TKR Pre Op question

[MaryInTexas]

I'm 2 months pre-op for TKR left knee. My surgeon and his PA each asked me if I had fallen in the past year. There was seemingly a great deal of importance on that question.
At the time, the answer was"no." But since they scheduled my surgery I tripped over the garden hose and fell onto the knee due for surgery in February.
Does anyone know what importance there is to this situation?

 

[EalingGran]

I fell a few times before my PKR but thankfully I haven't ( touching wood) in the two years since. In my case it was probably due to a combination of the knee being very twisted due to knock knee deformity ( valgus) and me never properly getting used to varifocal glasses.
I think the reason they may ask this question is to check if you are prone to falls and to try to remedy any causes.
I was terrified of falling after my PKR ( not helped by it being autumn/ winter- with leaves then ice on the pavements). I carried on with a stick for several months until I felt totally confident.
Having said that, a few people on here have fallen after their surgery and the implants are generally very solid and all is OK.

 

[mendogal]

I think another reason for asking is that some people develop a very unstable knee before surgery - I didn't fall, but my knee would suddenly either lock or give way because of meniscus damage, so I certainly could have fallen - so it's a way to gauge joint stability in weight bearing.

Here's some information to help you prepare. Please do post any specific questions or concerns!

KNEE PRE-OP GUIDELINES

If you are at the stage where you have joint pain but don't know for sure if you are ready to have surgery, these links may help:

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Score Chart: How bad is my arthritic knee?​

Choosing a surgeon and a prosthesis​

BMI Calculator - What to do if your surgeon says you're too heavy for joint replacement surgery​

Longevity of implants and revisions: How long will my new joint last?​

If you are at the stage where you are planning to have surgery but are looking for information so you can be better prepared for what is to come, take a look at these links:

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Recovery Aids: A comprehensive list for hospital and home​

Recliner Chairs: Things you need to know if buying one for your recovery​

Pre-Op Interviews: What's involved?​

Regardless of where you are in the process, the website and app My Knee Guide can help you stay organized and informed. The free service keeps all the information pertaining to your surgery and recovery in one place on your smartphone. It is intended to be a personal support tool for the entire process.

And if you want to picture what your life might be like with a replaced knee, take a look at some stories of amazing knee recoveries

 

[guitar lady]

Good luck with your TKR, Marilyn. I'll be having my 2nd one on Feb.18. Am looking into how much post op exercise I should do this time. Last TKR was very painful due to a foot drop. It resolved after 6mths.
Guitarlady

 

[Jockette]

@guitar lady
I‘ve moved your post above out of the Monthly team thread as we reserve that thread for surgery date information, and so members can see who else has surgery the same month. We prefer all other comments and discussion to take place in a pre op or recovery thread, such as this one. Enjoy interacting with others who are on the same journey.

 

[eaglemom]

Personally I think the "have you fallen" question is ask as a way to see how stable you are on your feet. But that's my personal theory. It seems to always be asked several times, and at each appointment. And, of course the PA/surgeon is asking all the questions that help them figure out the 'why' of your knee issues.

Having said that do not let anyone rush you off the walker or cane. Those are to help you find your balance and for security and only you know when that is. That doesn't follow a time line.