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Options other than TKR, have unique/rare situation

Posted by freddyboom @freddyboom, 1 day ago

Thirty years ago, I broke both bones in my leg slipping on a patch of ice. At the time, they recommended a rod be put in or, due to the nature of the break, I wouldn't walk for 25 weeks. I obviously choose the rod, the surgeon at the time said it would never need to be removed.
Fast forward to the present, I saw my doctor due to knee pain, she suspected a torn meniscus, which I do have confirmed by an MRI. I was referred to an orthopedic surgeon who, after reviewing X-rays, said I have bone on bone, and that the rod needed to be removed to make room for a total knee replacement.
During the surgery for the removal, they broke the threads for pulling the rod out, and also broke my tibia. Apparently, my bone grew into the rod itself. With the TKR, I now run the risk of amputation if they try to work around the rod, cut the bone and can't get it in place.
Has anyone out there have this scenario and what did you do?

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lindielulu | @lindielulu | 17 hours ago

Oh my goodness, are they not giving you any other options? This sounds very serious. I'm sorry I can't offer anything but encouragement and prayers but I sure do offer that

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freddyboom | @freddyboom | 15 hours ago
In reply to @lindielulu "Oh my goodness, are they not giving you any other options? This sounds very serious. I'm..." + (show)
@lindielulu

Oh my goodness, are they not giving you any other options? This sounds very serious. I'm sorry I can't offer anything but encouragement and prayers but I sure do offer that

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Thank you for your kind words.
My surgeon hasn't yet but I told him under no uncertain terms am I going into a surgery that risks losing my leg. I had very little pain prior to the meniscus tear and even afterwards, it was getting better with water exercises. Whatever he comes up with, I am definitely going for a second opinion. Id rather live with the pain than without my leg.
I've asked my surgeon to look at all possibilities and will give him one more chance to do so. If he rejects alternate solutions, he will need to explain his reasoning. Then it's time for that second opinion, and potentially a lawsuit as they didn't even tell me my leg was broken until a week after the surgery.
I've been researching the MISHA system but I'm not sure I'm a candidate. I came across that thru the Arthritis Foundation.

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