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Is a TKR normally the same size as the other knee?

Posted , 7 users are following.

francis24843
francis24843

I had a TKR in August of 2014.

The new joint is 10 mm in diameter wider than the original knee and than the other knee.  This means it always looks swollen - although it often is anyway.

I am 1.84 m tall and have thin legs.

Are TKRs usually the same size as the original knee, or are they one size fits all?

 

0 likes, 18 replies

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  • francis24843
    francis24843

    Posted

    Thanks Ken for your second reply.  I have a review on Thursday 29 Oct, which I had to insist on against pressure to only go back to physiotherapy (as the arthroplasty nurse told me that she could see no faults with the x-ray of the implant).

    I do not know whether I shall be seen by the consultant or another registrar, but your info has certainly supplied me with questions to ask.

    Sorry to read about your problems, Veronica; it is no consolation to people like you and me to know that 90% of TKRs are trouble-free.  I hope you manage to sort it out - I do not envy you another op... Shall take your advice about going to the GP if 

    Janice: at less than 4 months swelling was considerably above what it is now for me.  Is your extra size diameter or circumference as my circumference difference at 4 months was over 50 mm (inc. swelling)?

    My cousin (retired medic) at age 70 was pain and swelling free at 5 weeks (!) – sickening for me and his sister, but hopeful for those just going into surgery.

    Thank you all for your input.  If I have anything to report after Thursday, I shall do so here.

    PS Ken I agree with you that the surgeon is not to blame. He has targets to meet and the surgery has to be carried out within 12 weeks of my referral to a specialist - which is an arbitrary, non-medical criterion. This virtually inevitably creates log-jams when the medical needs do not synchronise with the financial/political ones.  Taking out medical insurance was not an option for me, not least because the condition dates back to whaen I was in my 20s so would not be covered, but also because of my age.

    PPS In this case the patient is male - and his wife says that a woman would find it even more difficult to accept such a difference between the sizes of two knees... 

  • janice60986
    janice60986 francis24843

    Posted

    Hi again Francis, thanks for your question.  I have been measuring the circumference of both knees, so the difference is 25mm cir.  I realise it is just 4 months but I had hoped to see the size reducing by now.  I suppose I must be more patient.

    Suzi, your info is very interesting. And thanks to other commenters.

    • francis24843
      francis24843 janice60986

      Posted

      Hi Janice, 25 mm difference in circumference is just about 8mm difference in diameter.

      I think the swelling should diminish, but it really should have done so by now.

      My bruising lasted quite a bit longer, but I am on warfarine for life, so bruises hang about for a bit longer. Haematologist was not unduly worried.

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