Total Knee Replacement Surgery Lockup

My mother in law had total knee replacement surgery on her left knee about 2 months ago. Everything was going well while she rehabilitated at home but, at the very end of the at home therapy her knee began to "lock up' (for lack of a better word).  She was able to get around without her cane or her walker but now she needs them both , seperately, depending upon how unsafe she feels and how far she has to walk.

Her surgeon has x-rayed it and found nothing wrong but her knee "locked up " a few times while she was in there and he saw it first hand. Yes , it is painful until she can "shake" the leg to loosen the knee up , then she's fine again. It can "lock up" anywhere from 2-3 times a day on up. Anyone have similar experiences???? Ideas????  She's still in physical therapy and trying to strengthen it so we're hoping that will help. We are very desperate as the surgeon is at such a loss as to what to do for her.

Thanks!!

I've heard of it too. My gastroenterologist' mother had it happen. Thank goodness I have not had that problem. Try to research it on line. Best wishes going to you and your MIL.

Your MIL's problem is exactly what I am experiencing after being pain free for 8 yrs (I had bilateral total knee replacement in 2005). No my left knee will lock or be so painful I can't stand on it. Then a few minutes later there is no pain whatsoever. I am scheduled to see my sergeon next week.

On October 2012 I had bi-lateral knee replacements. I feel I have been progressing well and am able to walk eighteen holes multiple times per week. I enjoy walking pain free again after many years of problems with both knees. Recently however, I have been experiencing "lock up" on my right knee only. I call it "lock up" for lack of a better term. This occurs when I stand straight legged for as little as a minute. The pain is excruciating often causing me to vocalize. I am forced to drag the leg in a straighten position until the pain subsides enough for me to resume a normal gate. The pain seems to be localized from above the knee inside center extending down below the joint.



I plan to contact my surgeon to discuss.