Delaying TKR

Excellent plan and advise Lawanna. Thank you!

Joe

That's interesting. My knee surgeon used Stryker/Mako and my shoulder surgeon uses Zimmer Biomet.

I think the robotic assistant is most useful in knee replacements. There are three areas that need to be prepped for the implant, the bottom of the femur, the top of the tibia, and the back of the patella. The femur is tricky and requires a number of cuts. Accuracy is everything, and the robotic assistant makes sure the surgeon does very refined cuts, while virtually eliminating cuts that aren't needed.

It's fascinating to me. Better yet, it worked!

Joe

Most TKRs are outpatient, But if you don't have support at home, take Sue's advice and find out what your insurance will cover as far as an extended hospital stay, admittance to a rehab facility, and/or getting assistance through a visiting nurse.

Another thanks to you! You always have something of value to share.

Your comment about shifting point of view is helpful to me to keep in mind as I prepare for upcoming knee surgery.
I have an excellent dr. Although he's skilled with robotic procedure, he won’t be using it in my case.

I would not use an "outpatient" facility because I live alone. I used the hospital and got an extra day or two which made all the difference. I hired a stranger (a friend of a friend) who helped me for the first 2 - 3 weeks I was at home. I've had 5 major joint replacement surgeries. After she left, I had prescheduled some neighbors, extended cousins to come for the next month for some visits, meals and getting around. It made all the difference. By 6-8 weeks out I was ready to fully be on my own. it timed out with my driving clearances as well. Good luck!

Still doing great. Of course, I have days when the nerves are healing and there is discomfort. But that's normal. My flection is now 124 and 113 at 7 weeks so I am pleased. So glad I had this done.

Thank you so much for your kind words. That means a lot to me.

I have a friend at the gym, now retired, who was a sales rep for Zimmer Biomet and he knew my shoulder surgeon.

In a comment he can make now that he's retired, he stated what I thought was obvious - almost all of these medical devices are good. Good surgical outcomes though are largely personal, that is, a good surgeon and a patient willing to do the required rehab will get good results.

My point being, do a lot of research before selecting a surgeon. And be prepared. The best ortho surgeons are booked out 3 to 6 months. So at the first sign of joint or back trouble, find a great Dr. It's our health after all and we deserve the best.

Joe

Thank you Loll.

Yeah robotic assistants are most valuable, imo, for knees. There is no need I know of to use one for the hip, and my surgeon didn't use a robotic assistant when I had my shoulder replaced on Aug 6th - yep, two weeks ago!

Point is, robotic assistants won't be used for all joint replacements by all ortho surgeons. I've had good experiences both ways. I trust my surgeons to do whatever it takes to have a successful surgery, because a good surgeon is still the most important variable.

Joe

Flexion at 124!?! That is terrific. 120 is the goal when finishing PT so you are doing great!

As for nerves, I had a limited sense of feeing on and around both kneecaps. This wasn't a problem, and resolved around 6 months I think.

I'm glad you're happy with the results. You deserve them!