I have had pcl reconstruction surgery on 30th jan, followed by knee debridement and lavage on 26th feb due to consistent pain, swelling and mild grade fever. However lab results for pus culture, synovial fluid culture and mtb were negative, ruling out any local infection. Crp and esr are high at 39 and 36 respectively, rest parameters of blood test are normal. After 26 feb, pain was reduced but still it is there. Swelling is there as well. Fever comes and go (99 to 99.5) like 3-4 times in a week. Mri was redone. Result is- marrow edema in distal femur and proximal tibia, moderate joint effusion with synovial thickening and bulky patellar tendonitis. Rest reported normal. Want to know why I still have pain, swelling on knee cap and mild fever thats keeps on coming like 3-4 times a week. What should I do next. I have stopped taking any antibiotics. Not taking physiotherapy sessions also due to pain and swelling. When will pain and swelling around knee cap and fever will go away? Whats wrong with me?
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Dear , greetings description tells me that you might have sub-clinical infection. As you are off antibiotics now, we need to see how your feels after 2-3 wks. Repeat your crp and esr levels. 20 days post surgery there should not be any other cause of fever even though its mild. Swelling will take long time to around 6 months or so. Your doctor may advice culture from knee fluid once your are off antibiotics for about 2 wks. Was the second mri with contrast? You have more pain in bone (distal femur or proximal tibia) or the joint itself? Usually infection is rare in arthroscopic procedure as its always under sterile water wash, but it may happen. All I can say as of now is to wait and see what signal your knee gives at 2wks off antibiotics. I hope that helps. You can ping me privately in case you need any clarification. Dr. pratyush gupta m.b.b.s. M.s. Orthopaedics sr consultant indore #bestorthopedicsurgeon #kneereplacement #hipreplacement #microplasty #discprolapse #ligamentinjury #backpain #shoulderpain #elbowpain.
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