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Leg length difference after TKR! What can be done?
Joint Replacements | Last Active: Feb 15 3:59pm | Replies (78)Comment receiving replies
Thank you for those kind comments, It's True, it would be drastic and I will definitely get another opinion before I have any amputation.
The problem is the Neuropathy has damaged my bones (I'm told) which is why they were trimmed during each TKR. IMO, after 4 failed TKR's (still on #4 but it's time is limited) I think the surgeon's have given up on the idea of getting a TKR to work for me. Now that my Tibia is short, my present surgeon suggests he replace my (good) hip and run a rod between my hip and ankle. I will be unable to bend my leg at all but we avoid amputation. Lots to consider. I'm not seriously considering that option though. It would require probably 2 major surgeries which I don't want my wife to suffer through or me. ,
As Far As the way the docs act after the TKR, in my case I saw that. It was very subtle and may have been my imagination but I sensed a change.
As things are now I'll probably keep getting around on my walker trying to get my legs stronger and hopefully things will improve.
Thanks again,
Larry
Replies to "Thank you for those kind comments, It's True, it would be drastic and I will definitely..."
Hi Larry, @lturn9 - Your reply helped me understand more about your situation. And I like the suggestion that @mamie offered regarding bone lengthening. You mention that your Neuropathy may have led to the bone damage that caused them to trim some bone during the surgery. Here is a link to the Neuropathy Group on Connect in case this helps:
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/neuropathy/
I may have missed this, but are you still doing physical therapy for strength training?
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Hi @lturn9. I've only been visiting the forum on occasion but saw your post about your situation. Have you considered talking to anyone about bone lengthening to regrow some of the bone lost? I was looking at the website for the Hospital for Special Surgery, which apparently is the top site for orthopedic surgery in the U.S. and saw this information: https://www.hss.edu/limblengthening-about.asp
Perhaps you could ask your surgeon about it or find someone there to communicate with you to see if that is a possibility for your situation. Or perhaps someone at Mayo is familiar with the process. Best wishes!