evaluate your knee in the office.

Reply
Randy Lara
12/4/2020 06:19:36 pm

I recently had knee replacement on Oct 28,2020. Im having numbness in my left foot and toes and my left hand. Im also not abke to bend my knee completely back.Its stiff.In therapy im abke to complete all required task just not the bending of the knee.

Christopher Gorczynski, MD link
12/7/2020 08:55:54 pm

I can not relate hand numbness to your knee replacement, other than perhaps if an IV was placed into your hand during the surgery? It is not normal to experience numbness in your foot either. This needs to be evaluated by your surgeon ASAP.

Knee stiffness is normal and you need to work hard to rehabilitate your knee. I explain how to do this properly throughout this website. Check out the ALL ARTICLES section from the menu above.

Lynda
5/17/2020 12:39:21 am

I want
You to know that I considered myself in the failed
Knee surgery group at 10 weeks. The pain swelling was unreal. NO WORRIES! I am a year out and yes I have some
Numbness and such and some crunching here and there but I can walk without pain. The claims that someone was back in the game is eight weeks is misleading. You’ll be walking pretty well by then but it will take months. I am so glad I did it but now with number two pending.... I’m going to give myself the time I need to recover. This is Major surgery and recovery is a $&$&&@! But all worth it in the end. Be kind to yourself and take everyday in stride. You’ll get there. PT is ESSENTIAL as is daily exercises! Best of luck

Reply
Sandy
9/29/2020 11:04:31 am

I needed to read this. I am just shy of 10 weeks post TKTS and also considering myself in the failed group. I have very good ROM but swelling and pretty severe tightness. Hoping for better days ahead.

Christopher Gorczynski, MD link
9/29/2020 07:27:26 pm

In my experience, 10 weeks post-op is too soon to give up. Spend time stretching every day as I describe throughout this website. Use ice/anti-inflammatory medications, if you can tolerate them. Be confident that your body will heal, and with time the inflammation, swelling, and pain will subside. The odds are dramatically in your favor.

Jo-Ann link
11/18/2020 05:49:11 am

Thank you. i thought i was crazy. i am 12 weeks out and still have alot of pain.

Anthony J.
3/24/2020 10:26:28 am

Is there anything I can do to help in recovering from this numbness? Like for instance massaging the area, applying heat or cold? Or am I just going to have to get used to it?

Reply
Christopher Gorczynski, MD link
3/24/2020 04:28:05 pm

Gentle massage is fine, but you will gradually get used to it with time.

Reply
Carol
6/14/2020 09:56:11 am

I understand the numbness is to be expected, but when we walk the numbness starts at the outside of the knee and is all the way up the thigh by the time we get back after 2 miles. It will be 2 years the end of July since tkr. Is this normal? Range of motion is normal with other leg this is my biggest complaint. Thanks for advice.

Reply
Christopher Gorczynski, MD link
6/26/2020 07:06:04 am

If you have increasing numbness in your thigh with walking, I would be concerned about spinal stenosis. This is where the nerves in your back become pinched as the spinal canal gradually squeezes down over decades. This is typically made worse with walking or standing and better when you sit. I recommend you get checked out by an orthopedic surgeon. Your history is classic for this diagnosis.

Reply
Magali Rivera link
6/27/2020 11:21:59 pm

I still have numbness of my knee after 2 years & 2 month now and pain of my knee replacement what will I do to take care of my knee replavements .....reply nenalinda0216@yahoo.com thank you

Reply
Christopher Gorczynski link
6/28/2020 12:55:36 am

As I illustrated in this article, a numb patch on the lateral aspect of the knee is normal and anticipated after knee replacement surgery. It is usually permanent, though it often becomes less obvious over time as your brain adjusts to the new normal. This does not require treatment, and does not indicate a problem. If you are having pain, you should be evaluated by an orthopedic surgeon with a physical examination and x-rays.

Reply
Peggy Aiello
7/7/2020 09:17:24 pm

My knee replacement has been 2 years and 3 months. I’ve lived with the numbness around my knee, but recently slipped and landed on that knee. I’ve noticed that now, if I’m on my feet for awhile, I get numbness on the outside of my thigh just above that knee. I only skinned m6 knee and there was minor swelling under the abrasion. Is this a cause for worry?

Reply
Christopher Gorczynski, MD link
7/26/2020 09:03:03 am

New numbness that develops after trauma should be investigated if it does not rapidly improve. From your description- I would be more concerned about an injury to your back as opposed to an injury to your knee replacement. Either way- if not improving, it should be evaluated by an orthopedic surgeon.

Reply
CAROL S LUTZ
7/22/2020 08:06:34 am

I understand the numbness issue now. Thank you for the enlightenment. However I am having pain down the outside of my knee that radiates towards the front or shin area. With some motions the pain increases and makes my leg feel unstable. Should I go see my surgeon about this?

Reply
Christopher Gorczynski, MD link
7/26/2020 08:57:51 am

Pain is common while rehabilitating a knee replacement. You do not indicate how recently your knee was replaced. It is not normal to experience ongoing or worsening pain, and certainly not instability. If this is happening, then yes, I would recommend discussing this with your surgeon.

Reply
Sharon
7/29/2020 01:50:44 am

I rarely, very rarely comment on all the pre/post procedure info I research online but I want to thank you for your clear and concise explanation for my post tkr numbness. My surgeon was excellent, my pt has raved about his skill with my recovery. But all of the info I have found to explain my numbness (although all say it is normal) didn’t explain the why. Thank you for the simple diagram. Simple but clear. My surgeon did a fantastic job fitting my replacement, pretty much no “pain” except for week 2 due to a lupus flair and forgetting my pain meds :( But the numbness was my concern. Keep posting please. I have read your other posts and they were also helpful especially the range of motion stretching. Behind the chair was a good one! At 122degrees at 7 weeks but striving for 130. Hope this is not unreasonable.

Reply
Christopher Gorczynski, MD link
8/24/2020 08:48:28 pm

I am glad you find this website helpful. Looks like you are rehabilitating your knee replacement quite well. I hope by this point you have achieved your goal of 130 degrees flexion.

Reply
James link
9/8/2020 07:29:39 pm

I would like to thank you for your explanation the numbness too.I too am happy to be pain free the numbness is just a small thing not to worry e

Reply
Terry
8/9/2020 11:53:30 pm

I'm 1 year in having my tkr and I still have numbness but I can deal with that Thanks for the helpful information my problem is that I have been to pt did all the exercises and my knee still not to a full bend and I still deal with some pain as well please tell me what's the next step my doctor says it's because of keloid skin tissue but I'm thinking it could be something else

Reply
Christopher Gorczynski, MD link
8/14/2020 05:48:27 am

The majority of patients are not able to "fully flex" their knee following knee replacement. This is not typically due to the prosthesis or their surgeon, but by their ability to rehabilitate. Throughout this website, I describe why rehabilitation is challenging, and I provide guidance to help facilitate an optimal rehabilitation course.

The goal with total knee rehabilitation should be functional range of motion, as opposed to "full" range of motion. This means that your knee range of motion allows you to do almost anything you'd like to do, not that you can touch your heel to your buttocks.

I am unable to properly answer your question beyond this, as I need more information. While it is our goal, it is not typical for a total knee replacement to feel like a "normal" knee that never had arthritis and never had surgery.

For further guidance, I would need to know how much pain we are talking about, how often it happens, where exactly the pain is, and what activities it is associated with. There are a variety of explanations for ongoing pain after knee replacement surgery based on the answers to these questions.

Further investigation is sometimes required, including: x-rays, blood work, MRI, and sometimes nuclear medicine (bone scan).

It is also important to rule out referred pain from elsewhere. Sometimes a hip or back problem can present as knee pain.

As you can see, recommending the appropriate solution really depends on many factors. The best bet would be to discuss this with your surgeon.

Reply
Jeanne
8/15/2020 10:37:14 pm

I had a TKR 10 months ago @age 59. My knee is still numb over quite a large area on the lateral part of my knee. The knee is warm to the touch constantly. I was unable to tolerate any pain medication, so recovery and rehab has been difficult, but I continue to do everything I have been instructed to do. The pain starts on the lateral part of my knee and travels down to my ankle where there is swelling above my ankle ( like a large egg). I’m concerned it’s been going on for so long and nothing is changing. My surgeon has stated the X-ray of the prosthetic looks fine, but is not concerned with all the other issues. Between June and July my PCP gave me two shots of cortisone in my knee for pain...no results. I have since gone back to a different PT in the hopes that I will have some relief with a new set of eyes. Could this be nerve damage? My lower back around L4 has been painful also since the surgery. I would appreciate any advice or direction you can offer. I’m feeling discouraged for I thought these issues would have lessened by now. With gratitude and appreciation.

Reply
Christopher Gorczynski, MD link
8/24/2020 08:52:32 pm

Your history is definitely suggestive of an L4-L5 radiculopathy. This would cause radiating pain from your back down to your ankle. While it would not cause your ankle to swell, it would be consistent with getting no relief from a knee cortisone injection. While it is impossible for me to say for sure, perhaps further evaluation of your back using an MRI scan would be appropriate at this point.

As explained in the article above, numbness lateral to the incision is normal and is an expected finding after surgery.

Reply
Lisa Lefevre
8/21/2020 03:07:06 pm

I am 5 weeks out of my surgery. I haven't been going to rehab three times a week working hard I am stretching very well pain was going away but all of a sudden I got this severe pain on the side of my knee left side and my therapist at rehab said it probably was my nerves growing back what truth .

Reply
Christopher Gorczynski, MD link
8/24/2020 08:46:05 pm

This is not a typical experience. Nerves do not suddenly "grow back." If they are going to recover, this is a gradual process. You do not mention which knee you had replaced, and therefore I do not know what the "left" side refers to. The typical numb patch is on the outside or lateral to the incision. While pain is not unusual during total knee rehabilitation, this is generally not considered sudden, or sharp. Any sharp pain that happens suddenly around a knee replacement, and does not rapidly resolve, should be evaluated by your surgeon.

Reply
Gina Mars
8/22/2020 01:24:37 pm

Hi, I have a question, I’m 3 years out of a partial inner knee replacement right knee. I tore the meniscus in my inner left knee a few months ago. I’m getting it fixed Monday. However I have developed terrible pain on the outer right knee where it gets numb. It is painful most of the time and it’s a searing pain. Sometimes goes away after resting for hours. The doctor says it’s probably the it band from overcompensating. It’s now starting on my outer right knee. What advice can you offer. I’m miserable

Reply
Christopher Gorczynski, MD link
8/24/2020 09:05:43 pm

While it could definitely be your iliotibial band (IT band), it is also possible to develop arthritis in the outside compartment of your knee when the medial compartment has undergone partial replacement. Standing X-rays would reveal this. If there is not a conclusive finding on x-ray, and your pain remains severe, I would then recommend an MRI scan with MARS sequencing. This is a metal artifact reducing technique that coincidentally shares your name. A lateral meniscal tear would also be a diagnosis to consider and would be seen on this MRI study.

Reply
Lynnett Ivy
8/29/2020 02:26:35 pm

On June 2, 2020
I had a partial knee replacement [Medial side], torn meniscus, knee cap was not in the correct location and some pretty bad arthritis buildup behind the knee cap. I have been continuing rehab on my own, it helps with the stiffness and swelling I still experience. My doctor said not to worry if I can't bend my knee beyond 90 degrees ever, well I'm not one to except limitations and I can actually bend my knee to the point the back of my calf almost touches my thigh. Having said all that..... I want to try squatting and actually getting down on my knee, is that feasible and should I be able to do that by now?
One more thing...... I have the numbness on the outside of knee and I can live with it and I understand why the numbness exists, but why would I have the scar of a person who had a total knee replacement for a partial replacement?
Just curious.....Thank you

Reply
Christopher Gorczynski, MD link
9/3/2020 05:11:34 pm

It is definitely feasible to squat and/or kneel. Some patients do not like how it feels, but there is minimal risk in doing so.

The incision required for partial knee replacement is generally slightly smaller than that used for total knee replacement, but, particularly if your surgeon tried to balance your patellar tracking, it sounds like a longer incision was required. There is absolutely no harm that results from a longer incision. Wounds do not heal like a zipper, but from side to side. A tiny incision may require the skin to be stretched more aggressively, which is really not optimal for wound healing. Don't worry about your incision length, I am sure your surgeon used only what was required.

Reply
Chris Frederick
8/31/2020 10:29:46 am

I had a total knee replacement done on my right knee 3 weeks ago which is healing quite nicely. Thank you for the explanation of the numbness I am experiencing on the outside of the incision. However, on the inside of the incision, from about the bottom of the knee cap to the bottom of the scar, even the lightest touch to the skin produces excruciating pain, like a burning sensation. This pain is only on the skin and only in this localized area on the inside of the scar. In bed, just a sheet touching this area results in horrible pain. As an experiment, I gently rubbed lidocaine on this area, and the pain disappeared, but of course, came back when the lidoncaine wore off. Have you seen this before, or do you have any idea what could be causing this?

Reply
Christopher Gorczynski, MD link
9/3/2020 04:50:55 pm

The surgical approach usually is on the medial side of the patella (kneecap). More soft tissue stripping along the medial aspect of the proximal tibia is also necessary in many knees (particularly when correcting a varus (bow-legged) knee. This is probably why the inside aspect of your knee is more sensitive right now. If there is increasing redness, or increasing swelling, your surgeon needs to take a look, otherwise, I would expect this sensitivity to diminish with time.

Reply
Cathey Duplissey link
9/7/2020 12:17:15 pm

I had a TKR a year and a half ago. I had to have a clean out and plastic component replaced a month after initial surgery due to infection. My question has to do with my scar. Above my knee looks like a big chunk of flesh was removed. It's really dented in. Is this to be expected due to reopening of the knee?

Reply
Christopher Gorczynski, MD link
9/13/2020 10:17:39 am

I would not consider this "normal." But, with the context you provided (infection requiring another surgery) it is certainly not unreasonable. It sounds like some tissue was removed (excised/debrided) at the time of your subsequent surgery. Any infected tissue must not be left behind. This may explain the "dent."

Reply
Cathey Duplissey
9/13/2020 10:55:46 am

Thank you for responding to my question. That makes sense.

Shawn R Commons link
9/17/2020 11:21:44 pm

I had total knee replacement surgery to left knee on August 28th of this year. I guess recovery is going well but kinda of upset that I was not informed about this permanent nerve damage causing the numb and uncomfortable feeling of the knee. Having problems getting comfortable to go to sleep. I am supposed to have same procedure on right knee on October 20th. Not sure I will go through with it due to not wanting the same feeling in both knees. I questioned the Surgeon on this issue at my post op appointment today as I read up on this 2 days ago. Asked why not informed or given any reading material on this prior. Response was not a quality of life issue so they don't inform there patients prior or after surgery unless asked. If this does not improve some I will wish i had not done this and just kept getting injections and sucked it up. My age is 52.

Reply
Christopher Gorczynski, MD link
9/20/2020 02:42:16 pm

Most surgeons don't even discuss this numbness as it is unavoidable and tends not to bother patients very much, if at all.

I created this post simply to help patients understand anatomically why they experience numbness in this pattern, and also why it is not a complication of surgery, but a necessary part of undergoing knee replacement surgery (or any other open knee surgery that requires a longitudinal anterior incision).

This is a very new situation for you, having just had knee replacement surgery a couple of weeks ago. It is extremely rare for a patient to be bothered significantly by this issue long-term. I would recommend focusing on properly rehabilitating your knee replacement. The strange sensation you are acutely aware of right now will gradually become more and more normal to you with time. If your knee arthritis was severe enough to undergo knee replacement surgery, once well rehabilitated, and your arthritis symptoms have resolved, I think you will be thrilled with your improved quality of life.

Reply
Debra Rigamonti link
9/24/2020 10:14:48 am

How long is the numbness expected to last. Mine has been there for 6 months now. Will it ever go away?

Reply
Christopher Gorczynski, MD link
9/24/2020 07:02:24 pm

While the numbness is permanent, and an unavoidable aspect of knee replacement surgery (and any other knee operation that involves an anterior longitudinal incision), your awareness of this will decrease significantly as time goes on. I recommend gently touching the numb patch with your fingers, and with different textures while looking at the area. Your brain will gradually consider this strange feeling relatively normal again. While it can be surprising to some patients early after surgery, long-term it rarely presents much of an issue. The vast majority of patients consider this a small trade-off in return for the dramatically improved quality of life that follows knee replacement surgery.

Reply
Enid M. Natkins
10/23/2020 10:25:51 am

Just to commiserate with you, it will be a year since my right knee total replacement and I still have a lot of numbness on the outside of the right side of my knee. The knee definitely doesn't feel like a normal knee. I do have less pain than I used to have and going up and down stairs gives me no pain as it did before.

Reply
Debbie Anderson
9/28/2020 07:32:56 pm

I would also like to thank you for the informative explanation of the numbness experienced after TKR. I am 5 weeks out from a right knee replacement. PT going very well, but wanted to ask why I might be experiencing a tight band feeling over my entire knee area. It is much more annoying than the numbness on the outside of my knee. Hoping it goes away soon. Thanks in advance for any explanation.

Reply
Christopher Gorczynski, MD link
9/28/2020 09:23:18 pm

I am glad you found this helpful. Rather than go into great detail about knee stiffness, I will direct you to another page in this website where I explain why knees feel stiff after knee replacement surgery, and how to successfully rehabilitate.

https://www.yourorthomd.com/orthopedic-knowledge/stiff-total-knee

What you are experiencing is normal. It will improve with time. It is crucial that you stretch consistently and for long periods of time.

Reply
David kolosky
10/29/2020 11:41:53 am

I had both knees replaced August 25th 2020 experience the same numbness I have 125 degree Bend still experiencing trouble sleeping after reading your articles I think I'm very happy with my results having both knees done was how can I say very difficult for the first 2 months thank you so much for the information I feel a lot better

Reply
mdm Zana
11/3/2020 10:20:28 pm

Wow! i got so much useful info.from yr write up n the Q&A...i m 58 n had Tkr on my right knee on oct9th. recently. my knee seems to be doing alright post op n I ve been going for rehab frequently..However i m suffering drop foot post op n after a nerve study..the finding was a complete denervation of a branch of the peroneal nerve ..how common is this complication n if it can be repaired by a neurosurgeon for me to gain back dorsi flexion of my right foot..tq

Reply
Christopher Gorczynski, MD link
11/8/2020 08:03:33 pm

Thankfully this is an uncommon complication. The risk is highest when a patient presents with a valgus knee (knock-kneed) with a flexion contracture (inability to fully extend) before surgery. When these deformities are corrected during surgery, this nerve will be stretched. In the vast majority of cases, the nerve can withstand this correction. While I am not sure if this was the case with your knee, it nonetheless happened. There is a chance of spontaneous recovery. Unless the nerve was actually severed (which is extraordinarily rare) I doubt a neurosurgeon can "repair" the nerve. There is a chance it could be decompressed (like we do for carpal tunnel syndrome). There is a small brace that can be used inside shoewear in cases of persistent foot drop that can help minimize any functional impairment.

Reply
Elaine McBane
11/28/2020 05:04:30 pm

I retain fluid at any time..Right leg TKR and the outside of my knee is swelling and pains at night...(Oct 28). hot..is this normal

Reply
Christopher Gorczynski, MD link
12/7/2020 08:24:46 pm

At a month or so from surgery- it is normal for your knee to feel warm and swollen. Some pain is also to be expected. If you have significant fluid retention, worsening pain and/or redness- it should be evaluated by your surgeon.

Reply
Terry Baker link
11/29/2020 04:13:00 pm

I am 5 week post ops to left knee total replacement and I was wondering is it normal for me to experience the following.
-Numbness on the left and just above the knee
-A tightness of the left side of the knee especially when I wake up in the morning and after the completion of physical therapy.
- Sharp pain from time to time over my left knee cap area and quad muscle area
- This may sound strange but every now and then it seems like I can feel a drip on the inside of my left thigh. Is this possible or just my imagination.
- How long can I expect both this numbness and stiffness to last. Just want to know what to expect.
- Why does it seem like I lack energy and appear to be tired all the time especially after physical therapy and walking for 30 minutes

Reply
Christopher Gorczynski, MD link
12/7/2020 08:40:28 pm

Tightness, pain and swelling are normal early after knee replacement.

Numbness lateral to the knee incision is normal and permanent. It will become less prominent with time.

Your body has been through a stressful experience mentally and physically. Your energy requirement increases when healing. Stay well nourished and well rested. Your energy level will improve with time.

Reply
Maureen Golupski
12/3/2020 09:07:40 am

I am 55 yes old and had double knee replacement October 2, 2020. I was up walking the same day four times. I have to say the hardest part about the double knee replacement was the inability to sleep from five weeks to 9 weeks out. I had to ask for a sleep aid because of the pain of healing and restless legs had me up every half an hour to an hour every night. I am in my ninth week now and I’m starting to feel more rested, confident and experiencing less jolting pain.

Glad I did both at the same time though! A little numbness around incisions but becoming less and less each day.

Reply
Christopher Gorczynski, MD link
12/7/2020 08:52:34 pm

Glad to hear you are doing well! Keep up the good work. I would expect you to experience ongoing improvement for many months yet to come.

Reply
Jo Ann Ennis
12/19/2020 04:29:10 pm

I had three 2 years ago. Have the numbness but also still have sharp pains down my shin bone. I notice this more at night because the pain wakes me up. Would this be still related to tkr?

Reply
Christopher Gorczynski, MD link
12/22/2020 11:14:26 pm

While anything is possible, shin pain is not a typical complaint following knee replacement, particularly years later. This should probably be evaluated by your orthopedic surgeon. The differential diagnosis would include stress reaction/stress fracture/lumbar radiculopathy (pinched nerve).

Reply
LONNIE GUNDERSON
1/7/2021 07:42:09 am

I had total knee replacement 18 months ago, i still get swollen on a daily basis and i am numb all around the outside of my knee, is this normal? Im 60 years old, and had two knee scopes before full knee replacement ( work comp case) and what degree would you normally rate i should be at percentage wise for disability? i live in wisconsin. Thanks

Reply
Christopher Gorczynski, MD link
1/7/2021 08:34:14 pm

As explained in this preceding article, numbness lateral to the knee incision is totally normal and unavoidable. If Wisconsin worker's compensation guidelines are similar to those in New York, a typical, well rehabilitated knee replacement results in a 35-50% loss of use of the leg due to removal of bone, and less than normal range of motion at the knee. This would be the case even with a well-rehabilitated, pain-free knee replacement.

Reply

Your comment will be posted after it is approved.


Leave a Reply.

    Dr. Gorczynski

    Orthopedic Surgeon focused on the entire patient, not just a single joint.

    My YouTube Channel
    ALL ARTICLES

    ALl Videos

    Categories

    All
    Active Range Of Motion
    Adhesive Capsulitis
    Anterior Approach
    Antibiotics
    Arthritis
    Arthroscopic Surgery
    Bursa
    Cartilage
    Cortisone
    Decision For Surgery
    Dental Work
    Dislocation
    Driving
    Extension
    Flexion
    Frozen Shoulder
    Hip Replacement
    Infection
    Inflammation
    Joint Space Narrowing
    Knee Replacement
    Manipulation Under Anesthesia
    Meniscus
    Metal Allergy
    Minimizing Blood Loss
    Numbness
    Partial Knee Replacement
    Passive Range Of Motion
    Patellofemoral
    Platelet Rich Plasma
    Posterior Approach
    Psychology Of Healing
    Quadriceps
    Rehabilitation
    Robotic Joint Replacement
    Rotator Cuff
    Shoulder
    Stiffness
    Stiff Total Knee
    Strengthening
    Stretching
    Tennis Elbow
    Top Doc
    Tourniquet
    Viscoelastic

      Don't Miss Updates from Dr. Gorczynski!

    Sign me up!

    RSS Feed

    Tweets by yourorthoMD

To arrange a private consultation with Dr. Gorczynski:

Email

mailto:chris@yourorthoMD.com
© 2016-2020 Christopher Gorczynski, MD, PLLC.
Photos used under Creative Commons from theglobalpanorama, Tim Evanson, Nicholas_T, Wonderlane
  • Orthopedic knowledge
    • All Articles
    • All Videos
  • Nutrition
  • Dr. Gorczynski
  • Orthopedic Items