Total Knee Replacement Part 3: Postoperative Issues Following TKR

Part 3 of the Patient Education Series on Total Knee Replacement (TKR) discussing postoperative issues. Part 1 discusses preoperative issues. Part 2 is actual surgical video of a Total Knee Replacement procedure performed by and subsequently narrated by Knee Surgeon Dr. Kirby Turnage of Pensacola, Florida.

Category:

People & Blogs

Tags:

• TKR
• Dr. Kirby Turnage
• Kirby Turnage
• Kirby L. Turnage MD
• Knee surgery

[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

[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

[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]

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

[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.

[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

[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?