Newbie facing surgery

[rosbif]

Hi everyone - I'm a 58 y.o Brit in the US undertaking TKR i the next month or so...

I'm in the process of checking out my surgeon for TKR - he already did an arthroscopy about 3 years ago, so I am reasonably confident of him.....

I read on this forum that a surgeon's competance is probably more important than prosthetic choice and so am asking how many he does per year. The recommendation of 500+ being good seems a lot - that works out to about 2+ per day over an average working year of 200 days, with no allowance for clinic time, etc. Is this realistic?

What ROM is realistic to aim for? A manufacturer may claim up to 120 degrees, but I see on the forums some people are hitting more than that. Is it possible for a TKR ROM to exceed manufacturer's design specification?

I queried using a recently approved prosthetic (with 155 ROM) with him and he replied he would stick with tried and tested for the time being, until the newer device has a longer clinical history - but would happily refer me to a specialist who does use this newer device.

What do readers think? I would appreciate your help as I have to make a decision in the next day or so....

Gordon

 

[JenniferG]

My OS does surgeries on mon & Tues. He probably averages 3-5 a day. mine was a bi-lat so I say that counts as 2 . he started at 2pm and I was done at 6:30pm. so they do go past 9-5, especially if the 1st of the day is at 7 0r 8. Plus add in any unplanned or emergencies. I think they can pull it of. His clinic time or office hours are covered alot by his PAs, so he may even do more surgeries than I know of. And a competent surgeon is going to pick a device he feels will work best for you based on age and activity and his success experience with things. ROM I think the min. is 90, but that is not much. Sitting in a chair feet on the floor bend is it. you want to have enough to clear a stair and not walk stiff leg. My day after surgery the PT got mine to 125 when I was sitting. Now I can get to 104 by myself. My doc used Journey knees in me. I like what i read about them. They are kinda new and cutting edge but not so new I feel like a guinnea ig. Most importantly, trust your doc. Josephine has great info.

 

[JenniferG]

oh, Gordon, Welcome as well!

 

[Nursepair]

Gordon, welcome. I am also a Brit, living in Canada. I would be happy to just get enough ROM to get up the stairs without struggle and ride the bike properly, about 110-20 I think. I have only 87-90 now at 12 weeks, may need a manipulation, still have a lot of swelling though. Good luck, Sue