Connect
← Return to Spacer replacement 4 years after TKR
Discussion
Spacer replacement 4 years after TKR
Joint Replacements | Last Active: 2 days ago | Replies (80)Comment receiving replies
Thank you all for sharing your stories. I'm also considering a spacer replacement surgery. I can sit and rattle my knee side to side very easily with little effort and with a great deal of sideways movement, clicking, and knocking sounds. I had total knee replacement (TKR with mobile bearing unit) on my left knee at age 46 in 2018, which included a lateral release during the procedure, a shaving of tissue on the lateral side of the knee in order to put the patella back in place. Prior to TKR this knee had several arthroscopic procedures as well as one ACL reconstruction over many years. There has been a great deal of lateral movement (float, play) in the joint ever since the TKR, along with associated pain and swelling. Range of motion is full for a TKR with extension reaching to 0 degrees, yet pain at flexion endpoint, which is probably common with TKR. I am naturally very flexible. All X-rays and nuclear bone scans look beautiful. If anyone has had similar issues, I would greatly appreciate your feedback, especially concerning the consideration for spacer replacement. Thank you.
Replies to "Thank you all for sharing your stories. I'm also considering a spacer replacement surgery. I can..."
I got a TKR 2 years ago and have been in pain from the start and have been to 5 different doctors trying to find a solution apart from a total knee replacement. All they could offer was a total replacement. I knew there had to be an alternative. I was to the point where I was just going to put up with the pain…until my knee began locking where I couldn’t extend my knee, had severe pain and I couldn’t put weight on it. I finally found a doctor who suggested replacing the spacer because the one they used was too thin. Honestly, I’m giddy with excitement! No one ever even suggested that!
Hello I am going for a change of poly spacer in my Left knee replacement done 8 years ago. Did you have this surgery done? Is your knee better now?
I am concerned that the elevation will help but what about the internal collateral ligament? Is it strong and making the walk back to normal?
Thank you to inform me.
Connect
I too have severe thumping when swinging the knee back and forth. As you stated, my surgeon said the spacers could be replaced, but at this point (3 years out) I am not if a mind to do the procedure. The pain isn’t so bad that I can’t take it. I just tell people that my Tyrods need replacing. Good luck.