What should I consider

[Metal Roofing]

I am a sixty year old male. I have had bowed legs my entire life. Have had moderate to sometimes severe knee and leg pain with periodic severe SI Joint pain for about 25 years. Had knee x-rays ten years ago and said they looked like 50 year old knees. For about a year I have been on Meloxicam but the pain has progressed and my mobility and ability to exercise have diminished. What can I anticipate an orthopedic specialist suggesting? Having legs straightened? Knee replacement? Both? In what order? Will be blessed by any thoughts you may have.

 

[EalingGran]

My surgeon straightened my very knock kneed leg during my partial knee replacement. I think generally a surgeon doing a knee replacement will straighten the leg at the same time.
Having the correct alignment should help with pain.

 

[benne68]

Welcome to BoneSmart, @Metal Roofing! Glad you found us.

Only a surgeon can tell you what you need done. And, since your x-rays are a decade old, your first step is to get new images so he/she can see what is going on. A lot can change in 10 years and if arthritis is contributing to your problems, a full or partial knee replacement may be recommended.

Please take a read through BoneSmart's helpful pre-operative guide. I'm sure you will find many of these articles helpful as you consider and prepare for surgery.

Knee Pre-Op Guide

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:
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:
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 the posts and threads from other BoneSmarties provided in this link:
Stories of amazing knee recoveries

We try to keep the forum a positive and safe place for our members to talk about their questions or concerns and to report successes with their joint replacement surgery.

So feel free to ask any questions you have about this surgery and recovery; our members will be happy to share their experiences with you.

 

[mendogal]

The orthopedist will surely start with fresh xrays, possibly at different angles than are routinely done, to really assess the knee joints in various angles. That will give them better info to discuss suitable options with you.
I did receive a couple of cortisone injections which gave temporary relief - however if mobility and exercise are being affected, my advice is to opt for their recommended surgery before you lose more function.
In my experience, if a knee replacement is indicated, the knee giving you the most trouble is the one they will do first.