Revision TKR Jan’s new knees- 1 for the left-2 for the right<

[jboles]

That’s the thing. The PA I saw said he thought it was loose, the MRI said there was evidence of loosening. My OS said that he isn’t sure because of it being an all poly tibial piece that it shows up differently. He also said he understood that I was probably going to want a second opinion. But the fracture would have to heal before anything could be done.

 

[sistersinhim]

Oh Jan, I was hoping you are out dancing and having a good ole time since you've been away for a while. I pray you have a good healing of your fracture so you can find out what is wrong with your knee.

 

[eaglemom]

Oh man, your right this just stinks. And I can so relate. I too had a stress fracture, of my femur. I'd complained and no one listened, until I had a hissy fit!!! Then it was like no wonder you were uncomfortable. Duh.

Wish I had words of wisdom or the magic wand to make things better for you. It is discouraging, but hang in there. Are you thinking of getting a second opinion? I will tell you no one will touch you until the year mark and they've read all of your surgical reports. Maybe be making those calls now to get things in order if you decide for a second opinion.

Great big TX hug - I totally get it.

 

[Lindylee]

So sorry to hear about your latest problem. You have been through the mill. Vent all you like, that's what we're here for.

 

[Irish471]

@jboles, I decided to make a new post about recovery and took a look around to see a few familiar faces and saw your post. I am so sorry! It is so frustrating when our recoveries get hampered by unexpected things. A while back, you posted an X-ray that showed a tilted kneecap. I am wondering is maybe your alignment has been off this whole time? I’m no doctor, but I wonder if that would put pressure on other areas of the knee and could it would perhaps cause a fracture? Thank goodness you were in the right place when that happened! Sending you all of my prayers!!!

 

[jboles]

Guess what? I’m back and needing some help locating a revision surgeon who is willing to acknowledge my metal allergies. I went for a second opinion and the doctor said he can tell just by watching me walk that it’s obvious that my knee is unstable due to hypertension. He’s very willing to do a revision, if I will sign off for him to use a titanium implant. I’m mildly reactive to titanium. I’m not able to walk without a cane and I’m not getting any younger, or any better either. So if I have any hopes of getting better, it’s time for me to see about getting this fixed. I’ve been away from here for a while, not sure who to ask or tag for help in finding a doctor.

 

[Jockette]

Hi, Jan, I’m sorry to read things have not improved. (nothing has changed for me, either.)

He’s very willing to do a revision, if I will sign off for him to use a titanium implant. I’m mildly reactive to titanium.

Wow, I’m sorry he’s not willing to work with your concerns.

Let us know where you are and I’ll ask Jamie who she knows.

 

[sistersinhim]

I'm so sorry to hear that you are not doing better. Please keep looking for a surgeon that you are comfortable with. We are here for you.

 

[jboles]

I’m in central North Carolina. My current orthopedic doctor, who did a great job with my left knee, and has tried twice on the right knee, is willing to work with me and acknowledges all of my metal allergies. But he’s had 2 times at trying to get it right and I just don’t feel comfortable going for a 3rd time. I’ve got such a bad gait (trendleburg gait)that I’m afraid my hip/groin pain on my left side is something that will need help if I don’t get this right knee correct.

 

[sistersinhim]

@jboles, I hate to hear you are having so many problems with your new knee. Since your doctor has had 2 tries already, I'd stay away from him. You need to find a new doctor out of your area that has no affiliation with your current doctor and one who specializes in problem knees and revisions.

 

[jboles]

Any recommendations??

 

[sistersinhim]

I will ask @Jamie to help you.

 

[Jaycey]

@jboles I checked our database and there is a surgeon recommended in Cary, NC. A bit of a journey for you. But you do need to see someone not connected to your current surgeon.

Dr. Demetri Economedes
Cary Orthopedcs
Cary, North Carolina 27511
Phone: 919-467-4992

There are offices in Cary, Morrisville and Garner

 

[jboles]

Before my revision I actually had an appointment setup with a Dr. Bolognesi at Duke Medical. Would you happen to have any information on him?

 

[jboles]

@Jamie I’m still researching and looking for a revision specialist. Are you familiar with HSS? I need a revision specialist who also is familiar with working with patients who have metal allergies. The revision doctors that I’ve talked with aren’t really interested in taking me on because of my metal allergies. I’ve come to the conclusion that I’m going to have to be willing to travel to have surgery.

 

[Jamie]

I agree that your specific situation may mean traveling to get the treatment you need for this knee. Here are some recommendations at HSS. It is where I would recommend you go. You can do a portion of the process via telemedicine, so that will help.

Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS), New York City

Dr. Goeffrey Westrich

Dr. Russell Windsor

Dr. Seth Jerabek - recommended by Skybig. Working with him on severe metal allergy (Nickel, Chromium, Molybdenum, Vanadium and Aluminum and Zirconium sensitivity).

Dr. Michael Cross

Dr. Michael Parks

Dr. Bostrom
Speaker at 2018 ICJR workshop on problem hips and knees

Dr DeFelice

Dr. Della Valle (I have heard several recommendations on this surgeon)

Dr. Jerebek

Dr. Westrich

Did you ever meet with Dr. Bolognesi at Duke Medical? His bio didn't seem very strong for revision surgery, but many times you cannot tell from the web information.

 

[jboles]

No I never went to Dr. Bolognesi. My nephew is an oncologist with the Chapel Hill system and he’s been researching physicians for me, but none are willing to take me because of my allergies. None of my allergies are severe just mildly allergic to multiple different metals and I’m almost at the point of having a titanium implant done.

 

[Jamie]

That's good that you have your nephew's help with finding a good surgeon. Let me know what you decide to do, especially if you meet with one or more of the HSS surgeons. Having our member input about doctors is VERY helpful for others who might be facing a similar situation.

 

[celynda]

Hi Jan,

Your thread showed up in a search I was doing and wanted to share some of my story about HSS.

A little about me, first. My first TKA (R) was done in 2015 in Buffalo. The implant failed and in 2018, I had a revision in Jacksonville, FL. In November, 2020, I fell and broke my R femur (peri prosthetic). A well-respected Ortho (Dr. H) performed an ORIF to repair the bone. While the femur healed, I never got back to “normal” The Florida OS said the femur healed properly and the plate had pulled away from the bone but that it was “okay” and there wasn’t anything to do.

Starting in about March, 2022, the knee/thigh pain got progressively Worse. i moved to WV in June for small town life and seasons . Certainly NOT for the medical care.

Okay, now for the HSS part… Having been a member of this community since my first TKA, I looked here for help and insight. Knowing I’d have to travel to get the care I needed, I reached out to @Jamie for suggestions. She immediately recommended HSS and told me about their virtual consultation service through the Complex Joint Reconstruction Department. I was not able to participate virtually because WV doesn’t allow virtual out of state consults.

Working with the Asst Dir Clinical Management, I sent them copies of all my Ortho records and DVDs of X-rays, CTs, and MRIs. The medical team reviewed them and set me up with an appointment for the December clinic. I saw Dr. Mark Figgie and was very impressed with everyone and everything at HSS. (You can read my posts about the tests and results in my post called “Bowed Femur and Crooked Implant” in the Knee Pre-Op Thread. I should hear in mid-Jan about next steps.

I was so relieved after meeting with HSS to learn my concerns and pain were real and they would come up with a plan to fix my complex and unique situation.

I know the right answer for you is out there and I hope you find it soon. In the meantime, the BoneSmart community is here for you with input, feedback, and suggestions.

Christa.

 

[jboles]

@celynda thank you so much for reaching out to me. I hope that HSS is able to help you. It sounds like you have been through so much. I’m definitely going to look up your post. Trying to find a doctor that is willing to listen and understand what I’m dealing with seems like such a daunting task. You’ve given me a lot consider.