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Measuring Knee Bend

Posted , 8 users are following.

robyn81044
robyn81044

Can anyone tell me how I can measure myself, the bend in my knee?

0 likes, 20 replies

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  • martinarvelo
    martinarvelo robyn81044

    Posted

    You need a goniometer . . you can get this easily from Amazon. I would pick a fairly large one. It sounds rather scientific, but it is just two pieces of plastic, with a circle in the miuddle with the 360 degrees . . you bend the leg, then place the goniometer on the bend. . obviously, the way you place it will make the reading different, so it is not absolutely correct. . .  You should place the top part directly towards your hip bone. . . 
  • CHICO_MARX
    CHICO_MARX robyn81044

    Posted

    The only thing I know for sure is that if you can sit back and your heel touches your butt...that's 161 degrees!!!

    • CHICO_MARX
      CHICO_MARX martinarvelo

      Posted

      Not likely after a TKR but sitting back like that and getting as close as you can is another way to increase your ROM...big stretch.  Normal people do it in yoga class all the time.  I played goal in hockey for decades; sitting back like that and doing splits were no problem...even ijn my 50s.  Now at almost 69 with a new hip and knee plus L3 through S1 fused in my back, those hockey days are only a distant memory.  If I ever tried something like that, I'd be frozen in that position and require a custom-made coffin...

  • shari_48634
    shari_48634 robyn81044

    Posted

    Hey I need some information I'm 4 months since I had my tkr I've been having some issues so my PT therapist thought it would be a good idea to go see my dr. So today I went to see him he look at me said I see nothing wrong with x-rays shows nothing and you can go back to work with no restrictions. I looked at him and said really I'm still using a cane. WTF. THERE is no way I can go back and do my job. I'm going for a second opinion my husband is so mad. It's not like I'm lying. What should I do.

    • robyn81044
      robyn81044 shari_48634

      Posted

      I really would get a second opinion, some Doctors dont really understand what we are going through pain wise. Can you see the Specialist who did your Op?
    • robyn81044
      robyn81044 shari_48634

      Posted

      Do you have to have a certificate for more time off work? Why are you still using a cane? what did the Doc think about that? I'm so lucky, my husband and I have our own business, my specialist said 3 months off work I'm now at 3 1/2 months and I still dont feel like going back yet, I had both knees done at once.  Maybe you should see another GP

    • CHICO_MARX
      CHICO_MARX shari_48634

      Posted

      Somewhere in the 3-4 month range, the doc does an "alignment" x-ray.  On the picture, they draw a straight line from hip through knee to ankle.  If everything lines up, you're good to go.  This doesn't mean that you're done with PT, ROM, quad rebuild, strength, etc. and ready to withstand the rigors of a work day.  All it means is that, from an ortho perspective, the operation was a success.  The x-ray confirms that everything is in its place and has stayed there.

      So...can you REALLY go back to work?  Depending on your job, probably not at 4 months.  Desk work...maybe; nurse running halls for patients, not a chance...so construction work and being an astronaut are probably out too.  If you read a lot of forum posts, the average time for a person to return to work is about 6 months...some more, some less.  To do that, you need:

      - Successful alignment x-ray.  That's done; check it off.

      - Off all opioid pain killers; probably still on OTC pain meds.  If you're still on opioids (usually done within 3 months), you can't be driving and probably can't do your job anyway.

      - ROM of 0 / +120 attained.  This should be done by now although some people need more PT time to get there.

      - Leg strength (quads, glutes and core) have been rebuilt...gym work.  If this is why you still use a cane, then get to the gym to regain your strength.  Most people are off all walking aids in 4-6 months so you're on schedule.  If leg weakness is your major problem, you have to do the work to get it back.  There's no other way.  Start pushing yourself to get stronger.

      Before I started a new regular job on December 1st (IT Architect for AT&T)...less than 9 months post op...I started working the sales floor in computers at Best Buy in October.  Thought I could handle it...but it was a real struggle.  Regular 10,000+ steps a day, 4 days a week on my FitBit.  Should have done more gym work before trying it but I pushed through.

      Getting back into the workplace is not easy.  Depends on the job.  But you have to push yourself to get stronger; it doesn't happen all by itself.  Your quads have atrophied and have to be rebuilt.  There's no getting around it...you have to do the strength work.  Have fun...

       

    • tneel317
      tneel317 CHICO_MARX

      Posted

      My Ortho never did an alignment xray and I am a little over 6 months out. I sure wish he would've just for my own peace of mind. I don't see him again until February sad

      Back to my job on the 19th. With my job and my fitbit, I am at a little over 23,000 steps a day. THIS should be interesting!!

    • shari_48634
      shari_48634 tneel317

      Posted

      I know what you mean. I was doing around that before my tkr and now im under 3200.
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