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I’m scheduled for knee replacement but read so many negatives ?
Im having full knee replacement very soon and researching I read so many negatives so for all of you who have had it, is it worth it ? I’m definitely concerned that I’ll be worse off by reading so many problems with pain, swelling and movement with knee replacements and maybe one should just put up with what we deal with now than adding pain and swelling into the mix.
Any advice would be much appreciated.
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@andoman
I am sure your surgeon will do a good job. Your rehab is most important. Do your exercises everyday even if it hurts. Good luck.
@andoman, you will probably have a tough 6 weeks but after that the pain and swelling will dissipate. Work hard on your exercises even though it hurts. You will do fine. Good luck!!
@SusanEllen66
How is the scar now? Most scars turn into a a fine line.
@dsmit8 the scar is quite normal looking the usual. The zipper tape that they used to close up the incision did not pierce the skin at all.
You can see pictures of it online. Google ZipLine
They can be purchased on Amazon for small cuts!
For anyone wondering what computer-assisted knee replacement is, here was my experience. Spoiler - both surgeries were successful.
In 2022, at age 67, I had both knees replaced, 4 months apart. My surgeon used hardware and software made by Mako (owned by Stryker).
I think it's inaccurate to use the word "robot" in these surgeries as the surgeon is the one always in control. Before surgery, a CT scan is taken of your knee. This is loaded into the Mako software and used to guide a mechanical cutting arm.
The CT scan is on a screen in front of the surgeon during surgery. Areas of bone that need to be cut are highlighted in bright green. The surgeon guides the hand and as bone is removed, the green is replaced with white. Although the surgeon controls the bone removal, the software will not allow him to cut anything not in green. Finally there is always a representative from Mako, in this case, in the OR, to assist with picking out the right size prosthesis.
I had great results and so if your Dr offers this, I recommend it. In fact, I wouldn't go to a surgeon who doesn't use this technology.
Note - this is usually only done for the knees. The hips and shoulders do not have, to my knowledge, software assisted procedures. I've also had my right hip and left shoulder replaced. I'm happy to answer any questions about knee, hip, and shoulder replacement. (My shoulder replacement was an anatomical shoulder replacement. If one of the rotator cuffs is irreparably damaged, the surgeon does a reverse total shoulder replacement, rather than anatomical. Again, questions welcomed.)
Joe
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1 ReactionHi andoman! Well if you weren't a little nervous I'd be concerned! Both of my TKRs went very well and I am now, 4 years later, still pain free.
It is normal to be a bit nervous about any surgery. No two surgeries are alike. My best advice is find a great surgeon with great recommendations, pick a surgeon who uses software/robot assistance, and follow rehab instructions faithfully. (Before surgery and after I'm prepped, I ask the anesthesiologist for some "Versed", a drug that won't knock you out but will calm the jitters.)
The physical therapist will visit you before you are released and take you on a short walk. Yep, you will be walking (gingerly) on the same day of surgery.
Let me know if you have more questions. All the best to you!
Joe
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1 ReactionMy scars - one on each knee - did just that, turned into a barely-noticeable fine line.
I had my left shoulder replaced about 11 months ago, and the scar is barely visible.
@heyjoe415
What you describe is the process for someone using Stryker products. It is fine and they are fine but there are equally good alternatives. My surgeon helped develop and uses the CORI robot from Smith & Nephew along with its Journey II implants. A key difference is that in the S&N system, the surgeon builds the model on line during the surgery instead of in advance with a CT scan. I am not as familiar with the ROSA/Zimmer Bionet system but I am confident that they are also good. Here is a link to a website comparing the three systems:
https://drjnegus.com/blog/robotic-knee-surgery-systems/
If you are scientifically inclined here is a paper talking about knee replacement robots:
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9887337/
IMHO the key is not the process but the individual (the surgeon) who is using the systems. I would look for the best surgeon I could find and would be satisfied if he used any of the three systems (as well as the Conformis implant).
BTW hip replacements surgeons can and many do use robots to assist them. Here is a brief discussion:
https://www.pennmedicine.org/treatments/robotic-hip-replacement
Again...find a great surgeon and don't stress over which implant system she uses. My incredible surgeon replaced my left hip four years ago and my right knee seven months ago with no post surgery pain either time.
@steveinarizona