TKR revision surgery and problems

The Conformis customized knee replacement is the only way to go in my opinion. Had mine done two years ago and it's like my knee is was when I was young! Honestly! It only makes sense....

@jeffkirc Do you also happen to be in the Boston area? I had the advantage of having mine down by Dr. Fitz, one of the developers of the Conformis knee. He gives you choices of course, to do otherwise would be a conflict of interest, but who wouldn't choose the Conformis? I figured he would really want that to work well since his reputation is a stake, and I have been very happy with it. I wish I had my first one done by him too. He really is a lovely man. I like him a lot.
JK

I have learned so much from the Joint Replacements discussion group since having my bilateral TKR's. I've learned recently that I may have to have a revision on the right knee due to a poor sizing fit (too big). I would like to connect with any revisions out there and ask for any insights and how was the recovery? Did you feel you were better off after the revision?

Hi @doodles418,

I’m so happy to know that you’ve found support from the incredible members on Connect! You may notice that I moved your message and combined it with this existing discussion as I thought it would be beneficial for you to connect with members who are discussing TKR revisions.
If you click on VIEW & REPLY in your email notification, you will see the whole discussion and can join in, meet, and participate with other members talking about their or their loved ones' experiences.
Do you know when you might have the procedure?

No I live in Woodbury Minnesota a suburb of St Paul Minnesota. My surgeon was Doctor Weiss and he also did a terrific job. Yes I'm a firm believer in the conformis knee, it was initially suggested by my orthopedic surgeon and after discussion with him and a little bit of independent research I decided this was the only way to go. I understand that there is some hassles with MRI insurance reimbursements but even if I was not reimbursed I would have paid out of pocket due to the fact of the implant was such a successful outcome for me and like I mentioned before makes total sense, a customized joint...

@jeffkirc I was surprised but very pleased that Medicare and my excellent supplement paid the whole bill. That's such a relief when you are on a limited retirement income.
JK

For sure, and you really never know until the final bill comes!

@contentandwell I had bilateral Jan 2019. MUA Feb 2019. Active, healthy, 125lbs, 61 yr old. No health issues at all other than bad knees. Should have been an excellent candidate for surgery. After the manipulation things never got better. I was diligent with PT at home and I still go once a week at 6 months post op. By April I felt frustrated and so did my PT's with the little progress I was making. The pain was unbearable, still is. I still can't walk very well, people tell me it's painful to watch me walk. I can't stand for more than 10 minutes due to pain. At 5 months my surgeon said "just part of recovery". My PT's didn't agree and suggested a second opinion. It was with a top surgeon who specializes in failed implants and revisions. He said they appear to be too big for me, along with knee caps that were not placed back properly. I have 3 different sizes ranging from 3-5 in the surgical notes. 2 nd opinion Dr. suggested revision on right femur that is a size 5, tibia size 4, he could shave the plate and use the tibia implant. On my left knee I have a 4 femur and 3 tibia, so not as big nor as painful, but still not the right fit. He said to revise right and if I was pleased with the outcome I could consider the left or just live with it. I asked about custom fitting before surgery and was told no one in the area did that, would have to travel out state. I'm trying to decide how long to wait, Dr said within 18 months (which would be 24 months post op). The pain and rehab are still pretty fresh with me, so I want to know if those that had revisions were satisfied with outcomes.

I'm trying to decide when. Hoping to get insights with this group. Thank you for your reply.

Wow @doodles418 - Your recovery journey sounds like a nightmare. I am so impressed that you are being so methodical in continuing your PT, getting the 2nd opinion(s) and evaluating your options. I've had two TKR's and never knew that the patient had to worry about size. In fact, I have no idea what size mine are. My last TKR was January and I can only imagine how discouraging it must be to be this far post-op and still dealing with pain. It sounds as if you are thinking of getting a revision in January 2021 - and wondering if you can do it sooner. Is that correct? I can see why you would want to get relief sooner rather than later. Wishing you the best.