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Truth about Total Knee Replacements

Joint Replacements | Last Active: 1 day ago | Replies (146)

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@todalou

Just now joining conversation but want to stress the importance of researching the surgeon and the kind of knee you are getting. My first surgeon only presented to me the knee that is ‘custom made to fit my leg’. After the knee was ordered, it took 6 weeks to make. It was then that I wondered if this was going to be a robotic surgery, so I inquired. My question was met with hostility from the surgeon’s staff so I backed off and all was great post-op…until I fell and landed directly on that knee three months later. Went back to surgery with same surgeon who said he just needed to clean out the wound and ‘resurface’ the patella. Could not walk after this 2nd surgery as knee kept dislocating multiple times a day - excruciating! Went back to the surgeon who took an X-ray and told me everything was OK - just needed physical therapy. The very next day the knee gave way while I was in the shower. I fell again and broke my tibia and fibula down at the ankle. The ER doc called my surgeon who said to just send me home and they would fit me in for an appointment in a couple of days. It was then that I switched surgeons. New surgeon said that type of knee was ‘totally inappropriate’ for me and would need to be replaced. He told me that he takes in a ‘whole arsenal’ of components to the OR and builds what is needed for me onsite. He said that once you ordered a custom made knee, when you went to surgery that was the knee that you were going to get - whether it works properly or not. Long story short, my ‘custom’ knee had to be completely removed and replaced with a new knee that was built onsite. Still rehabilitating 6 months later but am grateful every day for the second surgeon who gave me a true custom knee replacement!

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Replies to "Just now joining conversation but want to stress the importance of researching the surgeon and the..."

I was told in my pre-surgery meeting at the hospital that they have a whole table of sizes ready for implanting. The meeting was very informative and helpful.. even tho I canceled. So far still no regrets.

So glad you posted. I am dealing with buckling after TKR. I am on my second 2nd opinion and feeling like he is not taking my situation seriously. It is very scary because most of the time I have NO indication that my knee is going to buckle . . . awful. I will throw in a curve my femur completely broke in April and every ortho says we can't do anything until that is healed which has been very successful but not complete yet. Can you give me the name of your surgeon and where he/she is located. I am in Colorado. Thank you in advance.