TKR Mako TKR

[uktanny]

Good morning everyone!

I had both of my hips replaced a few years back, and was the best thing I ever did… Despite some problems. I now need both of my knees replaced, and have been holding off as long as possible. But I can’t walk up and downstairs without holding onto banisters, to step of curb sideways…

I have had hyaluronic acid injections that I have paid for, and they have been really helpful.

My surgeon has offered me Mako robotic surgery on my knee… Please can I have peoples experience of this operation, and what you guys think? Thank you very much in advance
Tan xxxxx

Ps… Has anybody had their knee replaced by Niall Flynn?

 

[Jaycey]

@uktanny Nice to hear from you. Sorry you have more surgery to face!

We have several members who had Mako procedures. All were very satisfied with the outcome. I'm sure they will chime in here soon.

Niall Flynn's numbers look good. He seems to specialise in knees - exactly what you want.

Do you have a surgery date yet?

 

[glidefloss]

Hi @uktanny , I had both knees (4 months apart) replaced where the surgeon used the Mako robotic system to assist in the operation. I am very happy with my new knees but I sincerely believe that 90% of the success (so far) has been due to my surgeon's skill and thoroughness. Great tools in the hands of great people lead to great results. Great tools in the hands of not so great people can lead to mediocre results.

A major thing to know is that the surgeon does a lot of work - without any robotic assist, e.g., opening up the knee, moving all the nerves, tendons, muscles, etc around, operating the robotic arm (which follows a programmed plan based on a CT scan taken of the knee a couple of weeks before - to cut away the diseased parts of the bone), removing any other unnecessary cartilage (the ACL seems to be one that's removed if it still exists - I didn't have any in either knee), installing/trialing/test/adjust/finalizing all the component parts to the femur, tibia and patella, etc, etc, etc.

In my case Styrker Triathlon knee components were installed. Styker is the company that makes Mako.

I'm not sure if in the UK, you'll be able to access most US YouTube clips. A fairly short clip (9 minutes) that features my surgeon can be found by searching in YouTube for "watch knee replacement using the Mako robotic arm" or for "panorama orthopedics & spine center". The clip was posted a couple of years ago and currently have 2.6 million views.

Good luck on whatever you decide! And if you have any other questions, please feel free to ask away ... I can give you my perspective, especially since I've now undergone two of the same procedures!

All the best!

 

[uktanny]

Hi @Jaycey , So sorry I forgot to reply to this! I was given one, and then I cancelled it due to being so worried about it, another date came up, but my surgeon no longer works for the NHS, which is such a shame. He only does private work now, but as I had previously been referred to him I was re-referred, but then told that my BMI is too high…. I’ve got to be under 35, and I’m probably about 10 pound too high.I don’t really know what to do for now… I’m feeling a little bit lost… I have a brain tumour, and potential seizures, although they are controlled at the moment and I just feel so muddled up

 

[Jaycey]

I have a brain tumour, and potential seizures, although they are controlled at the moment and I just feel so muddled up

Gosh - this makes joint replacement seem like nothing. So sorry you are dealing with this. Does medication make you feel bad?

Losing weight when you have mobility issues is very difficult. Perhaps ask your GP for suggestions or a referral to a dietician. This BMI roadblock isn't new. But they are using these milestones more and more due to the dire state of the NHS.

Please keep in touch and let us know how you are doing.

 

[uktanny]

Hi… Thank you for your reply. It’s not been an easy road, The hip replacements looking back were manageable… Although one was much worse than the other, I had a subluxation with the first one… Because I had left it so long, it didn’t help that I had so little strength and muscle there. And then I tripped on a dustpan and brush!

I’ve been looking at my BMI, and I only have to lose 5lbs To get down to 13 stone 9 to fit the criteria… so basically I had a letter from St Richards Hospital saying that they had refused to operate due to my BMI, so maybe I should go back to my doctor to get them to properly reweigh me. I’ve got a feeling that my weight at the doctors was probably at least half a stone heavier than I am now. Do you know what it is like though it’s virtually impossible to see a doctor! So feeling a bit muddled what to do next.

I think one of my biggest fears is having a seizure after the operation… If ever I get it. I’m doing some real damage to myself! My current medication has kept me safe for about 15 months now. so I haven’t had a seizure during that time. Thankfully back to driving. But this happened before… My medication kept me safe and then I had a seizure and had to relinquish my license again for one year.

But I’ve had the radiotherapy treatment through my brain now, and haven’t had a seizure for over 15 months. And they have changed my medication. Although it is a bit of a concern going to anaesthetic, And being on extra drugs… So very worried about it triggering a seizure… I just cannot imagine how awful that would be as I get no warning!

 

[Jaycey]

maybe I should go back to my doctor to get them to properly reweigh me

I totally agree! If you are within 5lbs you might just be on the mark now! It's certainly worth exploring.

I think one of my biggest fears is having a seizure after the operation

I assume you are under the care of a consultant for this condition? I would discuss your concern with that consultant and any surgeon you are working with. Same with the anaesthetic - the anaesthetist will know how to deal with this and may be able to address your concern. If you have not had a seizure for that long that's great news. Obviously the medication is keeping you safe.

 

[uktanny]

Hi JaceyI weighed again this morning… And I’m definitely only have to lose 5 lb, so I’m going to get that ball rolling. I have an operation on the 6th of February to have a gastric band removed, and then after that I’m going to get everything sorted… The Mets are keeping me safe! So very grateful for that