Persistent Pain due to Cement Protrusion After Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Report of Three Cases

Abstract

Chronic lateral knee pain after uneventful total knee arthroplasty can be challenging to manage. We present 3 cases where the pain transiently resolved with injections of local anesthetic. Diagnostic arthroscopy revealed cement protrusion at the lateral femoral bone-prosthesis interface. Passive full knee extension during the curing phase is routine to ensure cement pressurization and optimal bonding. This may enable cement extrusion at the lateral femoral interface and result in persistent pain. Therefore, prevention measures should include thorough visualization of the implant after cementing. Arthroscopic cement excision en bloc is a minimally invasive procedure to treat these patients.

Keywords

• Total knee arthroplasty
• Chronic pain
• Cement protrusion
• Arthroscopic cement excision