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Concerns about 2nd TKR - This time with the DePuy Attune RP
Hi. I'm scheduling to have my other need replaced, just waiting on the date. But I have concerns.
My first knee was done and has never really healed quite right. I went back but the surgeon said the hardware was in place and fine, so they wouldn't go into it any further.
I finally got a different orthopedic to do the second knee. They thought instead of fixing the first since it's not too bad, then get the second done to take the extra weight off the first and that might help.
The first place put in "Vanguard Knee Vivacit-E Highly Crosslinked Polyethylene, Tibial Bearing, Anterior Stabilized". I looked it up and didn't see a whole lot of complaints on it.
The second doctor wants to put in "DePuy Attune RP". I looked up the part online and I just see that the "DePuy Attune" has been associate with an "unusually high early failure rate due to issues with cement adhesion, leading to loosening and instability, with some reports suggesting failure within two years. "
So I'm wondering if anyone has any info to be able to compare these? I can't find any comparisons online.
Supposedly, the DePuy has more stability and better flexibility but what good is that if it really isn't long lasting? I mean, is it really better or is it possible the doctor was just sold a bill of goods? Or are there so many bad listings on it because it's new and not yet proven, like did the other one have the same when it first came out?..........
So now, especially since the first one still has recovery issues a couple of years later, I'm having second thoughts on if I should get the DePuy or just give up.
Anyone have any facts to consider please????
PS. Excess weight has me even concerned about possible early failure, so I really don't know what to do or what the real story is about the hardwares.....
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justmeee, what concerns do you have about the hardware used in knee replacements? In my case, the robotic assistant used by my surgeon, and the prosthetics were made by Stryker/Mako. The metal is titanium (I'm pretty sure) and in my case, and because my bones are healthy, the metal prosthetics allow the bone to grow into the end of the metal, which is porous at the cellular level.
They also use a very hard plastic to take the place of the cartilage.
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1 ReactionI have had three replacements on left knee. Two were revisions when one was good for two years. Last one done in 2018. Doctors know what works after first replacement. You will be ok, what is alternative?
No, do it before the knee messes up you back And hips like me.
I agree!
Uh oh. Back up here. I just had a revision surgery (2nd one on same knee) because of severe Arthrofibrosis. 24 hrs later, had radiation on the knee - surgeon was honest - told me that medicine does not yet know how to deal with this internal scar tissue that forms after surgery - in some people. It's called Arthrofibrosis. An MRI can see it, as can those special CT scans that use a kind of dye. But, if you develop Arthrofibrosis, chances are, it will happen again. Please go to the I.A.A. site (International Arthrofibrosis Association.) There is also a supportive Facebook site, and a site called Bonesmart, where they give you good PT advice - only gentle slides several times a day - no pushing through pain. That just creates more inflammation. Please find out what your situation is before you repeat the surgery. I am hoping that the radiation will give me more range of motion, and we need to do PT for a full year before we know what our flexion will be. Seriously. It takes time for the inflammation to settle down. If you push while swollen, you only compound the problem. Please, please check out these sites.
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6 ReactionsHave you hears of the Conformis Customized knee implants? Your knee is scanned weeks prior to surgery and then a knee is 3D printed to your specifications. In the early years I have read that there were some issues. But I believe that is a thing of the past. I had a long consult with a surgeon recommended to me by my physical therapist. I have also spoken with a number of people who have had it done the older ( off the shelf way) and then the Conformis knee implant. They say they re so much happier with the custom knee.
Just some food for thought.
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2 ReactionsA Depuy Attune implant was used on my failed TKR. I discovered this when after almost four years of constant pain, swelling, and immobility (only a 35 degree bend), I found a doctor willing do more than take X-rays and say “everything looks good”, then prescribe more PT.
My new found surgeon, who specialized in robotics & revisions, ordered testing which indicated the implant was loose and too big.
He performed a Revision TKR in 2022’ and in his notes indicated I had only 25 degrees of flexion in pre-op, while sleep. He noted that during the procedure “several areas had been loose with no bonding of the cement implant surface”. This was noted for both the tibial & femoral components.
I researched and learned the Depuy Attune was known to have defects, and that instead of a recall, the manufacturer was allowed to redesign the device. Not sure if my device was an original - or a redesigned version since no model number was indicated in original surgeons notes. I’d think twice before letting your doctor use a Depuy Attune, regardless of when it’s made!… although, I'm sure there are other defective implants out there today.
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4 ReactionsThank you very much!
Thank you so much for this post! Please keep updating us on your range of motion. I’m six months post-op and my flexion before manual therapy is only 102 degrees. My PT doesn’t think I have arthrofibrosis because I got a few more degrees when they treated my keloid scar with kinesiology tape. But I’m seeing my surgeon again later this month to make sure and to get a renewed PT prescription. I particularly appreciated your comment about not pushing through severe inflammation pain. My PT had to tell me to back off because my AROM was getting worse from too much effort. My surgeon had scolded me to work harder when my AROM was too narrow at my six-week checkup. But my extra effort just made it worse. It’s so hard to find the sweet spot of effort. I also appreciated your comment about needing extended rehab. I called my surgical team to get a renewed prescription but they wouldn’t just do it and said I had to come into the office to be evaluated. Thank you again and good luck!