Total Knee Replacement Part 3: Postoperative Issues Following TKR

[jewelied]

How long does it take the internal sutures to absorb/dissolve? I'm about 12 weeks out now; having pain and stiffness along the suture line. Really stiff!

[chrisibooo]

My mom just had TKR this week. Your videos was very helpful in getting me to understand the procedure. Thank you so much for sharing. You have definitely made me a subscriber.

[ups1ups1]

L/TKR tomorrow, 5/24/11. Would love a 2nd opinion. I drive for UPS in central Pa. 54 yr old. Surgeon who reconstructed ACL 11 years ago in same knee,(doesn't do TKR anymore ), told me, 5 years ago, I would not be able to return to my work as a driver. My new surgeon, very experienced, told me, with confidence and a smile on his face, that with todays TKR technology, I "could" be back to work in 3 months ! BTW, I'm 5'9, 152 lbs and in great shape. Sound accurate to you sir ? Great vids Thank you

[KirbyLTurnage]

@ups1ups1 A revision is usually not as good as a well done virgin knee, even when both done well. Fitness is key along with low body wt. Certainly possible. Blessings. KLT

[KillToriify]

@ups1ups1 i had both knees done and I would say your only going to get out of it wat you put into the rehab , the more you push the better you will be in the long run

[ciscoci]

Hi. I had a tka 2007.Immediately started pt.From beginning,there's been an audible popping w/every move.When sitting or to stand, there's a loud pop and jump(unless I'm careful)which u can see.Very painful. My PT ordered extra pt to strengthen the muscles.I and PT talked to my MD at the onset. He's made several x-rays over the yrs to check equip.More pain lately, found huge bonespur frag.same knee. Had surg.2wks ago. Equip. was OK, but knee'sstill popping.What could be happening?THNX

[KirbyLTurnage]

Alan, if you are not heavy, you had your lateral meniscus removed which leads to arthritis more than a medial meniscectomy. Back to the reason for TKR: pain. You are on the young side but many in upper 50s do well with TKR. pay attn to be VERY near or at your ideal body wt! Critical! Second opinion with physician who does many TKRs per year is good idea.

Blessings, KLT

[alanhugg]

I am 56 years old and work as a RN, My Dr. says I am too young to have a TKR, I would like to have it done now NOT when I am 80, My wife and I are very active and travel ,so I walk alot now ,but only with PAIN, I am bone to bone because of surgery back in 1979 the you tore your menisces and they just removed the whole meniscus what should I do?

[chipbartley42]

I am 4 weeks post op with a rt TKR. I am a veteran and surg done at the VA in LA. I received a Smith and Neqhew Oxinium knee. at this point my knee is weak and unstable. What kind of progress should I expect at the 4 week period. It feels jiggly/loose and stabbing pain above and below the knee cap. flex 120 and extend 170 good. I feel as I walk that I have no control when I put my right leg forward and it seems to release. WHAT EXERCISES should I be doing NOW. I also sent a video response

[KirbyLTurnage]

@chipbartley42 Chip, almost impossible to advise you not being your surgeon. You will need to ask your surgeon where he wants you in terms of motion, strength, ability to walk, when to get off walker. Key is usually early motion - you need to be able to fully straighten your knee now, not later (will not usually come later). You can get flexion later. Talk to your doctor. Blessings,

KLT

[E6L713]

I am in pretty good shape so weight is not a problem. Like I said some days it hurts really bad mostly when I walk in it od am on it a long time. And on weekends it don't hurt as bad but I still get the stabing feeling. Yes I did try the both shots none of them lasted longer then a week. Should I wait till I can't walk or just face it now while I am younger and will heal faster? Thank you

[E6L713]

Doc I have a few questons so sorry for the long message. OK to Start my DR said I need my left knee replaced. I am 41. Some day's it hurts like crazy then it will go for sometimes up to 5 days with very little pain. He said It will need to be replaced with in 4 yrs. So my question should I wait till it gets to the point I cant take the pain any more? Or am I better off getting it done now when I am younger?

My second question how long will I be out of work I do Const driving Trucks

[KirbyLTurnage]

@E6L713 Pain is the reason to have a TKR. When the pain is great enough and you have expired all nonoperative measures (Synvisc?) and cannot live with the pain, then have the operation. If you are heavy, absolutely lose wt to increase your mobility and potentially the longevity of the prosthesis. Ask your doctor on question2. Blessings. KLT

[mkm2828]

I'm 47, facing TKR for osteoarthritis. Thank you so very much for these videos and the warm manner in which you convey your information. I found each segment to be extremely helpful, particularly in demystifying the surgical process. Thanks again.

[hav2be1]

Had left knee replacement 4 months ago. Your video series was important for me before the surgery and I just watched again and gained some additional knowledge. My knee is pain-free, works perfectly and I have certainly put it through some tests traveling, climbing and biking. I think the key to a good post-op is following the physician and PT directions exactly . I did that and have had zero problems and LOVE my new knee!

[KirbyLTurnage]

congratulations! Glad to hear you have done so very well! Continue the "maintenance" work. Thank you for your comments. Glad to have been some help to you.

[zzz4001]

very helpful video .. but dose i'll face any limitations of movements post operative ?

[senafi2002]

you're the best

[tldevilsh]

I'd go through this surgery, after nursing knee pain all around for 3 years daily, as long as I can get back to wrestling again, I'd give years of dedication as long as I can have healthy knee again. I just need referral from my doctor, which I don't think I will get...

[robactor]

I am having this operation next week on my right knee. I have been suffering after a botched cruciate ligament operation for 3 and a half years and this seems to be the only way out now. I'm not looking forward to the pain, but I am determined to work hard to make this work so that I can have a painless knee. I am 40 this year so young for this type of operation, but at least I should be alright for at least 10 years, I hope;-) Thank you for posting this video, it's very informative!;-) R.

[riahmouss]

when i was 14 i wrecked on a dirtbike, my left knee was hurt badly, then last year in July, i slippd on sand&there was a huge rock there i feel on the same knee. *** the point is, Will i have to have knee replacement when i get older? Is there ways to prevent it? ****im very paranoid of this! LMAO!***

[MoTabAlto]

I have had one total knee and actually woke up during the surgery.... interesting.

I am having my other knee done in about four weeks and I found your videos EXTREMELY helpful! Thanks so much for posting!

[KirbyLTurnage]

Very welcome. Hope your second surgery goes well.

[ramirezvk56]

do u use biomet knees??

[kujhawkrulz]

I am in my last semester of nursing school and found your 3 videos to be very informative and have shared them with my classmates, thanks a lot for posting these!!!

[nathanxbox360guy]

hey im 13 too n i thought da medical field was boring but after watching this i feel like taking the medical field thank u

[KirbyLTurnage]

No matter what you see happening in medicine these days with government threatening to take over, medicine is a ministry to people who need caring, highly skilled care. Go in to medicine because you want to make a difference in the world, not for money or prestige or any other reason. It is a wonderful way to serve your fellow man. I look forward to going to work every day. Blessings to you. Work hard. Persevere. Your sacrifices will be rewarded in the faces of your patients some day.

[joviyaham]

thank you i am 13 and i want to become a surgeon tpo in my class this really helped

[Apolyion]

I had 2 debriedments to relieve pain since then, but at this point, bone is rubbing on bone and a number of spurs are present. There really is no point in prolonging this any further.

[Apolyion]

Thank you Dr. Turnage for the series. I found it very informative and insightful. I am going in for total knee replacement on Tue. Sept. 1.

Dr. Frederick Fletcher of Northeast Orthopaedics will be performing the surgery at St. Peter's Hospital in Albany New York.

I am a 47 year old male, retired from the NYPD and my right knee was injured in a line of duty accident some 15 years ago.

[KirbyLTurnage]

Hope you are recovering well from your surgery. Best wishes. Thanks for your comments.

KLT

[Apolyion]

TY , I am doing very well. It was a painful first 48 hrs, but I have come a long way in a short time with a good therapy routine.

The incision healed well, staples removed and the redness is starting to fade.

I am glad I had this procedure done and would recommend anyone suffering from chronic knee pain to look into it.

[zzz4001]

@Apolyion : thank you for sharing your experience .. did u know find any limitation in movements after the surgery ?

[zzz4001]

@Apolyion @Apolyion : thank you for sharing your experience .. did u know find any limitation in movements after the surgery ?