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”Spacer” TKR Revision

Posted , 7 users are following.

j68551
j68551

TKR guy in transit. Waiting for the removal of the ”spacer”  and a brand new Johnson & Johnson implant. Provided that the ESR and  CRP lab tests are OK. Anyone with a “Spacer”  experience? Exercise advice?

  I don’t have a “knee-joint,  nor implant, it was removed: chronic Staphylococcus infection. Only a kind of antibiotic block, they call  “Spacer”.

Now, since I am not allowed to put weight on my “bad “leg the exercise I do is Ankle Pump and Lift the Leg 400 times a day.   I move with my forearm crutches.  Often resulting in neck & shoulder and low back pain. Bangkok-Johnny

0 likes, 8 replies

8 Replies

  • robert61422
    robert61422 j68551

    Posted

    My wife's got a real spacer (along with antibiotic bead packing) after a PKR and two infections that they never ID'd.

    It's been about 6 or 7 months with the spacer and no infection but she's pretty tired of walking around slowly with a cane and is now preparing mentally for the TKR.

    Never heard about no joint at all, that must be rough.

  • Dadka
    Dadka j68551

    Posted

    Oh Bless you, 

    I have only talked to one lady about TKR -she told me she was without knee joint  for 3 months due to infection.  After 3 months she had another knee and it  was ok since. 

    • Dadka
      Dadka

      Posted

      Sorry can’t Help with exercises . 
  • Oldfatguy1
    Oldfatguy1 j68551

    Posted

    I had a staph that resulted in removal of the entire prosthesis and then the entire area was treated with antibiotics. Then the spacer is placed in and held in place with stainless wires or other methods. The spacer is filled with a material that sort of breaks apart and slowly releases antibiotics throughout the area. I was also on infusion with strong antibiotics through a picc line twice a day for 2 months because of the type of infection. I was non weight bearing for four months and never allowed more than 25% bend during that time . then I went through regular rehab. This is a slow process but has to be done at the correct pace to allow proper healing. Hope this helps. Incidentally this was 2nd of two attempts to get the infection controlled. I spent 6 months total on a walker.
  • arizonaone
    arizonaone j68551

    Posted

    TKR girl in transit :-). I too have no implant and an antibiotic spacer with beads and am waiting for my ESR and CRP results. Should be available by Wednesday. I'm one of the "lucky" ones. I have an articulating spacer which means I can move my knee a little bit, am weight bearing as tolerated and can use a walker.

    My surgery is scheduled for 10/24. But while in the OR tissue will be sent to a pathologist and if any hint of an infection (or something wonky as my OS says is found) then I don't get a knee I get a new spacer.

    It all sucks and I feel your pain. I can't do any PT per my Dr Once I get my new knee then of course it's PT as usual.

    I'm sorry, no advice. Just wanted to let you know I'm in the same boat. Hopefully we both get our new knees soon!

  • jenny61596
    jenny61596 j68551

    Posted

    I heard on this thread that some J & J protbeseid have been faulty ? Anyone remember ?

    • Oldfatguy1
      Oldfatguy1 jenny61596

      Posted

      Over the last 10 years there have been numerous defective appliances spread out over the various mfg but don't recall ever seeing anything regarding across the board problems. Actually hips have been most of an issue due to some of the metals.

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