Baker's cyst removal vs. TKR

Hi there, tell your mum to try every option available before agreeing to full knee replacement. It is a devastating op to go through. Iam 82 and had the op 6months ago. Am I glad I had it done No, would I have it done again No, am I any better than before No. Just my perspective but your mum is no spring chicken For such horrendous surgery sincerely hope there is a better option Out there for her, I wish you both well 

The menicus repair would be part of the tkr. As far as injections, only the doc would be able to interperate the MRI properly. There seems to be a point where they just say injections are a waste of time and effort. In my case, they wouldn't even consider trying. Unless there are extenuating circumstances such as heart, lungs etc tkrs on elderly are not unusual, especially if the individual is capable of doing their part in the rehab process. I'm almost 78 and had to have my original tkr replaced 2 years ago this week. Good luck

As far as I'm aware relief of arthritic pain is the main indication for knee replacement. If she has no pain, why do a TKR? 

Maybe a second opinion is required.

She'll certainly have a few weeks of pain after surgery.

if "all" your mum can't do is walk down the stairs but is otherwise painfree, i would say NO WAY have the operation.  nobody - not even the surgeon - can predict what the outcome will be.  i do not want to be painting a grim picture, but this operation is NOT for whimps.  as many patients who have great results, as many really suffer and weeks and weeks later still cannot walk down the stairs normally as they cannot bend the knee.  i won't go into the details of the pain some of us here have so back to my initial statement, if your mother doesn't have any pain, then leave it as it is, or that's what i would recommend to my mum if she had the option.  "hobling" / doing the one-legged chicken walk down the stairs is a very small price to pay.

most of us on here have the operation when we can hardly walk anymore.  and/or have to swallow vast amounts of medication every day.  when the pain keeps us up at night as the pain is so intense.  and when the pain stops us from leading a "normal" life.  really, a TKR (total knee replacement) really needs to be the very LAST resort.

of course, if ever the pain gets unbearable, then the story is different.  i don't regret having the operation even though i do feel i have been put through the mill.  but that is because all of the above applied to me and i simply couldn't take it anymore!

I would get a second opinion. TKR is not easy but for me worth it.

I was in pain 24 hrs before the op. So much better now.

Good luck

Christine NZ

Hi there KneeDude,

If the surgeon concludes your mom is a candidate for replacement, then only your mom can really make the final decision. There are many factors to consider. As has been pointed out, Knee replacement surgery is very, very different for each and every person. For most, it is a hard painful process. especially for the first several weeks. About 3 years ago, I was on a 15k wilderness hike. I was totally unaware that I had a Bakers cyst, and half way through the hike it ruptured. ouch! Had no choice but to complete the hike and my knee was twice its size when finished.

Went to the specialist and was told that along with the ruptured cyst, I also had arthritis, and a complex miniscus tear (which basically means it was shattered).

At that time, they recommended a scope which helped for a few short months.

Over the next 3 years all the cartilledge was worn away and my knee just got pregressively worse and worse along with the pain.

I finally went in and told them I want a replacement and felt there was no option. After the xray they fully agreed and here I am. Had my op 34 days ago and it has been hard. Am I glad I had it done? Absolutely. I wanted to have it done 3 years ago and think my recovery would have much quicker if I did but who really knows.

Your certainly wise in searching out as much information as you can to make an informed decision. The hard part is the fact that the experiences are all so vastly different. Weigh how much pain your mom is in now, how long she has been there and has there been any other complications along the way. Also consider the activities your mom will expect afterwards. If it`s just day to day light activiies, maybe there are alternatives. Discuss them with your surgeon.

Just food for thought. It`s a tough decision and I certainly wish all the best for you

I would be guided by the pain. If she has no pain then a TKR will certainly give her some - at least for a while. They can neaten up a torn menicus with arthroscopic surgery though may not think it worth doing if the rest of the joint is badly worn. Cortisone is for pain, but if she has none, she doesn't need cortisone either. I've had several shots in both knees and it worked well for me to relieve pain. Can she go downstairs backwards perhaps? I've been doing that since my tkr because I don't have enough bend to go down forwards.

My mom had hers done at 78 and was way ahead of all the younger people. Was well worth it and did not complain about therapy either. Everyone tolerates and heals differently. I had mine done 8 months back. Best thing I ever did. Am scheduling next TKR in Feb. Can't wAit until I walk with two good knees. One has been vast improvement!

Just reading this.  I am almost 73.  When I went to the doctor, he said I was "bone on bone" and asked if I wanted to try medication and injections first.  Knowing that wasn't going to fix anything and being in good health, I felt it ridiculous to wait several years and have to face it when, maybe, my health won't be what it is now.  So, it's done now and I'm through the worst part.