Consultation prior to total knee replacement

I had robotic surgery on my left knee. It worked really well. You must realize going in that it will never be as good as what God gave you. Yet if you are like most of us it’s much better than the arthritic painful knee before surgery.

I think you're asking about robotic-assisted TKR - Stryker/Mako makes such a device.

It was used in both my TKRs last year. The results were outstanding because of the skill of the surgeon in using the assistant, and all the PT work I put in, before and after.

I had a top surgeon. I asked questions and got answers. I read literature. I know that scar tissue is a byproduct of any surgery. Every person is different, every surgery is different. I almost died. The surgeon told me I had them scared in the OR for a few minutes. They had to remove bone above and below the knee due to osteoporosis and attach/cement in two steel bars. I couldn’t move my leg, ankle or toes for three days. During that time I remained in the hospital. As soon as my toes moved, I was sent to rehab. Two weeks later I was mobile with a walker and sent home, in a lot of pain. Two years later, after much PT, I am still in pain with nerve damage. My knee was better before the surgery. But I’m still here, just not kicking!

I had the Mako robotic TKR, 12 weeks ago. I am so glad I had it done. I am very pleased with my range of motion and am back to doing things with friends. I have been able to work out at the gym, swim and take yoga classes. Since the swelling went down I don't notice any big difference between my natural knee and the replacement knee. Although , if I overdo the knee still swells and I have to ice and elevate it. I do have friends who have had the traditional knee surgery about a year ago and they are playing tennis and Pickleball. I do think I had a faster recovery initially but I think we all ended up with good results.

I had robotic TKR July 2022, MAKO. I had very good results. I plan to do it again on other knee.

Have you tried custom shoe orthotics? Without them I would not have been able to deal with hip and lower back pain due to one leg being shorter than the other. Once I had orthotics and PT I've been able to compensate for many years.

I use a knee sleeve if I am walking or doing any standing or exercise. It helps greatly and I am 11 months out. However my Dr. said it should not inhibit my knee movement at all as far as bend and it needs to be comfortable but supportive. It helps me tremendously as I still have some scarring and arthritis (had tons before surgery). Also make sure your shoes fit well. I went from a women's 11 to a men's 9.5 extra wide and my feet finally do not hurt anymore (I wear New Balance). I do not wear my knee sleeve to bed and usually it comes off around 5-6 in the evening. I'm definitely sore and stiff when I take it off but it allows me to do all I want to do pain free.

So sorry to hear of your experience. Six years ago I had my left knee replaced. The hospital ran a half day seminar where we had to bring a “coach” who would be involved in the post surgical recovery. A detailed booklet was distributed and there was a Q and A session. Overall a great experience and wonderful outcome. Fast forward to January 2023 different insurance and my surgeon had retired. One consult basically being told to expect pain periodically. I should have followed my instincts and realized the level of care was just not there. Also the first TKR to 4 hours 20 minutes the last one 42 minutes. I believe that speaks volumes. I am in constant pain from a tourniquet injury and in my knee and calf. Hopefully this information might help members of this group to share with people that are candidates for TKR . I wish I had “shopped” around more and found a surgical practice more aligned with the first group.