Alternatives to TKR

Posted by theokitty10 @theokitty10, Jan 15 10:44am

I have had two consultations about my arthritic knee and tried to learn if there were any alternatives to TKR. Both doctors dismissed my questions - they viewed TKR as the only option. How do I find someone who could offer alternatives?

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mcchesney | @kathleen1314 | Jan 16 3:58pm

In reply to @daostas53 "@kathleen1314 amen to your last prayer." + (show)

@daostas53
Yep there are a lot of sheep up at North Western running around with great regrown cartilage, just wish it was in my knee.
https://news.northwestern.edu/stories/2024/august/new-biomaterial-regrows-damaged-cartilage-in-joints

John1984 | @jschwing | Jan 16 5:57pm

I have just gone through all of this so let me offer some thoughts.

I would stay away from cortisone shots. They offer relief short term but cause more damage to the knee tissue longer term. But some of the other suggestions sound intriguing. Although , stem cell and PRP might be a stretch and here’s why. For these methods to have any effect, there must be some tissue to adhere to. Unfortunately, with bone on bone, that tissue is no longer available.

I struggled for eight years with this condition and pain from walking, could not run. Severe limp with lots of knee boing out on right leg. But, like you , I could do my daily living requirements. I ended up opting for the surgery because my gait was so deteriorated that it as causing back pain, hip, and sciatica on the other leg.

With all that being said, if your joint has mobility and is stable, I would not suggest the surgery until it impacts your ability to do household tasks.

I was trying to be proactive and increase my quality of life being impacted by the knee. But you get used to the pain and learn to modify movements. If I could go back I certainly would have waited to have this TKR done.

Also, be very careful if you are on any medications. In post op there are lots of medications that can react with others. Also, be sure to clarify what anesthesia you will use. I was told by the anesthesiologist as I was being wheeled out on the gurney that they recommend the spinal nerve block anesthesia due to quicker recovery times and rehab success. Do not believe he looked at my medication list and that is where things really took a turn.

grandpun | @grandpun | Jan 17 7:33am

In reply to @jschwing "I have just gone through all of this so let me offer some thoughts. I would..." + (show)

@jschwing
John, could you explain some more about the problems with anesthesia??
I've had lots of surgery (6 recently) and so far very lucky.
But each surgery is a risk for anyone.
Thanks

grandpun | @grandpun | Jan 17 7:34am

Thanks all for the many options to immediate TKR. Now I've got a list for my NEW surgeon who does revisions.

John1984 | @jschwing | Jan 18 11:38am

In reply to @grandpun "@jschwing John, could you explain some more about the problems with anesthesia?? I've had lots of..." + (show)

@grandpun

John1984 | @jschwing | Jan 18 11:41am

I was on long term Paxil Cr 12.5 mg and somehow it reacted with the nervous system either from the spinal nerve block anesthesia or the post surgical antibiotics. It was so severe, still struggling after 20 months.

grandpun | @grandpun | Jan 18 9:39pm

In reply to @jschwing "I was on long term Paxil Cr 12.5 mg and somehow it reacted with the nervous..." + (show)

@jschwing
RED FLAG for me!!!
I'm on paroxetine (same as Paxil) now and have been since about mid-2023.
For sure I'll tell any future anesthesiologist about it and for them to do a deep research into any risk with what may be planned for me.
Your's advice is massively important for me and possibly many others to be assertive about any chance of such interaction .
We owe you many thanks in advance. You're a true blessing for us by sharing your suspicion of an interaction. Four Stars for you, our buddy.