Spacer too large – needs replacing in both knees

Posted by pvct @pvct, Apr 29 7:55am

I had bilateral knee replacement one year ago and my recovery has been very slow and painful with swelling in both knees and ROM limited to 90 degrees. Surgeon now says that spacers in both knees are too large and need to be replaced by smaller spacers. Has anyone else had similar issues and, if so, I would be grateful to hear any comments that might be useful to me before I commit to the surgery. Specifically I am keen to know how long the recovery process is likely to be and the rate of success that this type of surgery has been with others who have undergone similar surgery. The plan is to do one knee at a time and, based upon the success of the surgery, then the second knee will be done after I have recovered. Sadly it sounds like it is likely to be a long recovery process.

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@ezas123

My first tkr was 3 sizes too big which I know sounds like a lot but is not much but enough that was not able to gain flexion … I had 2 tkr year later I looked back at reports that were able to use some of the parts just changed knee hardware that was too big…

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I would definitely go back to the surgeon and make him revise the surgery with an emphasis that he put in the wrong part. I would emphasis that he made a mistake and should absorb the cost of the surgery.
If doesn't agree just tell him that you will see an attorney to seek compensatory and punitive damages.
You must be professional and firm. If need support take someone with you. You will be the only one to negotiate with the doctor.

Good luck and let us know how you do.

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@26sabrina

I would definitely go back to the surgeon and make him revise the surgery with an emphasis that he put in the wrong part. I would emphasis that he made a mistake and should absorb the cost of the surgery.
If doesn't agree just tell him that you will see an attorney to seek compensatory and punitive damages.
You must be professional and firm. If need support take someone with you. You will be the only one to negotiate with the doctor.

Good luck and let us know how you do.

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I thank you for advice…. I had my revision smaller knee much better thank you …. Seen a lawyer dr are allowed to do what he did with no repercussions …lesson learned read fine print …

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Hi, I don’t know if you made a decision since you made this post, but I have the opposite problem. I had a total knee replacement and now it seems a spacer was too small and I’m having a lot of clicking in pain. I go to see my surgeon in a week or so, and I’ll let you know what he said. I would love to know if you decided to move forward with one of surgeries, I look forward to hearing any updates. Thank you.

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