TKR Knee surgeon Portland or Seattle?

[DustyD]

I just joined and wanted to ask a few questions, I’m 33 and have been told by multiple drs that I need a knee replacement but I’m to young. When I was 22 I wrecked a motorcycle and folded my leg sideways fully tearing my ACL and doing significant damage to my lcl and mcl. In the hospital they popped my knee back into place. A few months later I found a dr to replace my acl and I have been in brace since. 11 years later and My leg has a significant and noticeable curve to it I’ve been bone on bone for years now. Due to that it has started to wreck my lower back and putting more stress on my good leg. How do I go about finding a dr who will do more then tell me more then I need to suck it up and live with what I have.

 

[Jaycey]

@DustyD Welcome to BoneSmart! The idea that you are too young for TKR is very old school. What you need to do is find a surgeon whose specialty is younger patients.

If you can tell us where you are located in the US and what hospital is near you we might be able to help you find someone. It would also be helpful to tell us what surgeon you saw previously. You need to see someone with no connection to that surgeon.

 

[SpaceGirl]

I had my first done at 40, so I don't think you're too young, my problem was finding a reg medical dr who actually listened to me about my knees (tried for 10 years or more) and was told I had arthritis at 20 years old. My OS, as soon as he saw the xrays said I needed both done. Keep looking, there are surgeons who will do it.

 

[DustyD]

@Jaycey the nearest medical center is in Boise Idaho. The last surgeon I seen was menzner later I found out he has quite the reputation after going in for a shot in my knee at my usual clinic.

 

[Jaycey]

Where did you see Menzner? And how far can you travel? Have you used our Surgeon Locator (top blue bar)?

 

[DustyD]

@Jaycey the st Luke’s orthopedic center in Boise Idaho. As far as travel goes I can go almost anywhere reasonable I’m not to keen on the idea of salt lake but Portland and Seattle are no big deal

 

[DJL1967]

DustyD I was in the same situation as the surgeon that I had been seen ever since my serious ski accident 6 years ago has been telling me " you are too young for a knee replacements". My question to him was "what other option do I have?" his reply " no other option, you need knee replacements!" Well this circus continued till I was unable to perform my job and cortisone and gel injections did not work nor did physio or a scope to remove torn meniscus. Fast forward 1.5 years and I have found a top surgeon who has reviewed my case and agrees I need bilaterals and yes I'm too young but also too young to be laid up like I am. Life is too short and his recommendation is I should have had replacements 5 years ago. I was hoping to have surgery in June but obviously I'm on hold now till who knows when. My opinion is if you are not satisfied with who you are seeing currently than get a second opinion. In my case I was so glad I did as I found a surgeon who listened to what I was saying and was empathetic to my situation. Good luck

 

[Jaycey]

@DustyD I looked in our database and I didn't see any recommendation for Portland or Seattle. As you can see I changed your thread title so that we can get members' recommendations.

 

[DustyD]

@DJL1967 ive been 4 drs in the last few years and even had 1 bring in a knee replacement specialist all except 1 said I needed it and one recommend a osteotemy to as he but it buy me a little time. 2 of the others said a osteotemy might work but it would mostly be a waste of time. Last summer I met a guy who was in a similar situation except his leg was crushed and he finally had his amputated and said it was the best thing that ever happened. How long did they think you would get out of your knee? I’ve been told 1-20 years.

 

[DJL1967]

Well the surgeon mentioned no reason why I couldn't get 25+ years out of them and he wasn't at all concerned about a revision.

 

[Jaycey]

How long did they think you would get out of your knee? I’ve been told 1-20 years.

Technology is on our side. These implants are lasting up to 30 years or more. That's why the "too young" argument is very old school now.

 

[DustyD]

Have any of you heard of DR Edelson he is in the Portland OR area?

@Jaycey that’s great news! Now I just have to find a DR that’s not stuck in the old school train of thought.

 

[pamsknees]

I had an awesome surgeon for my bilateral TKR in Eugene Oregon if that’s not too far for you. I used Dr Jewett at Slocum orthopedics- he’s a long wait to get in to see but well worth the wait.

 

[XBreadman]

@DustyD You might want to check out Dr. James Pritchett in Seattle.
I traveled 2 states over for his services. Three times.