Partial Knee Replacement Options

[tngrub]

I'm trying to decide on which surgery to have on my knee. Does anyone have experience with the Repicci II PKR and the Oxford Unicompartmental PKR? I have been quite active (former runner for 40+ years) and want to return to hiking and swimming (being able to use my leg to kick). I'm leaning towards the Oxford knee components because of my activity level. I would like to hear from others who have had these procedures and their level of activity after the operation. I will have the surgery in early September.

 

[Josephine]

Not familiar with the Repicci II but the Oxford knee has been around many years and upgraded and redesigned to fit in with current requirements. In other words, it's a tried and tested prosthesis with a great pedigree. One that I would be very happy to have. Unhappily, we don't get the choice in the UK - we have to have what the surgeon decides he wants to use. Go figure!

The only other comment I have is that the quality of outcome is more dependent upon the quality of the surgery and the patient's input into the rehab - which is also to say quality not intensity or quantity.

All the best for your op.

 

[tngrub]

Thank you for your advice, Josephine. I'm fortunate here in Tennessee to have two surgeons in our city, one skilled in the Repicci method and the other skilled in the Oxford method. I will just have to decide on the lengthy track record of the Oxford versus the considerably more experience of the Repicci doctor. The research I have done so far indicated that the Oxford components were better suited to my activity level.

 

[Josephine]

I would think so. All the best in your venture!

 

[tngrub]

Well, it's now been seven weeks since my partial knee replacement surgery. I chose the Oxford method. What is truly amazing is that I am pain-free for the first time in decades. I can go up/down stairs! My only problem right now is relatively minor -- I'm still working on bending the knee and having trouble getting to 130 degrees. The swelling has lessened but I went back to working out a bit too soon and had to stop since it was obviously setting me back. My advice to others contemplating this surgery is to really work on the exercises (at the therapy center or at home) and get the knee to fully bend as quickly as possible.

 

[Josephine]

Hello, tng! How wonderful to see you here again! I am delighted at the good outcome of your op and hope that lots of other members here read it and get encouragement from it. Thank you.

 

[ross]

Howdy! Great site! I am a candidate for partial knee replacement. I actually have a surgery scheduled in 3 weeks. I am 43 years old.

The doctor (Dr. Kirschenbaum - walkandmove.com) does a large volume of these, so I am pretty confident that he is skilled and experienced, BUT, he uses the Stryker Unicompartmental (Partial) Knee.

From Bonesmart and a couple of other sources I have since become aware of the Oxford / Biomet "Partial Knee with Floating Artificial Meniscal Bearing".

This second one is appealing to me for a couple of reasons.

First, as an Engineer, I appreciate the seemingly more advanced mechanical design of the floating bearing (although sometimes greater complexity leads to more potential problems).

Secondly, and more importantly, there seems to be some suggestion that it may have more longevity then the Stryker version (?) Or at least maybe more history?

Basically I am wondering if there is a real advantage to one or the other.

I am concerned that being relatively young for this that having this done and then having it wear out or fail will limit future options.

Any and all advice greatly appreciated!!

-Ross

 

[Josephine]

Hi there, ross and welcome to the forum.

As an engineer would you agree that there is more wear in a hemispherical or universal joint than in a flatter one? For this is the case with joint replacements. In the 60 year history of hip replacements, wear was found to be a problem from the get go. In fact I might have been present the very first time it was identified!!

But though knees have a shorter history - around 40 years - the same has not been seen. From my experience and the papers I have read, wear is not as prevalent and problematic as it is in the hip. In other words, I have very rarely seen patients come in for knee revisions attributable to wear whilst it is somewhat more common in hips. So I really would not worry overmuch about that.

Secondly, I can understand your interest in the new Oxford knee but to be fair, the Radcliffe Hospital has probably more experience in designing knees than anywhere else and is certainly one of the most long serving and reliable knees going whatever its present incarnation! But the Stryker knee comes pretty close anyway. In fact, to be honest, they're all pretty much on a par as far as longevity and reliability are concerned.

So I would say go for the man with the experience and don't get too bogged down by the minuscule differences between this knee and that. I'd take the guy with the hands on skill any day what ever prosthesis he uses.

Let us know how you get on.

 

[tngrub]

Ross, I researched basically the same questions you had and decided on the Oxford procedure. All I can say is that it's 2.5 months since my surgery and I am extremely happy with the outcome. I'm back to exercising (mostly elliptical machines, swimming and walking) and learning to live without running. There's still some swelling and stiffness but I fully anticipate returning to hiking in the mountains and a bit of caving (with kneepads, for emotional security) in a few months. Good luck with your surgery!

 

[sore knee]

I had the oxford partial knee 3 months ago, and although I feel better, I am having pain when I walk, also pain going up and down stairs. The doctor has put me back on meds and now wants pt and maybe a bone scan. Has anyone else had pain in the bottom lateral side of the knee when walking?

 

[tngrub]

No, I have not had any pain like that. In fact, I've been going up/down stairs instead of using elevators just because I can do it now without pain. It's been almost six months since my partial knee surgery and the only time the knee feels a bit sore is if I overdo exercising on the crosstrainers and elliptical machines. And then the soreness isn't really in the repaired part of the knee; it's just a general soreness/stiffness in the entire knee. I hope your pain eases soon!

 

[Josephine]

I had the oxford partial knee 3 months ago, and although I feel better, I am having pain when I walk, also pain going up and down stairs. The doctor has put me back on meds and now wants pt and maybe a bone scan. Has anyone else had pain in the bottom lateral side of the knee when walking?

Your doc is wise to have a bone scan - are you female? Over 50? because there could be a very real risk of early osteoporosis. However, that having been said, no two people have the same experience as regards pain after the op. It's the one thing that is always the same!!

 

[sore knee]

I am a female and 49. My doctor also sent me to physical therapy after my last visit. He seems to think my muscles are too tight (quads, especially). I think this has helped some. A few times I have caught myself walking with no pain, although at this point it is short lived.

 

[Roo73]

I am scheduled for a PKR on August 12 using a Repicci. However, if the surgeon decides that I need a TKR instead once he gets in there, he will use a Smith & Nephew. The guy does thousands of replacements every year so I trust his judgement.

 

[JenniferG]

Me likey the Smith & Nephew. I better. I've got 2!