What’s the criteria for getting a knee replaced?

I think if your X-ray or MRI shows bone-on-bone, then TKR will be done! My daughter-in-law is only in her 50, she had both knees totally replaced because of bone-on-bone. I am 78 with knee pain but the doctor only recommend PT, Cortisone shots and Advil. He said my knee only shows narrow gap but not bone-on-bone. Also, he won't do TKR if I was 85 or over even with bone-on-bone condition!!! Don't know if this is because Medicare policy or only his own policy!

Hi @ecook, I don't blame for being frustrated. I am too. I hate not being able to do simple tasks that require kneeling down and having to get up from sitting slowly before taking a step to make sure the knee is OK. If I had the money I would try the stem cell therapy although the ortho doctor I talked with didn't think it would help much if you have bone on bone - didn't think it could grow any new cartilage for the joint. Probably my biggest fear is not being able to get the knee replacement until I'm even older than I am now and that will make rehab even more painful. I just take it one day at a time and try to keep moving the best I can.

John

Hi Rob @robseverson, I've thought about stem cell treatment for my right knee but insurance doesn't cover it so it's all out of pocket cost. There is currently another discussion on Connect about stem cell treatment for the knee that you might want to read through and talk with others who are thinking about getting it done.

Groups > Bones, Joints & Muscles > Cost of stem cell therapy at Mayo
-- https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/cost-of-stem-cell-therapy-at-mayo/

John

I've had knee pain for four years, receiving Ortho Visc injections and/or cortisone shots and when I realized these weren't giving me the relief I needed, I had surgery, 12 days ago. These initial days have been basically rough on me but like so many other people, I do not even look forward to going to bed at night because I'm restless much of the night. I have looked for videos of the best sleeping positions after TKR and feel like I'm not seeing what I'm looking for. I'm sleeping on my back but can't find 'that comfort spot' for my knee. I put my leg on a pillow and then my other leg almost feels a tingling sensation. I hate sleep at night.........I'm icing my knee as I type now but know I need to return to an uncomfortable sleeping position. I almost look forward to daylight so this restless sleeping cycle ends.

I had TKR 16 days ago. Age 69. Not sure if one would call it elective.... arthroscopic surgery on same knee 12 months ago for torn Meniscus, torn cartilege, and arthritis on Tibia and Patella did not result in long-term relief. In spite of consistent rehab exercises for months, Supartz injections, and Cortisone. Aleve -daily- would help to some extent, but by afternoon knee would be hot, painful, and swollen. Not a fan of lifelong pain meds. (kidney, liver....) Anyway: I was able to do pretty much all I had to do — with considerable pain - , but none of the things I like to do (tennis, hiking....). So rather than wait and prostphone the inevitable, I went ahead with TKR. Turned out that Arthritis had worsened a lot, and several bone spurs had developed, so pain would only have gotten worse. I figure I’m getting more benefit out of being active at 69 and potentially have to slow down at 85, than miss out on good things now by worrying about potential revision 15 years from now.

Hello @vvfleisch, welcome to Connect. I have not had a TKR yet but do share the knee pain and difficulty finding a comfortable sleeping position at night. I ran across a YouTube video that may be helpful.

Best Position to Sleep After a Total Knee Replacement: