Knee fusion reversal

Posted by fred811 @fred811, May 8, 2022

Has there been any improvement in this procedure?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Bones, Joints & Muscles Support Group.

Just to comment on the knee steroid injection. I had the steroid injection done a few weeks ago and my knee is better. It is not completely better but it is getting there. I am glad that I tried it. My injury is a tear in the knee.

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Hi @fred811 and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I'd like to invite @pegleg27 and @pattyduerkop to share their experiences with you as well.

Here is some reference info for you to read: Nov 2020 - Difficult surgery to reverse a knee fusion provides one man the chance to regain his mobility and the opportunity to live life to its fullest: https://blog.weisshospital.com/stories/stories-of-triumph/difficult-surgery-to-reverse-a-knee-fusion-provides-one-man-the-chance-to-regain-his-mobility-and-the-opportunity-to-live-life-to-its-fullest

Can you expound on your situation and what issues you have faced with this surgery so far?

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I had 4 tkr and always developed excessive scar tissue. Rehab would go well and then in a few weeks all the progress reversed.
It was then decided to fuse the knee joint. It has been 13 years and in that time, I have had a total knee on the other knee and back issues.
I'm a Permanent Deacon and would love to be able to genuflect again and all the mobility issues.
I have heard about Dr. Finn, but I also heard that insurance doesn't cover the procedure.

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@amandaa

Hi @fred811 and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I'd like to invite @pegleg27 and @pattyduerkop to share their experiences with you as well.

Here is some reference info for you to read: Nov 2020 - Difficult surgery to reverse a knee fusion provides one man the chance to regain his mobility and the opportunity to live life to its fullest: https://blog.weisshospital.com/stories/stories-of-triumph/difficult-surgery-to-reverse-a-knee-fusion-provides-one-man-the-chance-to-regain-his-mobility-and-the-opportunity-to-live-life-to-its-fullest

Can you expound on your situation and what issues you have faced with this surgery so far?

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I too had my knee fusion reversed at Weiss Memorial,by Dr. Finn. I have been 5 yrs post op with virtually no side effects. I have a third of my right leg bone removed due to infection and I'm glad I reversed it. I use no assisted devices and hike in the mountains with no problems

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Is the procedure covered by insurance?

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Insurance covered the procedure

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I have had 2TKR'S and one revision.

before I have an AKA I am considering a knee fusion, but my Dr. is not thinking it will provide pain relief.

this is now 6 years

what is the pro's and con's?

I can be on my feet less than 10 minutes before I must sit

RJ

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@ralph1

I too had my knee fusion reversed at Weiss Memorial,by Dr. Finn. I have been 5 yrs post op with virtually no side effects. I have a third of my right leg bone removed due to infection and I'm glad I reversed it. I use no assisted devices and hike in the mountains with no problems

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Ah, a breath of hope.

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@rreichmuth

I have had 2TKR'S and one revision.

before I have an AKA I am considering a knee fusion, but my Dr. is not thinking it will provide pain relief.

this is now 6 years

what is the pro's and con's?

I can be on my feet less than 10 minutes before I must sit

RJ

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Hi, what is knee fusion

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Hi,
Knee fusion is taking the knee as it exists and fusing the upper and lower leg bones together or fusing them.

The best definition would be " a stiff leg" with no bending at the knee.

I have asked to have this procedure but I was told that the ortho's do not recommend unless an infection is causing the pain

I will be having a spinal stimulation preformed in 4 weeks, after a meeting with a physiologist, having an MRI and various blood tests

If this does not work I am advocating for an above the knee amputation.

My Vascular Surgeon has informed me of the pros and cons of the surgery....but after 6 years and 2 months of pain, and diminished quality of life.....I have done All A-Z of recommendations with ZERO positive results
Thanks
RJ

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