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FEMURAL ROD REMOVAL FOR TOTAL KNEE REPLACEMENT

Posted by howard2802 @howard2802, Jan 21 4:05pm

My mum is 80 and was on Fosamax for over 20 years and 6 years ago she broke both femurs 8 weeks apart and had titanium rods put in both legs. In May 2024 she had to have a total knee replacement but in the last couple of months she's had a lot of pain. We've just found out that part of the knee has sheared away below the bone cement and the surgeon has said he may have to put in a new knee with longer shank but to do this he will have to remove the rod. Mum is terrified the the femur may crumble without the rod and is understandably reluctant to have it removed and risk another break. If anyone has been in this situation or can offer advise we would greatly appreciate it. Thankyou

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gently | @gently | Jan 21 8:47pm

howard2802, is your mum on any osteoporosis medications presently. Abaloparatide (Tymlos) or teriparatide (Osnuvo) would be two she might consider. They strenghten the bone and are useful for integrating new hardware. including bone cement, and decreasing healing time. They also reduce post procedural pain. And increase chondrocite production in cartilage. Are you able to get a second opinion?
You must be a great comfort. Best wishes to your mum.

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howard2802 | @howard2802 | Jan 21 10:26pm

Thankyou.. all they put her on vitamin d after she broke the first leg and she hasn't be brave to try anything else, although no one has suggested either of those medications you mentioned.

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