Truth about Total Knee Replacements

Was it a medical professional who recommended the Glucosamine Chondroitin? I have read about studies where it was found to have no effect.

More truth, no doctor mention 20percent of TKR have mid to major problems after. No doctor mentions the risks, other than possible infection or some stiffness. No doctor mentions this is a tough possible live changing surgery and not always for the better. Lets be honest if you are a lucky one it works, unlucky and you curse the day you did it

Well I was a lucky one. But after 40 years of 1 knee replacement and a revision. I’m looking at more surgery and it’s not good either a knee replacement which the doctor will take out the artificial knee and let the bones heal for four months or longer or I can have it fused or amputated so there are my options for having a knee for 40 years of good luck now I have to figure out what to do.

Most of what you say here is true Rick. I'm sure my replaced knees don't feel as good as my originals. For one thing, I can't run anymore and I was a marathoner. As far as pain though, that is as good as I ever remember, meaning I don't have any. I've also had osteoarthritis all my life, so don't remember a time in the last 20 or 30 years when any of my joints felt good as new.

Surgeons who don't offer a follow up schedule - scheduled appointments - should be avoided completely. It's hard to believe there are surgeons who would do this. So if you run into one of the exceptions, find another surgeon. And that applies for any surgery. No such thing as "minor" surgery.

As far as scarring, it's very hard to tell where my incision was made. Whoever closed the incision did a damn good job on me.

As far as recovery, consider what the worst could be, and then work for the best. Every case is different. I hired a trainer to get the muscles around my knee strong before surgery. And then I did all the rehab exercises. I'd say I was fully recovered - no pain (even on stairs), no swelling by 2-3 months. I had both knees replaced four months apart. That's about the best recovery to be hoped for. Realistically, it's gonna take longer for most, and yes, up to a year is possible. And even in my case, I waited a year before really pushing my legs. TKRs are common, but it's still a major, traumatic procedure. That has to be honored. Recovery is very possible, just not very easy so be prepared to work.

And sadly, most people (I think) will have some clicking sound. I've never had that, and again, I'm a gym rat and always have been, so my legs are strong. I think people mostly adjust to the sound. What should NOT be present is pain and swelling. Follow the instructions and the post-op pain and swelling will go away.

Anyway Rick, thanks for your "reality check". It makes me grateful for the results I achieved. And for people considering TKR, you can avoid a lot of the worst outcomes by simply doing the work.

Finally, please research surgeons and get two opinions. Go with the Dr you truly believe is committed to you and will be there as you recover. Expect and demand nothing less.

I feel terrible about all these bad experiences. I am almost ten years out after bilateral total knee replacements in 2015. They do feel like my original knees - no pain, no clicking, etc.. I don't run because I am not interested in wearing out the protheses and having revision TKRs but I certainly feel that I could get back to running miles - my running many miles and jumping rope (2000 times a day) was probably the excessive behavior that brought me into the orthopedic surgeon's office.
I did a lot of research and found a great surgeon. He and his anesthesiologists worked with patients to find out the biggest problem areas. Then they modified their techniques and technologies to correct those problems. That may have been part of the reason my experiences were good.
I also had a hip done by this same surgeon. I was walking with out pain, without a walker, without any pills at all, within three days.
I had a shoulder done at the same facility. Same experience. I never did PT with any of these replacements.
Being in good shape before the surgery, no matter how much terrible pain it takes to go through those exercises I think paid off. Also, as others have indicated, taking care to selecting a surgeon that does research, teaching, and clinical work can pay off.

Actually, my husband had 2 knees needing TKR...he decided to have one done and then have the other one done shortly, but in the meantime, starting taking the Glucosamine/Chondroitin...the 'bad' knee stopped hurting...SO...I decided to do it, as well. I have a pain management doctor, and I told him I was taking it (it's over the counter) and his response was, 'I have many knee patients who have taken it with a lot of success.' So that's why I started it!

Can you share the name of your surgeon?