Connect
TKR is a gamble
I've had TKR on both knees with one successful and the other a horror show. The unsuccessful knee surgery was 6 1/2 years ago followed up with PT and home exercises for 12 months. The knee was never right with my doctor never acknowledging a problem. Ten months ago I decided to have revision surgery with another surgeon and again the PT and home exercises routine. I've made the conclusion that this knee will never be right and I'll have to live with the effects it has on my quality of life. The successful knee surgery was 3 years ago and after the problems with the unsuccessful knee I decided to avoid the pain of PT and just do the minimum. Go figure!
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the Joint Replacements Support Group.
Connect
We have different views on the medical community. It's wonderful seeing all those happy TKR patients limping around with their canes. We, the doctor and I, went forward with my revision TKR when I pointed out the issue with the X-Ray. I pointed out the misalignment that he didn't see, or acknowledge. Please don't reply!
I wish I had gone with the robotic assist surgeon but I was turned off by his staff. Unfriendly, unhelpful, did not return phone calls or emails or just to say I had to come in if I have more questions (a 1+ hour drive), and just a I can't be bothered, eye rolling attitude. So I stuck with my local older surgeon who I'd been seeing for 5 years who did the traditional surgery. Now I'm having ongoing problems still almost 5 months out from surgery that he does not want to take seriously always telling me everything looks good, other patients just ignore their clicking (mind you I ne er described it as "clicking") , and no way he will even look in with the arthroscope until at least another 4 months of healing. Hindsight is 20/20. I went for a 2nd opinion and diagnosed with Patellar Clunk syndrome. 😭
Just curious ouch89...if you had the same surgeon do your revision surgery? I've had a 2nd opinion who made a diagnosis of patellar Clunk surgery (I wrote to you about this) but the 2nd opinion doc is out of state. Not sure if I should have the fix it surgery with my original TKR doc who says I have to wait another 4 months for more healing or just leave his care altogether. 🤷🏼 Decisions, decisions.
All my surgeries were done with robotics with top rated surgeons. One successful, two unsuccessful. There are many factors that can be listed to determine successful outcomes but only one that will throw a wrench. I hope that with time you'll be more comfortable.
The revision surgery was done with another surgeon who also did my successful knee. I'm at the point of making another follow up appointment but hesitate when I'm having a better day. The healing process is so long that we can get easily frustrated. Good luck.
I'll always reply to a misleading post. People shouldn't be unnecessarily scared by a conspiracy theory about TKR Drs, and a ridiculous statement about "all those happy TKR patients limping around with their canes". That kind of statement is irresponsible. I used a walker for the first week after surgery, a cane for the second one, and then I threw them away. You did get the happy part right though.
You're taking your experience and applying it to all TKRs that ever have been and ever will be performed. Sorry you had a bad surgeon. You are an exception.
Finally, if you're surgeon made such a mistake, why would you use him or her for the revision?
There are way too many inconsistencies in your comments to take them seriously, if they happened at all. I guess trolls can be found everywhere.
And I'll repeat something, it's on the patient to find a surgeon and do the work necessary post-op.
Hi Irene. I suggest finding another surgeon. And please look for. surgeon who specializes in revisions, as it sounds like that's what you need. Finally, I'm not sure why a scope is necessary to diagnose your problem. Time to find another Dr I suggest. All the best to you.
("Patellar Clunk Syndrome" is new to me. Where did you find an explanation of this situation?)
I Googled it. Up to 20% of people can get it after TKR, and is more prevalent in those that get posterior stabilized prosthetics, which I have. 🙄
The revision was with another doctor. Apparently you're so intent trying to get your point across that you didn't read. Like your point of view it's about what you think - I can back up my comments. Not being objective doesn't help readers. Please no more!
You're correct ouch. I misread your original post and for that I apologize. I still wouldn't give up on PT, or better, find a trainer with a degree in kinesiology at a good gym. Preferably, do both. Please don't give up.
And for all of you who have had bad outcomes from TKR due to a bad surgeon, or a surgeon's mistake, or other considerations mostly out of your control, I am truly sorry.
For those considering a TKR, research and find a good surgeon who commits to follow-up visits. If you need to lose weight, hold off on the surgery until your weight is down to what your surgeon recommends. (I was about 20 lbs overweight at 5'11" when I had the TKRs and I managed fine. Now I am at normal weight, largely because the TKRs allowed me to get back to the gym. When I suggest losing weight, be reasonable with yourself.) If you smoke - quit (I did, a side benefit). And finally and most important, get your leg muscles in shape pre-surgery and do all of the post-op rehab.
Sorry again ouch. I wish you the best. Just please don't give up.