Fused leg knee removed due to infection

Hi @lynettegable, I moved your message to the Bones, Joints & Muscles group as this groups discusses topics similar to what you're referencing. Can you tell us what you're experiencing exactly?

I would also like to introduce you to other members, @niazumbanut, @gonefishinmt, @smargelz, and @dawn_giacabazi, as I feel that they would be able to provide valuable insight and advice.

I havevnow been having problems with my back, good knee, hip pain. Have had nerve ablations on back. Also numbness in foot and leg and pain in tge fused leg

Hi @lynettegable.

What if any kinds of treatments have helped it the past. Have you had success with physical therapy?

I went to pt for my archilles tendon but pt was afraid to change my gait until I went to a specialist. I just came back from Mayo and am going to start more pt for that. Im told no other pt can help with my other problems. My good need is worn out now but because of my infection risk they dont want to put in a new one. I have appt in November at the pain clinic and am also exploring other options for treatment of my knee such as stem cell or plasma but it is out of pocket. I just have never found anyone that has had their leg fused if they are experiencing problems.

Does anyone have a fused leg? I had knee replacement and revision due to infection. When 2nd knee got infected they removed and fused leg with rod from hip to ankle. I now have back pain. My good knee is not good had to have bone chips, minnescus removed. Had cortisone, "chicken juice" injections
No help. Going to try out of pocket stem cell and PRP in knee.

Hello Lynette,

I moved your discussion and combined it with your previous discussion on a fused leg. I did this so that the conversation would be moved to the top of the Bones, Joints & Muscles group again. I did an extensive search of Mayo Clinic Connect and I believe you may be unique in your fused knee.

While this may be frustrating, I can relate in the sense that I recently had to fuse my left ankle due to end-stage arthritis. Recently, I have had pain issues in my left knee and right hip as a result. Some think my new pain may be from the change in my walking gait, which may be something you may wish to discuss with your physician.

Although it is not a fused leg, I would like you to meet @suee, @amy75, and @grammyx4 who have had spinal fusions and back pain and may be able to offer some insight on how to manage back pain and the frustrations of a fusion of any kind.

@lynettegable, has your physician discussed your change of walking gait with you and how that may cause other joint pain? Do you notice any particular activities that make your back pain worse?

Thank you so much for reaching out to others. Walking, standing, sitting too long increases pain. Only relief is laying down

Hello, not sure if you are still looking for help as this was a few years ago. I have a fused right leg resulting from a gunshot wound to my knee suffered when I was 8 years old. I am currently 39 and just had my 31st anniversary of my accident. Living with a fused knee for over 3 decades has been a very difficult and interesting situation and one I’ve felt that only I knew what it was like. It is usually made worse by the fact that nobody understands what it’s like to live with the many problems associated with not being able to bend one leg. My situation is even more troubling as I am over 6’2” tall and have very long legs; to the point where I had to get my growth plates removed from my good knee to stop it from growing. While growing up it was all about adapting to my situation and not letting it affect my life. By my 30s I started having major back, hip, and left knee issue from the many years of being out of alignment and other knee compensating for the lack of a right knee. I have been looking for the same things you detailed in your post for almost 10 years! Nobody seems to understand. I am currently looking at trying a knee fusion reversal surgery (which I doubt I’m even eligible for) or amputation ( as most amputees don’t even have the issues I have in life). I just wanted you to know I feel your pain! I am in constant pain every moment of my life; even sleep doesn’t help as my body continues to have extreme muscle spasms while sleeping :/ I also feel like I have to advocate for everything in life on my own. It’s frustrating! I have done an extensive amount of research about programs and funding available for those that have a fused knee. I was able to get myself on Social Security Disability without a lawyer, have looked into vehicle modifications to be able to drive more comfortably, and am currently looking into Home buying on disability and obtaining a service dog. There is so much more I could list but just wanted to let you know there are others who have the same issue, and have been dealing with it for a long time. I am willing to help in any way I can do that you don’t feel as alone as I have trying to navigate through this medical issue that truly affects every aspect of our lives. Jason

@jasonh6 Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect, a place to give and get support.

You have gone through and continue to go through pain and frustration related to the injury you received as a child.

It sounds like you have a lot of information and support to give and you are extremely savvy.

Is there a particular hospital or surgeon you would suggest for this particular issue?

i have not however, I broke my right knee cap and have had a lot of issues, not the bone, but all the muscles and ligaments and lower back. Physical therapy, Chiropractic, and started dry needling a month ago due to knots in my muscles due to tension and not walking correctly. it has helped tremendously. would recommend highly.