My case is not that bad, but am still thinking I could have a "more perfect" outcome. In 2015 I had TKR at a Town hospital in Connecticut. Great success! I did a lot of leg exercises in advance and am also physically active. Had very little pain or discomfort throughout. Am in my 70's. In 2019 I had the second TKR at Hospital for Special Surgery, very well known for successful orthopedics. The only reason I switched surgeons is because the surgeon from 2015 did not take full Medicare assignment. This bothered me - why should I pay anything if I do not have to. It probably came out to a few hundred more for Dr. visits etc. - hardly anything. Well, to my disappointment the second knee, while also good and never much pain, is less perfect. OK - I can play a racquet sport (Pickleball) fine and that is what I wanted. And I am thrilled to be back on the court. But with this second TKR I have always had a little swelling - not much and it does not hurt. But the leg has had numb areas since the surgery (mainly in calf and shin). I also had a VERY tight band over knee with this one - so affected ROM. But I think I have 112-115. After 6 months and lots of exercise it improved. And now 16 months later it is a bit better - but the stiff band is still there. I have done lots of PT and still do treadmill, elliptical, and bike several times a week. The surgeon, who is very personable, says these surgeries are "NOT ALWAYS PERFECT". BUT I EXPECT MORE since outcome was excellent with first one, and this is HSS afterall.
So, not only numbness which affects a little me when I run a few steps (but not at all when I play Pickleball!). Another thing is I think this leg may not be the exact same length as the other now. It is very slight, but something is off. I am not as stable - my balance is not as good (although I can play sports). I told surgeon I do not pivot as well. He was not surprised he said (I think because of he device he used). When I bend over (playing golf) I am a bit unsteady for a few seconds. So, my question is, who should I see? Should I ask the first surgeon for 2nd opinion? Measure my legs for length, check the nerves for the numbness, and a little swelling (no pain)? Or find a totally neutral one for 2nd opinion? What could be done anyway? Could they suggest an orthopedic for my shoe? What about the numbness? (this cannot be a GOOD thing). I almost think I should have leg vigorously massaged daily for the rest of my life (!).
TO SUMMARIZE, Q. are: 1. length of leg; 2. tight knee band (which has improved since beginning); 3 - numbness and circulation, 4 -pivoting, 5 - unsteadiness (I do not fall) but my gait is not as smooth. Also, he said I have no MCL; that I either never had one or it was injured and "absorbed". Should I have MRI ? (he did Xrays). Thank you.