drachios12
new member
United StatesHi - I have had many knee issues over the years with both knees. In 2017 I had the left knee TKR done and during the surgery the Tibia fractured and they put in 2 screws to fix the fracture. I was non weight bearing for 6 weeks and ended up having to have a manipulation 4 months later but after that the knee was solid and no further issues.
In June 2024, I had TKR on the right leg and everything went as planned with the surgery, I was outpatient and home and walking the same day. I started home PT then moved on to in office PT about 2 weeks later and everything was going great. 3 weeks post op(July 12th), I stood up - still on walker use and took a single step and felt like someone had hit me just below the knee with a hammer. I could no longer bear weight, had immediate swelling, and any movement was extreme pain. I saw PT the next day, she was concerned about a possible fracture and I got worked in a few days later with the PA to find out in fact there was a Tibial Plateau fracture. At that appt, the xray showed a shift of the bottom implant and the PA said the same that it had shifted. I saw the surgeon the following week and he also confirmed the fracture. I had put myself on non weight bearing on July 12th as I could not bear weight, but was surprised when there was no brace, cast, or support of any kind suggested by the PA or Dr.
Two months later, in early September, the Dr sent me for an MRI and determined there was "Lucency along the medial stem of the tibial component suggesting loosening" and "minimal marginal callus formation" and from this it was determined that I was to remain non weight bearing for another 6 weeks. I was sent for a bone density test which was determined to be normal and not a "bone density" issue. The Dr now states that the bottom implant is in the proper position and at my last appt in October the plan was to start me on a bone growth stimulator device, have a nerve block done, keep a diary for 1 week and if it helps then to do a nerve ablation, if it does not help then maybe consider a revision may be done with a longer stem to get past where the fracture is to stop the pain.
At this point, I have opted to not do the nerve block for several reasons. To start with the knee really does not feel stable, when I walk (with crutches) I still have pain with certain steps and applying to much weight, the motion of the knee and walking doesnt feel "normal" and I dont know how to express this but my gait feels off like my foot goes one way and the leg goes another, so I have to be mindful about my actual step down. Because of all of this I dont want to do the nerve block and not feel if I step and it goes really south again, if that makes sense. I dont want to do the revision, simply because of the major set back and at this point unless that is really what needs to happen and I dont have much evidence that the fracture is truly healed.
My wife really wants me to get a second opinion and I have been hesitant as I think things are improving albeit VERY slowly, however, there are a few things that simply do not feel right and in comparison to the left TKR even with the fracture on that Tibia, the right TKR healing seems way different and not in a good way.
I know every patient and experience is different but I really need some thoughts and advice on what my next steps should be. Im looking at Revision specialist in the Atlanta area, but really I just want another ortho surgeon to look over my stuff and at the knee and say either - keep doing what you are doing and your surgeon is on the right path, OR no, just push for the revision and get it fixed.
Bottom line, Im 4 months on crutches and at this point feel like there is no end in sight. I'll take any words of wisdom and insight. Sorry for the book but thanks in advance.
Michael
In June 2024, I had TKR on the right leg and everything went as planned with the surgery, I was outpatient and home and walking the same day. I started home PT then moved on to in office PT about 2 weeks later and everything was going great. 3 weeks post op(July 12th), I stood up - still on walker use and took a single step and felt like someone had hit me just below the knee with a hammer. I could no longer bear weight, had immediate swelling, and any movement was extreme pain. I saw PT the next day, she was concerned about a possible fracture and I got worked in a few days later with the PA to find out in fact there was a Tibial Plateau fracture. At that appt, the xray showed a shift of the bottom implant and the PA said the same that it had shifted. I saw the surgeon the following week and he also confirmed the fracture. I had put myself on non weight bearing on July 12th as I could not bear weight, but was surprised when there was no brace, cast, or support of any kind suggested by the PA or Dr.
Two months later, in early September, the Dr sent me for an MRI and determined there was "Lucency along the medial stem of the tibial component suggesting loosening" and "minimal marginal callus formation" and from this it was determined that I was to remain non weight bearing for another 6 weeks. I was sent for a bone density test which was determined to be normal and not a "bone density" issue. The Dr now states that the bottom implant is in the proper position and at my last appt in October the plan was to start me on a bone growth stimulator device, have a nerve block done, keep a diary for 1 week and if it helps then to do a nerve ablation, if it does not help then maybe consider a revision may be done with a longer stem to get past where the fracture is to stop the pain.
At this point, I have opted to not do the nerve block for several reasons. To start with the knee really does not feel stable, when I walk (with crutches) I still have pain with certain steps and applying to much weight, the motion of the knee and walking doesnt feel "normal" and I dont know how to express this but my gait feels off like my foot goes one way and the leg goes another, so I have to be mindful about my actual step down. Because of all of this I dont want to do the nerve block and not feel if I step and it goes really south again, if that makes sense. I dont want to do the revision, simply because of the major set back and at this point unless that is really what needs to happen and I dont have much evidence that the fracture is truly healed.
My wife really wants me to get a second opinion and I have been hesitant as I think things are improving albeit VERY slowly, however, there are a few things that simply do not feel right and in comparison to the left TKR even with the fracture on that Tibia, the right TKR healing seems way different and not in a good way.
I know every patient and experience is different but I really need some thoughts and advice on what my next steps should be. Im looking at Revision specialist in the Atlanta area, but really I just want another ortho surgeon to look over my stuff and at the knee and say either - keep doing what you are doing and your surgeon is on the right path, OR no, just push for the revision and get it fixed.
Bottom line, Im 4 months on crutches and at this point feel like there is no end in sight. I'll take any words of wisdom and insight. Sorry for the book but thanks in advance.
Michael
