Why did you get a knee replacement?

Knee replacement aged 60 in January 2018. multi fracture and osteotomy in 2007 following fall. 

Additional multi fracture op in 2013 following another fall. 

Immense pain knee out of alignment by over 12 degrees glaring out from knee to the right. 

Difficulty getting up and down knee locking. 

Much much improved since op. 

running and karate.   In my mid to late 50s, my right knee started bothering me and I was told it was just bone on bone and at some point I would want my knee replaced.  Starting October 2017 I could no longer bike, walk or do much of anything because of the pain in my knee so I decided it was time.  

Hi Maria

?Is this research or are you in the unfortunate position to be needing a knee replacement?

?My knees started giving way at about the age of 50. But it wasn't until I tore the meniscus at age 58 that my problems really started. I had knee surgery to trim the meniscus at 60 but shortly after osteoarthritis had cause my right knee to be bone on bone. The pain was unbearable and walking any distance was a real issue. It took another 2 years before I literally couldn't walk more than about 200 yards so had a medial partial knee replacement. Followed by exactly the same for the same reasons 6 months later (5 weeks ago) on the other knee. Without the surgery I had no life and found it impossible to walk. My first knee started to improve and was better than before the operation. My second knee is still very very painful and swollen and no better than before - I am hoping with exercise etc this will change.

The knees eventually do look the same as before, however this is yet to be proved with my latest knee which of course is still swollen.

?Bottom line, I don't think anyone would have this operation unless there was no alternative, its brutal, painful and doesn't always give you the results you would like and certainly not without a great deal of time, patience and effort.

Hi Maria. I had a knee replacement at age 62 because it was becoming increasingly more painful, especially getting up after sitting awhile or getting up from a low seat. I have walked a lot for exercise and I couldn't do it for very long without pain in my knee. I also had to quit playing tennis because it was just too uncomfortable. I'm glad I had it done, though I can't say it was easy. I worked hard at PT and it was probably 6 months before I was playing tennis again and comfortably walking around. Now my other knee has become quite painful so that is scheduled for June. It became obvious to me when the pain started being the focus of my attention most days. The scar I have is very light not all that noticeable. My knees look the same except the one that has not been replaced is puffy and swollen at the moment.

I eventually began to have trouble with my left leg and put things in motion to have to the second op. I was advised by my surgeon to stop any injections in the left knee as they tended to soften the bone.

Waiting for my second op I did muscle strengthening excercises every day in the hope my recovery time post op would be enhanced. It proved so and I was swinging my operated leg in and out of bed  on the morning following the op. To date I’m doing great with the second op.

"Why did you get a knee replacement?"

I had four (4) scopes (two each knee) to repair meniscus tears and ripped-off femoral condyle cartilages over the years...result of playing hockey for 45+ years.  This left very little to no cartilage in the joint.  Combine that with advancing arthritis and a bone-on-bone situation, another scope or shots would do nothing for me.  I had used Synvisc injections successfully for many years and then a move to a warmer climate helped greatly. The pain was starting to become annoying on the left side to I asked the doc for options...only had one.   From my first scope to TKR #1 was a 15-year time span; I still have to do #2...someday.

"...and at what age?"

TKR was done at 68.  I am now 2+ years post-op and feel great.  Yes, there are permanent post-op restrictions on pounding the knee (running, jogging, almost all competitive sports) and also twisting/torquing the knee.  Big no-nos.

"Was the pain unbearable or walking impossible?"

No...just a bit annoying.  I wanted to get something done while I was fit and active enough to do the rehab.

"Do your knees look the same or they have a different appearance?"

For the first year, the TKR knee will always look a bit larger because of the swelling involved.  This goes away gradually.  The knee will swell more if you push the knee too hard during recovery.  You should not do this.  The knee will be healed when it's healed...very Zen.  At two years, they look pretty much identical with the TKR one a shade larger but really unnoticeable.  Remember...you have a giant mechanical device implanted in your leg!!!

We have noticed on the Forum that female patients are more concerned with residual scaring than the males.  There are a lot of posts on here regarding creams, ointments, voodoo ceremonies, sacrificing to the God of Knees, etc. to reduce the scaring.

If you are considering a TKR, know the reality before you jump in with both feet...

https://patient.info/forums/discuss/tkr-pre-op-expectations-622045

For almost all of us, the first few months are extremely painful, even with the heavy duty opioids, you have to do PT to get your range of motion (ROM) back and then go on an exercise program to rebuild your atrophied quads, glutes and core.  Most people are back to work with little problem in 4-6 months; before that and people report a lot of pain and swelling.  The whole thing takes a full year start to finish.  Yes, there have been very rare exceptions who skate through this in a few months but that cannot be expected.  In truth, you must leave all your expectations and timetables at the door to the OR.  The knee will control your recovery time...period.  Nothing in your head will make a difference.  Push the knee...pay the price.

This is what a TKR recovery actually looks like...

https://patient.info/forums/discuss/the-reality-of-a-tkr-recovery-in-one-picture-626038

Post it on your fridge...and don't forget the oars for the boat part...