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Total or Partial Knee Replacement?
My husband has bone on bone with his right knee, He's seen 2 doctors one told him he needs total and the other said he only needs a partial replacement. He's scheduled his surgery with the doctor that told him a partial. Which doctor is correct
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@sueinmn
Please take pain meds, elevate, and ice. I am 1 day after my right tkr and I am doing fine. Get ahead of the pain.
I had left tkr 2 years ago and it has been good so far.
@jrs0303 it is a horrible surgery. I’ve had both my done. The first was in 2019. If you remember, at that time, doctors were very stingy with pain meds. When I had my knee done, I was not given pain medication after the surgery! Instead I had a liquid pain medication that was going directly into the wound. It only lasted 4 days.
Recovery from TKR is very tough! You will feel better, one day or one hour at a time.
You will okay
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1 Reaction@SusanEllen66
I do remember re: pain meds! I cannot imagine how difficult this would be. Each day seems to be getting incrementally better. I am still unable to lift my leg . They tell me the tourniquet weakens the thigh muscle. Thank you for your reply to me!
I would ask each surgeon what is the basis for their recommendation. If your husband doesn’t have bone on bone arthritis in each of the three compartments of the knee, maybe partial is appropriate. If he has bone on bone in all compartments then full replacement would probably be appropriate. Surgeon needs to explain that to your husband and you.
@jrs0303 when was your surgery?
Usually you are getting physical therapy a couple days after surgery.
@SusanEllen66
Actually, many knee surgeons are beginning to change to starting PT a couple or few weeks after the surgery while resting with ice and compression. I have an incredible surgeon who does exactly that and I came out not only with no post surgery pain but ROM in that third week of 122 and a flat extension.
By the way, current research is beginning to turn against the use of a tourniquet:
https://evidence.nihr.ac.uk/alert/tourniquets-increase-serious-complications-knee-replacement-surgery/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4105775/
My incredible surgeon did NOT use a tourniquet using tranexamic acid instead.
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1 Reaction@SusanEllen66
Surgery was 3/17. Had my first PT yesterday. They ordered and set up a ROM tech in my home I’ve been using this.
@jrs0303 What is a ROM tech and what is done with it?
It is similar to a recumbent bike. However, first pedals for you. Then with assistance, Then with resistance - all as you gain strength and RANGE of MOTION. Sends all progress data to the doctor. Very high tech. $$$ but covered by Medicare for 30 days
It has been 6 weeks since surgery.
My ROM is only 105. I go to PT and exercise at home. The surgeon is talking about a possible MUA.
Any suggestions.
Thanks