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Knee replacement with metal rod above knee

Joint Replacements | Last Active: Aug 17, 2023 | Replies (16)

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@killerbees

My Mother had a femoral rod put in her leg AFTER she had her TKR however. She was 68 when had TKR and 74 when fractured her femoral bone just below the hip bone. SHe was doing fine, but was extemely independent and decided to build a new home on coast of SC. She knew no one and was still under her orthopedic surgeons care in Lexington. My brother lives 750 miles from her new home on the east coast and I live approximately the same so it wasn't like we were near to help her. She didn't finish her femoral PT before she moved either, which very much concerned me...but she was stubburn so what can you do? Within 2 mths of moving to her new home, she fell and (get this) broke the titanium rod in her leg....and then after redoing that surgery, she fell again 4 mths later and did it again. At that point, I went down to live with her and between myself, her wonderful SC orthopedic surgeon, her PT and my brother who played the "bad cop" when need arose, I had her going to PT 5 days a week, walking with her walk around the neighborhood, water walking 4 days a week in the pool until I finally got her walking 2 to 2.5 miles on the nature trail every evening when it cooled off. (That was probably the longest distance she had walked in 20 years! She looked great, her muscle tone had dramatically improved, etc etc. She did suffer from seasonal allergies and was prone to get bronchitis in the Spring, and SC is particularly high pollen area at that time of year. Her Ortho surgeon was very pleased with her dramatic recovery and didn't feel her TKR 6 yrs earlier had played a part in her breaking the femoral rod...rather, lack of muscle strengh, causing balance issues and not finishing her PT the first time seemed to be the culprit. However, I agree with Debbra, I would get a second opinion. I am a long time Mayo patient for extensive orthopedic issues, and if you are able, I would highly recommend seeing the docs there for you second opinion. God speed and good luck

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Replies to "My Mother had a femoral rod put in her leg AFTER she had her TKR however...."

Wow @killerbees - That is an amazing story about your mom's orthopedic journey and you are the hero in the story! She's lucky to have had your support. I agree with JK that I've never heard of anyone breaking a titanium rod! From your post, it sounds as if you moved to SC to be with your mom so I'm guessing you use Mayo JAX. My orthopedic surgeon is there - Dr. Ortiguera. If you are going there for a TKR, I know you'd be very pleased with him. Not sure about stem cell replacement. Have you found a doctor for that?