Total Knee Replacement Part 1: Preoperative Considerations

This is part 1 of a three part Patient Education Series presentation on Total Knee Replacement (TKR). Part 1 discusses preoperative issues. Part 2 is actual footage of Total Knee Replacement Surgery performed by and subsequently narrated by Dr. Kirby Turnage of Pensacola, Florida. Part 3 is a discussion of postoperative issues every TKR patient should be aware of.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• Total Knee Replacement
• TKR
• Kirby Turnage
• Kirby L. Turnage MD
• Dr. Turnage

[Mrsgrayfox]

My husband had his TKR Dec 1, 2009. Since he is on coumadin for afib, he ended up having bleeing into the joint during his 4th week of rehab when his Inr went up and was readmitted for a few days after aspiration of the knee was done in the ER and placed on MSO4 pump. Since then, his flexion is limited to 92 degrees. It's been almost 4 months. If he keeps doing rehab at this point, will he eventually be able to get to 120 degrees or is it more likely that he will need to have another surgery?

[KirbyLTurnage]

Use of anticoagulant to prevent potentially life-threatening blood clots has its own potential complication: bleeding. Bleeding can lead to scarring. I am not your husband's surgeon nor have I examined him but typically if a patient has limited motion at >3mos, manipulation under anesthesia can be done to help flexion. It does not usually help extension. A Dynasplint or similar device may help the extension, but there is a time limitation for contractures. Discuss with your Surgeon. Blessings.

[GaryGreer1]

I'm a pretty healthy 57 year old, but I have had 2 knee surgeries for a torn miniscus due to sports. Last week it appears I torn my miniscus again skiing. Each of those are about 8-9 years apart. My exercise has been playing racquetball 3 times a week for the past 30 years and I have just learned to live with the pain. If i have a knee replacement, will I be able to play racquetball again?

[KirbyLTurnage]

pivoting sports typically require more of the knee and may lead to greater wear/time. Prob unwise to run/jog or play racquetball after TKR. Many can play tennis doubles on clay courts. Golf also common. In general, pivoting or concussive sports not wise after TKR. Make sure you NEED a TKR before agreeing to do so! Many nonoperative options to expire first. Good luck!

[b1ueocean]

Currently carrying out research and information gathering to present to my father 74. He was presented with a date for knee replacement surgery and subsequently backed out. Since then mobility has deteriorated has has his pain.

What I'm wondering is if there's a prosthetic knee cap that goes with these replacement units?

[KirbyLTurnage]

Watch part II.

[Vigren89]

I'm 22 years old and in a month I'm gonna get a knee replacement on half of my knee because the bone in my femur died as a side effect of cemo therapy, radiation and cortisone. Well at least I'm alive

[zzz4001]

my doctor advice me too do it .. plz tell me about post operative limitations in movements .. thanks

[monty2nici]

How long does a TKR last in terms of normal active life usage? If I need a second replacement how does that work? Do you replace the prosthetic part or do you have to take more bone off?

[KirbyLTurnage]

Yes - watch video. resurface only the deep surface and retain that part attached to the quadriceps. See other comment concerning predictive factors important for good result