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Does anyone have a hinged knee replacement?

Joint Replacements | Last Active: 1 day ago | Replies (39)

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I had a hinge knee revision in July 2024, after numerous dislocations with my original (2008) knee replacement. I really was not prepared for this by the doctor who performed the surgery. He said, essentially, “it won’t feel the same as the old one.”

This was quite an understatement. My knee does not hurt, but I cannot move it smoothly from overextension (it’s neutral position) to bent. When I put weight on it in the way I put weight on my right knee, it collapses. It’s taken many falls to learn the cautions I need to take to avoid falls.
I was told that rigorous PT to strengthen the surrounding muscles would solve that problem. So far it has not.

Additionally: the tibia and fibula in that same leg were badly broken in an accident many years ago. The tibia healed, stabilized with a compression plate and 6 screws. With the current odd direction of stress on the tibia, I have increasing pain in that bone, which is causing me considerable anxiety. I’m about to go for consultation with another doctor. I have already gone back to the surgeon’s PA twice. She reassured me… but I am not reassured!

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Replies to "I had a hinge knee revision in July 2024, after numerous dislocations with my original (2008)..."

@cookiemom I felt vindicated after reading your post because I, also, have had a hinged knee replacement that causes my knee to buckle and collapse. My husband and everyone else, including my surgeon, have claimed I'm not doing my therapy hard enough to strengthen my muscles. I don't think I or anyone would be capable of strengthening the knee muscles enough to overcome the mechanical collapse of the prosthesis.
You state you have learned cautions in order to avoid falls but I have not been able to predict what causes my knee to collapse. It happens suddenly and without warning which makes it impossible to predict or preempt. It doesn't happen every day; sometimes it doesn't happen for two or three weeks at a time and then it catches me unawares and happens once again. A cane, which everyone insists I carry, will not prevent the collapse; it will just fly out of my hand when it happens. My leg, below the knee, also splays out as I walk.
I would appreciate any insight you can provide. Do you think all hinged knee prostheses behave in a similar manner or did I get a particular brand that is more prone to collapsing?. My surgeon isists he is not aware of anything and he says there hasn't been a recall.
Needless to say, this has dramatically affected my life and activities. I think twice before I even cross a room. It's hard to accept that there is no solution.
Thank you for any advise or insight you can provide.

Marina Villalobos