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Spacer replacement 4 years after TKR

Posted by doodles418 @doodles418, Feb 8, 2023

Has anyone been told their plastic spacer is too thin and should be replaced? My knee has been having all kinds of pain, pinching and burning sensations for months now. Xray shows implants are stable, but the spacer may be too thin and gives me the unstable feeling. Surgeon suggests going in and replacing, but not a fan of surgery. Anyone have it done? Successful? Wished they didn't? Thanks for any comments.

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dbduffer | @dbduffer | 1 day ago
In reply to @george12345 "@dbduffer I have spoken to my well qualified surgeon and he does not think that just..." + (show)
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@dbduffer
I have spoken to my well qualified surgeon and he does not think that just replacing the spacer with a larger spacer will work to my benefit. He would not do that. I would like ti find someone who would do that surgery. Like you said, 50/50. ? Rather try that first prior to Revision, 3+ hr surgery, plus a tuff rehab for a 80 year old man.

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@george12345

It was my decision to try the insert replacement only as I did not want to do a full revision.
My surgeon pointed out that it was only a 50-50 chance of working, but I made the decision.

In hindsight, which is more clear , I should’ve done the full revision the first time around.

Best of luck to you and a successful outcome.

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george12345 | @george12345 | 14 hours ago
In reply to @dbduffer "@george12345 It was my decision to try the insert replacement only as I did not want..." + (show)
Profile picture for dbduffer @dbduffer

@george12345

It was my decision to try the insert replacement only as I did not want to do a full revision.
My surgeon pointed out that it was only a 50-50 chance of working, but I made the decision.

In hindsight, which is more clear , I should’ve done the full revision the first time around.

Best of luck to you and a successful outcome.

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@dbduffer
When you say that in hindsight you should have had the revision done the first time, can you tell me your experence with that decision and both out comes.
Thank you

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george12345 | @george12345 | 14 hours ago

What is the rehab experience after a full revision of a TKR? My TKR was 8 years ago and the spacer has been shedding. My knee has swollen up but no pain, discomfort only. Some bone deterioration but no pain. Dr. said , full revision is required. Can just changing the spacer be a good option?

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george12345 | @george12345 | 14 hours ago
In reply to @JustinMcClanahan "Hi @george12345, I combined your discussion with an existing discussion titled: "Spacer replacement 4 years after..." + (show)
Profile picture for Justin McClanahan, Moderator @JustinMcClanahan

Hi @george12345,

I combined your discussion with an existing discussion titled:

"Spacer replacement 4 years after TKR"
- https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/spacer-replacement-4-years-after-tkr/

This discussion is a bit lengthy but there are many members discussing spacers after their knee replacement. @jerseygirl21, @eprovostva, and @cedarrose all discussed getting or needing a spacer and may be able to share their experience with you as well.

@george12345, are you experiencing some bone loss around your TKR?

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@JustinMcClanahan yes I am experiencing some bone loss on both knees which I have had TKR on both knees. No pain, just one knee swollen caused by the spacer breaking down over the last 6 months.

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