Persistent knee pain after uncomplicated total knee arthroplasty secondary to undiagnosed spondylotic myelopathy: a case report

INTRODUCTION: Knee osteoarthritis and cervical spondylotic myelopathy are both frequent disorders in the aging patient. Total knee arthroplasty is an increasingly common surgical procedure, with approximately 20% of patients describing persistent knee pain after the procedure, for which it is often difficult to find a cause. We review known reasons for pain after total knee arthroplasty and present a new clinically challenging case of persistent knee pain due to previously undiagnosed cervical spondylotic myelopathy. CASE PRESENTATION: Our patient presented with painful knee spasms after an uncomplicated total knee arthroplasty. Her workup revealed cervical spondylotic myelopathy with isolated changes in tone in the affected extremity as well as weakness and atrophy in non-painful limbs. Her clinical status improved after cervical decompression and fusion. We perform a literature review for prior reports of isolated knee pain due to cervical spondylotic myelopathy and find no previous reported association with total knee arthroplasty. DISCUSSION: Cervical spondylotic myelopathy is the most common spinal cord disorder in older adults. Incidence increases with age and the clinical manifestations may present with a variety of neurological findings. Careful musculoskeletal and neurologic examination is critical to an accurate and timely diagnosis.