← Return to does a spinal fusion prevent a TKJR?

Discussion

does a spinal fusion prevent a TKJR?

Joint Replacements | Last Active: Oct 11, 2023 | Replies (3)
Comment receiving replies
@sueinmn

@realitytest I'm sorry, your question seems to have "fallen through the cracks" here and you never got a reply.

To answer your question about whether it is feasible to have a TKR after spinal fusion, the answer is probably a qualified "Yes"

Here are some factors I would consider -
It's 8 years later, so your whole body is 8 years older. Do you have other health issues (besides the fused spine) that would make surgery too risky or recovery too difficult?
Do you have help at home for after the surgery, and possible short-term rehab stay?
Do you have the will to go through the full rehab? You know what is is like, so only you know if you have the energy for it.
Is there an alternative to surgery that would work for you and your lifestyle? I am thinking of a full knee brace - what my kids called my "metal monster" when I was awaiting ACL/MCL replacement years ago.

Thinking of all that, are you still interested? If so, maybe we can bring in a few others and talk about next steps.
Sue

Jump to this post

Replies to "@realitytest I'm sorry, your question seems to have "fallen through the cracks" here and you never..."
realitytest | @realitytest | Oct 11, 2023

Thanks very much, Sue. It's so comforting to know there are people like you looking out for "lost in the cracks" posters like me.

I really don't know how I could possibly qualify for the TKJR on the left, though you said the answer might be a "qualified yes". I wonder if you've had a TKJR or know first hand someone who has (re the required rehabbing). You seem familiar with what a spinal fusion (especially one as extensive as mine) involves in terms of mobility limitations and recovery.

Even after all this time, I have to use grabbies to help me dress (pants, under and overpants, putting on shoes is challenging, and clipping my toenails - ha!. I depend on a bidet for elimination - not just for cleansing, but because of nerve damage which slows peristalsis and (don't know why) often leads to serious constipation. (My bidet has a "Vortex" option which can produce a strong spray which, aimed carefully, acts as an enema -though imperfectly.)

I remember the exercises for recovery from TKJR (famously painful) involved extreme extension (usually with exercise bands) to prevent the joint from healing with limited ROM - because of scarring. If done imperfectly, it leaves the joint unable to straighten owing to a permanent angle of articulation.

I COULD get rehab for weeks (the last one was awful, but some aren't), and also some at-home PT thereafter (they also check my at home adaptions - stairs, climbing into and out of car, etc.). However (my great fear the first time too), is what I'd do if I wound up with a major complication - all too common.

A son was free before to stay on hand for many months just "in case" (which I didn't turn out to need), but for a revision op now, neither son could be available for such a contingency owing to work demands. (A problem so many people have going through major surgery alone! I really don't know how any singletons manage - and perhaps they can't, unless they are very wealthy and can cover an aide (not to mention home and self care).

TBC

VIEW AND REPLY