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Truth about Total Knee Replacements
Joint Replacements | Last Active: Oct 26 1:17pm | Replies (126)Comment receiving replies
One other thing to think about...not all surgeries are the same! Every surgeon/hospital has different techniques. I could have gone with the 'minimally invasive' procedure where they do not cut the quad muscle; it's a smaller incision; tourniquet is only used for 5 minutes when the glue is drying (others have the tourniquet on for up to 20 minutes.) Most docs that do the robotic surgery do minimally invasive, as well as a CT scan to measure your knee size to help alleviate too big/too small hardware. It is not a 'one size fits all' hardware, but one specifically built for your body/leg...so many people find a doc they like (by reputation or just a feeling you get when meeting them) and never ask questions! I was going to go with the robotic, but the surgeon said he will cut the quad muscle (he was 'old school') so I went with another surgeon that doesn't 'fit' the hardware to my knee but has 5 minute tourniquet time and doesn't cut the quad muscle. So if ever you have another one done, there are so many questions to ask! PS I actually cancelled my surgery because I researched it like crazy and was told to try stretches/exercises twice a day to strengthen the quad muscle to help alleviate pain. Also, to start on glucosamine/chondroitin. I know maybe someday I will do it, but not unless the pain is bad..thankfully, these days it's about a 1 to 2 at most, off and on during the day. Good luck to all!
Replies to "One other thing to think about...not all surgeries are the same! Every surgeon/hospital has different techniques...."
Was it a medical professional who recommended the Glucosamine Chondroitin? I have read about studies where it was found to have no effect.
Very good information catheem. This is my first time commenting on Mayo. You mentioned some things I should have been more aware of as concerns surgery.
I have asked, but doctors seem reluctant to share/give information about exercise to: 1) strengthen the muscles supporting the knee prior to surgery or 2) best exercises to supporting the knee even if surgery is not desired.
Is there a section on this site or would it be easy enough for you to share some of the exercises that did the most good for your knee? The internet has SO many things said - someone with experience with them is a better choice for info.
I am 75, been told I was a candidate for both knees to be replaced for about 10 years. I had gone with the orthovisc injections for about 4 years, getting them every year, but missed 3 years during COVID period. Restarted last year and having them closer to 7-8 months, the last being in late March. It helps, but do you think glucosamine/chondroitin is helpful?
Sorry for all the questions...curious first timer here.
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If your pain is that low, then you should certainly put off the surgery, great decision. My surgeon only said the surgery would help with the pain. But it was up to me to decide how that pain was affecting my life, and up to me to have the surgery scheduled, with three scheduled follow-up visits.
And that's because I met with two surgeons. I got similar opinions, but I went with the Dr I knew would take responsibility for his work - before, during, and after the surgery. He did and I was fully recovered within 8-10 weeks of surgery. I had both knees replaced, four months apart. And yes, I did all the PT and hired a personal trainer. It's my body and my life after all.