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Interesting discussion with new knee doctor yesterday!
Joint Replacements | Last Active: Sep 4, 2023 | Replies (39)Comment receiving replies
I just had THR and what's bothering me a lot is my knee. It has been said that I need a knee replacement but I got the hip replacement first. The knee swelling after the hip replacement is painful and prohibits me from bending the knee much, more than a few inches and that with intense pain. I'm not sure how fast the recovery should go, and I am seeing the surgeon in a week or two (not sure of date), and wonder now is this a good time to ask for a CT scan? I told him I was having problems with my knee when he examined me, he encouraged me to have the hip replacement, but didn't offer a CT scan. Only a regular x-ray which I had, of course. I wonder just how good that is. He has a very good reputation on healthgrades, and the hospital he works out of, always got the best reviews from personnel, but--I wonder if I should have had a CT scan, and why the knee is so swollen after the hip surgery, yes, it was giving me trouble before the hip surgery but still -- I hope the swelling will go down, like I said it's been a little over a week from the hip replacement.
Replies to "I just had THR and what's bothering me a lot is my knee. It has been..."
Cindi,
I think it will take another week or two for the hip to settle down.
As for the knee, women tend to have more trouble with their knees than men. The reason is that men's hips align with their knees, while a woman's hips are slightly wider and not directly over the knee. I'm not a Dr. - it's possible the knew knee now has the femur properly aligned and it is aggravating the knee because of the angle of the femur coming into the knee joint. That's a guess but I'd ask the Dr.
X-rays can usually tell if a knee replacement is needed. It shows if the bones are rubbing together, and the degree of degradation of the cartilage. Ask him about your x-rays.
Even if a TKR is warranted, I'm sure he'll ask you to wait until the hip is completely healed. And you should.
I have had osteoarthritis in my feet (two bunioneictomies) and my knees (two TKRs) and now find out my shoulder is arthritic and someday will probably need to be replaced. I'm an orthopedic surgeon's dream. You might have inherited the arthritis gene as I did,
All the best to you Cindi! Joe
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I remember hearing that if you need both it’s best to get the hip done first. Everyone is different when it comes to recuperating and healing. But your knee has probably been exacerbated by the hip surgery. Doctors don’t seem to want to rush with CT scans. I’m not sure why. How about a visit to your primary care doctor while you’re waiting for your next appointment with the surgeon. Or call surgeon and request an earlier appointment due to knee pain. Best wishes.