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When Should One Opt For A TKR Considering Severe Knee Pain And Limited Mobility?
Hi, I m trying to decide if I should get a TKR on my right knee. I had an MRI and these are the impressions: 1. Torn menisci 2. Large joint effusion with loose body 3. Tricompartmental osteoarthritis. The pain in my right knee affects my sleep, being able to walk or stand at length, going down stairs, and sitting and standing. I will be 51 the end of this month. I am active and exercise regularly. I am a bit overweight weighing about 170. I had a TKR on my left knee 5 months ago with similar MRI findings. I did try cortisone shots and Euflexxa injections with no results. I received a 2nd opinion and he gave me the same options as were offered for my left TKR, and left the decision up to me. I dont want to get any injections as they did not work the last time and prolonged the surgery. I was told with a knee scope there is maybe a 50/50 chance it would provide short lived relief and it would not help in the setting of advanced patellofemoral osteoarthritis . I think I m struggling because even though the Dr. went over all the pros and cons of each option and told me it was my decision, made comment during the appointment that a TKR may be aggressive, but I dont think the other options will work long term and I cant live with it as it is now.
Wed, 3 Jul 2024
Hello,
TKR, Knee replacement is a major surgery, before considering getting it done you are advised to get connected and clinically examined by an orthopedic surgeon. If the surgeon after clinical examination and evaluation confirms that there is no better treatment for you than TKR surgery, then you will be explained the pre- surgery tests and protocol and post-surgery precautions and care.
In case the orthopedist considers treating you via medicines and minor procedures you will have to go with the decision being taken or clearly inform the Surgeon that you want TKR instead. After TKR you will need help around the house until you get your mobility back. You will need a 24 hours serving care giver to help you.
You have to get mentally set. Your doctor will provide a list of steps to take in advance to make your recovery easier. After TKR patients may have anesthesia complications and infection. After TKR patients do may suffer from complications like loosening of prosthesis component, dislocation, misaligned, blood clots or DVT, deep vein thrombosis or nerve damage.
Legs may be slightly different lengths after surgery. In some cases, a shoe insert is required to be put. Recovery may take around a year after a knee replacement. You are supposed to understand and give your decision on the treatment your orthopedics surgeon considers giving to you. Results of surgery are excellent with 90-95% of total knee replacements continuing to function well more than 10 years after surgery. But not all cases respond equally.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Nupur K, General & Family Physician
TKR, Knee replacement is a major surgery, before considering getting it done you are advised to get connected and clinically examined by an orthopedic surgeon. If the surgeon after clinical examination and evaluation confirms that there is no better treatment for you than TKR surgery, then you will be explained the pre- surgery tests and protocol and post-surgery precautions and care.
In case the orthopedist considers treating you via medicines and minor procedures you will have to go with the decision being taken or clearly inform the Surgeon that you want TKR instead. After TKR you will need help around the house until you get your mobility back. You will need a 24 hours serving care giver to help you.
You have to get mentally set. Your doctor will provide a list of steps to take in advance to make your recovery easier. After TKR patients may have anesthesia complications and infection. After TKR patients do may suffer from complications like loosening of prosthesis component, dislocation, misaligned, blood clots or DVT, deep vein thrombosis or nerve damage.
Legs may be slightly different lengths after surgery. In some cases, a shoe insert is required to be put. Recovery may take around a year after a knee replacement. You are supposed to understand and give your decision on the treatment your orthopedics surgeon considers giving to you. Results of surgery are excellent with 90-95% of total knee replacements continuing to function well more than 10 years after surgery. But not all cases respond equally.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Nupur K, General & Family Physician
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