Well, here is a different kind of TKR issue.............possible IMPLANT FAILURE. I have had 2 TKRs. The first in 2015 was PERFECT and had little discomfort. I had 2nd TKR in 2018 by a different surgeon/hospital. It wasn't bad, recovery was overall good enough, BUT...........
I think they clipped a nerve (I have had numbness in leg for 3 yrs.). I can deal with it, but
sometimes when I run playing a racquet sport I have a calf flutter and my leg hesitates to take the next step. My foot now turns out. That knee is always a little swollen, knee/leg somewhat unstable; my balance is a bit off; my body is "pitched forward" when walking or when I bend forward; that leg does not pivot well; it is not painful (but I believe I have a high pain threshold). I have communicated many times w/ Dr. for xrays and trouble shooting with no insightful resolution or ideas.
WELL, HERE IS THE NEW NEWS AS OF LAST WEEK AND I AM UNSURE HOW TO HANDLE!!
My hospital (very highly respected in orthopedics) sent me a letter. It seems I am in a group of TKR that may have a RECALLED implant component (!?) It is Tibial Insert/Liner. It acts as cartilage/cushion for 2nd TKR between lower leg (Tibia) and upper leg (Femur). Apparently, when the part was packaged it may have let in oxygen which can cause oxidation that can weaken that part when in the TKR. I am in the process of trying to communicate and getting yet another Xray. However, I have several problems that are not exactly what they refer to but can be related (numbness, muscle "flutter", some knee swelling, instability/balance issues).
If they find my insert is a problem, is it in my best interest to re-do part of the surgery? or live with it? or get some sort of support from hospital? The hospital does not claim responsibility; they feel it is the manufacturer of the Implant part and they both may be in agreement on this.
I have always been very healthy, very physically active. Am 70+. Over the past few yrs. I have increased back issues (herniated discs and stenosis) - Last year had SEVERE thigh pain in one leg for 3 months and a more bearable thigh pain in the other leg. Do not know if this is related. I have had a ton of PT and do my exercises. And I hope people do not "blame" all this on aging; because I do not.
I do not know if these are all connected, but the big Q. is what are my real options if it turns out the implant is causing a problem? Would revision surgery be POSSIBLE?, ADVISABLE? OR EVEN LOGICAL?
Thank you anyone for any thoughts.