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Failed Knee Replacement and 2 failed revisions
I have had knee pain and difficulty with stairs for years. I had orthoscopic surgery on both knees when I was 21 yrs old. I am now 61.
I woke up one day 3 yrs ago unable to stand due to intense knee pain. Dr told me I had "bone on bone" and was well overdue for knee replacement. I was excited, thinking I would become somewhat bionic and feel relief I hadn't had in years.
I had the surgery without apparent complications and started PT. After weeks I was having more pain, not less, and it was very difficult to do PT, walk (even with the walker) or function at all. Dr offered no advice and, (after x-rays) said all was fine. He told me to join a gym.
Went to Dr number 2. CT scan and bone scan were worrisome indicating possible failure and fracture. I had surgery number 2 revision, where it was found that the replacement was loose and I had multiple fractures.
Same process...PT ( 2 different PT drs). Same outcome. Nothing amiss seen on x-ray, but intense pain and unable to complete normal PT protocols.
Went to Dr number 3. Another surgery would be very risky but I pushed forward. I was an active 59 yr old who wanted my life back.
Another revision and same story. Replacement loose, fractures, missing piece of bone that he had to replace.
Fast forward after thousands of dollars in PT and multiple second opinions. I am in a wheelchair, in constant pain, and can't walk. Additional surgeries are unadvisable, if I could even find a doctor who would agree to try.
I lost my job, lost my future, lost my life. I keep hoping some new advanced technology will come along and offer me hope.
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I am so very sorry you have been through such difficulties. Please don’t give up and keep looking for help. Shame, shame on the medical people who have not resolved this for you. Hugs.
I understand what you are going through. I have had my first knee replacement on my right knee done. and it is very loose and always in pain, sometimes to the point that I cannot walk. My second doctor is now telling me I need a revision on the knee. I have 2 options, take out the knee that's not working place a spacer in the area and allow the knee to heal then a new knee can be placed back in. OR hinge the one I have now and see if it will allow for more support, so the knee is not going all other the place and loose. I have not yet done anything with it, I am to scared that what I decide will not be the right answer. There is no one to ask or get advice from. I only wish I could get my old painful knee back. I would take it back in a New York minute!
In the meantime, we all are guineapigs for surgeons to practice on. It's just sometimes they get lucky and do it right. I to can no longer do my job and am struggling financially. They tell you; you will be up and going in a matter of weeks. THIS IS NOT TRUE! There is no guarantee on a knee replacement. I feel like the surgeon sold me a lemon, just like a shady used car salesmen selling you a broken piece of junk car. The difference is, the car there are laws, and I could get my money back!
For now, I am doing my own research because really, I do not know what to do. I am 55 years old and NOT overweight. Just someone that was told a bunch of hype and the surgeon did not follow through. After he figured out, he did not do the surgery right he pushed me off to a revision specialist and is now no longer my doctor. Everyday swelling, it's always hot to the touch, very painful, locks up, and painful in the kneecap. When I bend the knee there is a huge pop sound and you can visually see what looks like a tendon sliding over top the kneecap. horrible things they do to people then just throw them aside.
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1 ReactionMy question is where did you have these recent knee surgeries performed? Were they done at academic centers by currently board certified orthopedic surgeons that only perform knee revision surgeries??? You clearly needed revision subspecialists. I am so sorry this happened to you.
In your place, I would do a lot of careful research and find a revision subspecialist that can address why and how you have had these issues. You will find such a doctor most likely at an academic center that is highly regarded and experienced in all aspects of what you need to be correctly diagnosed and treated. I would look at the US News and Word Report list of top ten orthopedic centers.
Best wishes and good luck.
Has anyone tested you for a metal allergy?
Not that I'm aware of. No one ever brought that up as a possibility.
The first was a Harvard Med Grad who came highly recommended as an excellent orthopedic surgeon. The second was the orthopedic surgeon for the Florida Everblades hockey team, and the third was a "complicated revision" specialist at Orthopedic Specialists of SW Florida. Prior to the third surgery I went for a second opinion to HSS is W Palm Beach. I tried for over a year to get even a virtual consultation at Mayo Clinic, but could not secure an appointment. I was on a wait list then told that after the first revision they would be unable to help me.
Thank you for your good wishes.
I would also take my poorly functioning, painful old knee back in a New York minute! But honestly, I know many, many people (clients of mine) who had knee replacement with zero complications and were indeed up and walking after 2 to 3 weeks of PT. What you and I are experiencing is very rare, statistically. Its just frustrating to me that at some point getting issues like this "fixed" does indeed become about money. I do not have a lot of money, and now I am self-providing insurance since I no longer have employer supported insurance.
But a famous actor got run over by a multi-ton snow plow and he is RUNNING a year later. I'm sure people with the means get every cutting edge procedure and drug money can buy. Not to mention daily unlimited PT. The rest of us struggle to get a phone consultation with the best provider available.
I was very confident with each of the revisions I had; it just didn't work.
I am so sorry for your pain, and I hope you are able to find a revision specialist who will make things right for you. Find someone who does complicated revisions CONSTANTLY....not just occasionally. Don't give up!
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2 ReactionsThank you so much for your words of encouragement!
Your experience at Mayo is so different than mine. I went to the Clinic in Rochester, MN after having two failed knee surgeries and a second opinion from another specialist. I was notified there was a backlog so a couple of months passed, but I did get an appointment for a consultation and surgery was scheduled. I am almost eight weeks out and my knee is straight. Dr. Trousdale was my surgeon and his team is great. I hope you try again at Mayo.
I went through the roster of orthopedic specialists in Fort Myers where you had revision knee surgery. Most had Sports Medicine fellowships, which is different from a dedicated hip and knee fellowship. I also did not see anyone that did a revision knee/hip fellowship.
Since you may have “something else” going on, I would strongly urge you to go to an academic medical center where other possible physiological complicating factors can be ruled in or out.
Also we have found in comprehensively evaluating medical centers that outlying centers are “not the same” as the main “mother” center. In some cases, the outlying center may have some very unique strong programs but overall they are as “different” as our own children are from us. So be careful and do not select a center just because it is geographically close by.
Someone on this “line” mentioned Dr Trousdale from Mayo. He is indeed excellent but he is at Mayo in Rochester, MN. He and others there in Rochester may be worth consideration.
I have had two knees, a hip and a shoulder done at Mayo in Rochester. All outcomes were excellent. I was walking independently within 2 weeks after both knee surgeries and without a walker or cane within four days after hip surgery - I needed no pain meds.