Nanoknee, is it better or merely hype?

@crankyknee

Hi All,
I just had revision surgery. The diagnosis was mid flexion instability and the Ortho opinions were that there is an extension/flexion gap which was causing impingement and pain.

The femoral component was realigned and replaced and a larger insert installed.
Hopefully this works.

I looked into Jiffy and Nano knee surgery. I could not find any meta data research on the long term outcomes of these TKR's; just testimonials.
As Steve posted previously these procedures are presented as marketing. 'A new improved TKR with less pain and quick recovery.' Like new improved soap.
My experience is that a well qualified Ortho surgeon will do everything possible to mitigate cutting muscle, tendons and bone.

The Jiffy and Nano are marketed as 'potentally' less cutting/intrusion for less post surgery pain and faster recovery. That may work out but if there are any issues/complications during surgery you best hope that your 'Jiffy' surgeon takes their time to fix your knee properly.

@dbduffer
I find it interesting that a trained surgeon for jiffy is not allowed to share that knowledge with other surgeons.
Also in regards to your research on outcomes- it is too new to find long-term study results.

I had a very tough time with my midline approach with a top-rated surgeon, from a highly rated nationally hospital due to many variables. I ended up having to have an MUA just to get the darn joint to work. As Steve knows, I am reluctant and gun-shy in having my other knee done now- though this weather sure has it reminding me that I can't postpone forever.

On that note, my neighbor had a Jiffy in January. She was up and at 'em almost immediately. She didn't have a need for post-op pain medication other than some extra-strength Tylenol. She only did physical therapy for less than a month post-op. This part is amazing to me as I recall the grueling physical therapy that I maintained for months, 3x/week!

I did not care for the approach of the Ortho group that she had (9 surgeons all recently trained in the Jiffy method). Although very personable, her surgeon had put on a mini-seminar in our area that I attended- so much was left out.
She didn't receive any pre-op packets of teaching. There was very little written instructions ahead (I had a binder with very detailed infection-prevention details, along with so much important info for such a big surgery), nor info after the surgery. No info about how to take medications, what to look out for, how to prevent complications... It was a very streamlined approach to say the least. Her significant other didn't even realize that she had had major surgery. He said "Oh, she only had a Jiffy..."! Although she did very well initially, she still was surprised how tired she was and why she wasn't bouncing back to normal activities a few months later.

There is a Jiffy Facebook group page that I suspect someone from Jiffy runs. You don't dare bring up any concerns on it as it will be deleted or you will be removed from the group.

My knee will be 2 years old soon. I give it a C+. When you have a replacement it will never be like a real knee, and it does limit you in some activities. At least it doesn't wake me up anymore in the middle of the night when the bones go bone on bone with every little movement!

Best wishes!

@cathymw New surgeons have to learn on someone. But I am greedy enough that I want that someone to be someone else. It sounds like your ortho group is running a "Jiffy Knee mill". A good surgeon tries to talk the patient out of the proposed surgery just to make sure that the patient really really wants the very invasive operation. I doubt there is much counselling going on there.

I did not have a binder but my surgeon provides a one page instruction for the first week and a two page instruction for the following couple of weeks at the one week appointment.

Like you, I am suspicious of a surgeon who doesn't allow comparative studies.

@steveinarizona

I agree Steve.

Jiffy knee, like government intelligence, would appear to be an oxymoron. It also engenders thoughts of this being like a quick lube job.

Although some people have very good success with recovery and rehab post TKR it is a major surgery. Most people I know have dealt with the recovery and rehab over a period of time. It is different for eveyone. For every person that is up and about quickly there are many more who spend weeks and/ or months with recovery and rehab.

Fortunately the majority of TKR surgeries are successful with time.

@catheem
Not everyone will get a quick and pain free recovery. I still cannot bend my knee over 90 degrees, after 4 weeks. Pain is terrible but I take pain medications. We are all different but I hope this gets better. I too paid out of pocket 8,500. I was told that I could probably go back to work in 2 months. I don’t think so. I am a nurse and I do a lot of physical work. Just prepare yourself for anything and be ready to ice, elevate and do your exercises. It is very hard work.

@insicknessandinhealt
Why is your out of pocket cost so much? Do you not have insurance? Medicare?

If NANO Knee is so good why aren't top hospitals doing this surgery.My husband who is sober 40 yrs did it because of adds on TV.He didn't know it was going to be a partial knee replacement until they cut him opened.I saw his XRAYS they didn't even look that bad.He drives 130 miles a day 4 to 5 times a week at 72 yrs of age.He did great with the surgery,didn't do a lot of rehab took half an oxy,day and night.He has no pain driving anymore.The scar is not that small.
I need a full knee replacement and also have a knock-knee.Bone on bone with a lot of arthritis.I am 67 and am still active in sports.Softball,pickelball and biking.I am looking for the best surgery possible and have my reservations regarding the NANO knee.Shouldn't they know before cutting you opened if you will have TKR or PARTIAL.IS IT REAL OR MARKETING.

@mackad2024
I was 76 & Yes, I was very active & slender to normal weight .
2 months after my Nano Knee, I was on a 16 hr. flight to Croatia & very active during my vacation...walking 5-6 miles a day & climbing a lot of stairs.

@sheliae There are a lot of procedures that some insurance companies will not pay for...especially if you have a HMO like I did. I switched to a PPO for a year in order to have the Nano Knee. Insurance will pay for everything except the scan...which is $8,500 . Yes, that is a lot! However, new cars, home improvements, vacations are more....So I decided that I was worth it. Either way, you should have a good outcome. Just that the traditional TNR will probably be more painful, longer recovery & require opiads.....I had a traditional TNR 12 yrs ago & said that I never wanted to endure that kind of pain & recovery again....so my right knee, I decided to have the Nano Knee. It is not a piece of cake....however, so much easier & less painful & less time recovery than the traditional.

@judycat I have had a THR. I don't know anything about Nano Knee or regular knee replacement techniques. You sound like you were healthy and active pre-op.

There is no way that I could have gone on a 16-hour flight to Croatia and then walk 5-6 miles a day, climbing lots of stairs within 2 months after my THR. In fact, I don't think I could have managed it even a year out. I am 78, active (not a jock), and normal weight.

You ae superwoman!! Smile