Researching Knee Replacement

[Nursepair]

Formerly sent to me by PM from GSMom:


Hi I am very overwhelmed and confused. I have the one doctor who is super nice and has been treating me for two years now giving me supartz injections. He does not use the computer assisted technology. He would put a smith and nephew fixed bearing knee in me he says because it has stood the test of time for wear. I am 46 years old so a knee that will last really long is a concern.
Then I went for another opinion. This other doctor does use computer assisted minimally invasive technique and would put a stryker knee in me. How do you find out which one is better? I have spent countless hours on the internet. All you get is each knee manufacturer ads and marketing material. I am so confused. I have been suffering now for years, but I am able to get around fine I just can't walk or stand for a long time. Can't go to the mall with my girls, well I can, but it is very dificult for me after a few stores I have to sit down. My leg is bowed and doctor says is subluxed or something, so the knee just doesn't work. But I can bike for hours just can't walk. Any help or comments would be appreciated.

 

[Skeet]

Excellent question. I just found the OS I liked and trusted him. Most OSs use the one they are most familiar with. I love my Zimmer knee.

 

[Doug]

I have the de Puy rotating platform. My Dr. used that one because of my desire to keep doing Karate.
My leg was also badly bowed out.
At 11 weeks, I'm very happy.
I agree with Skeet. Go with your gut feeling on the OS. I'm sure you could find good arguments for just about any one of them.

 

[Josephine]

Sue, send her my post "How to choose a surgeon and a prosthesis".

Is there a reason she has not become a member?

 

[Nursepair]

Have sent the post Jo. I don't know why, but I have asked her to join us. Thanks.

 

[Simon]

One book you might want to look at is

All you need to know about Joint Surgery. Preparing for surgery, recovery and an active new lifestyle. It is published by the Arthritis Foundation

Here are the chapter titles.

Do you need joint surgery
Why would you need to have joint surgery
Other treatments and preparations for surgery
What are the different types of joint surgery
Is surgery the right option for you?
Getting ready for surgery
Tips for losing wieght before surgery
Exercise before surgery
What happens during surgery
What happens during recovery
Gettng your life back in order
What to expect in the long term
What you can do after your surgery and recovery
They also have a chapter of information resources. If you are looking for information you should use those of professional organizations like the Association of Academic Orthopedic Sugerons (www.aaos.org), the Arthritis Foundation (www.arthritis.org you can order the book here)

There is a good section on questions to ask the doctor and well as a list of questions to think about

For information look for web sites that end in .org which are non profit organizations or .edu which are educational institutes. Also some of the larger medical centers have good information like Mayo Clinic. Dartmouth-Hitchcock (https://www.dhmc.org) -- they put there total knee replacement guide on line.

Hope this helps. It is confusing.

 

[Skeet]

Wish I had that book before - maybe I would have been better prepared for the after surgery part. THanks for sharing your wisdom!

 

[Roo73]

Simon - just wanted to say thanks! I ordered a used copy from Amazon and I'm looking forward to the education when it arrives. In the meantime, I am still researching. Thanks again!

 

[JenniferG]

Dear GSmom. I have 2 smith & nephews done at the same time. My os, who I trust greatly, does not use the computer aided because he feels that it adds alot of time to the whole procedure (Doubles or triples) for a procedure that is still disputed as to its value and only changes things within a millimeter or less, yet leaving you "open" longer and actually requires additional comprimise of the skin and bone. They drill a hole above & below to set up guide. Made sense to me. Best in your serach and decision.

 

[Pattipoo]

I have a smith and nephew....love it!

 

[jb94102]

Hi ya i cant give advice but i have the new Otis Med knee and so far i love it it doesnt take as much drilling or a rod and the recovery rate is shorter i have been doing real well with mine had 117 rom at 5 weeks ..now at 7weeks 129 rom and extention 0...

https://www.otismed.com/about.html hope info helps .....JIM :O)

 

[referee54]

I have a smith and nephew....love it!

I have a Smith and Wesson---I too love it...OOPS,, sorry!

Tim C.

 

[Pattipoo]

Have you taken too many fast balls to the noggin??

 

[referee54]

Have you taken too many fast balls to the noggin??

Nah---actually didn't have to ump today--commuted to school and back on my bike. I am just funnin' with ya, that's all...

Tim C.

 

[Pattipoo]

just so happens that I LOVE "funnin"!!

 

[referee54]

How y'all doin' in the Tarheel State?

 

[Doug]

Still think you need some grits ref.!!!

 

[Pattipoo]

OHHHHHH....guys I need LOVE in the Tar Heel State! Big Nasty Snotty Cold!
Patti needs lovin......need big hugs up in heah....

snarkle....snot....sniff sniff....cough

 

[Doug]

Hugs are 10-51..(police talk for enroute).

 

[JenniferG]

Awwwwwwwwwwwwww! that's just too cute.