Knee replacement with metal rod above knee

Posted by @parkerm @parkermary, Jun 22, 2017

Hi- I have had a metal rod in my leg, above knee, for 3 years now due to a break. I now am quickly approaching knee replacement (same leg) so that rod will be removed at time of knee replacement. Just wondering if anyone else had these procedures together? And, if so, how did the additional work (removing rod) effect the rehab/recovery of the knee replacement?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Joint Replacements Support Group.

What ever happened with this? I have a rod in my femur and I need my knee replaced on that same side so I’m wondering how it’s going to go and what all is going to happen. How long is the recovery? Thanks!

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@ooshaleigh

What ever happened with this? I have a rod in my femur and I need my knee replaced on that same side so I’m wondering how it’s going to go and what all is going to happen. How long is the recovery? Thanks!

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Hi @ooshaleigh, I'm sorry that there hasn't been any responses. I know this can't be easy for you. I've had a TKR but not with a prior fracture and my recovery was pretty good at 76 when it was done. I think it was about 4 months or so until I was close to having normal use but I never did have any associated pain with the TKR. I did find an article on the topic which may help but I'm not sure.

Total Knee Arthroplasty in Patients with Prior Femoral and Tibial Fractures: Outcomes and Risk Factors for Surgical Site Complications and Reoperations: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/os.12610

I think no one really knows the answer of how the surgery and recovery will go. My recommendation would be to find the best orthopedic sports medicine surgeon that does TKRs and discuss the risks and rewards with them.

I'm also hoping that there are some other members that may have missed your post here and will share their experience with you. For anyone that did not see @ooshaleigh's first post here is the link - https://connect.mayoclinic.org/comment/711199/

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@ooshaleigh

What ever happened with this? I have a rod in my femur and I need my knee replaced on that same side so I’m wondering how it’s going to go and what all is going to happen. How long is the recovery? Thanks!

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Sorry first seeing this busy memorial weekend….. but not sure how your recovery will be ….. I had tkr in august of last year unfortunately I am going to have same one done in July my tkr is slightly oversized so I have been unable to get flexion… but I know there are many group discussion about how to get ready for tkr and what to expect…. I know for me mfr was most important I am still doing will continue right into this next surgery….I am still doing water exercises I go twice a week. I know for me I googled a lot to find information …. This site they cover a lot of topics but if your not getting what you are looking for use the web I found other discussion sites online doing that it was helpful…..hope you have speedy recovery

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@amandaa

Hi @ooshaleigh and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I know that @skeleton recently posted in our Neuropathy group about bike riding and that they had 3 femur breaks, titanium rod in each femur, plus a trapped nerve at the perineal. Perhaps they can share their experience with you. @skeleton have you had any knee issues with your rod and pins?

@ooshaleigh, Have you talked to a physician about your options yet?

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I am in PT getting infrared treatments twice a week. I need a knee replacement but I cannot have surgery because of the trapped nerve. It did not untrap like we had hoped. The risk of trying to untrap is too risky. I pray a lot. Good luck to you.❤️💛💜💙💚🧡🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🌹🌹

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@ooshaleigh

Hello there, I’m in desperate need to have total knee replacement due to degenerative osteoarthritis, medial miniscus (sp) tear, and horrible pain but I keep putting it off because I have a rod, 2 pins and 2 screws in my femur due to a car accident. So I wondered if anyone has went through this or what the process it? It may or may not matter, but the rod has been in for 21 years. I have had therapy, laprascopic surgery to clean it out, steroid shots and silicone injections all done with no relief. Thanks so much!

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Ooshaleigh, your situation was
eerily similar to mine! I desperately need a total knee replacement in my left knee, but have been postponing it primarily because I have a rod, pins and screws in my left femur due to a car accident in 2000. My surgeon believes he will not have to remove the rod to complete the TKR, but has acknowledged that the possibility exists. I am no stranger to joint replacements as I have rheumatoid arthritis and have previously had my right knee replaced and my right shoulder replaced twice. My left shoulder also needs a reverse shoulder replacement.
I would really like to hear from anyone who has had a knee replacement with a metal rod, or any advice about my situation in general. My knee surgery is scheduled for September 13th.
Thanks so much!

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I desperately need a total knee replacement in my left knee, but have been postponing it primarily because I have a rod, pins and screws in my left femur due to a car accident in 2000. My surgeon believes he will not have to remove the rod to complete the TKR, but has acknowledged that the possibility exists. I am no stranger to joint replacements as I have rheumatoid arthritis and have previously had my right knee replaced and my right shoulder replaced twice. My left shoulder also needs a reverse shoulder replacement.
I would really like to hear from anyone who has had a knee replacement with a metal rod, or any advice about my situation in general. My knee surgery is scheduled for September 13th.
Thanks so much!

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@sassoton

I need a TKA however I have an existing femoral rod (since 1999) and have been warned that I would be at a high risk for fracture above the knee. I also previously had a rod in my femur from 1971 to 1973. I had that rod removed and later broke my femur a second time in 1999 requiring the current rod.
I am now a high functioning 65 year old male however my knee needs the TKA. One suggestion has been removal of the rod and later after healing do the TKA. Suggestions?? Anyone else been in this situation??

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Curious what the Drs. did to accommodate your TKR? I have a femoral rod and my knee is failing. I am concerned about having a positive outcome given the complexity.

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