Total knee replacement

[marioq]

The Oxford is a little different than a total (other than being a partial or "Uni")because it has a mobile bearing. The poly is what the femural component rides on and if not sized correctly, they dislocate easily. The only mobile tibial bearing that I'm aware of in a total knee is the Sigma by Depuy Synthes.

You all are very, very good patients. Because all of you were committed to doing what it took to make the best of your surgery, you all have been very successful!!

Yes, the Oxford is the only Mobile bearing on the market that is a uni. Depuy has the Sigma in both mobile and fixed bearing. I know that the LCS is still available for revisions. However I am not sure if they still offer it as a primary. Zimmer had a RP that gave 20 degrees of rotation in both directions (I think) LPS Flex Mobile, but that had some issues and I do not know if it is still offered.

The bottom line, get a doc that does knees and let he or she do whatever brand they know and do well..... Then the real work of PT starts and that is definately more important.

 

[mrbofus]

Just Wondering, I dont have a recliner chair should I be looking for one or not that big of deal?
How did you all get by for the first few weeks?

 

[Doublezranch]

The RP and LPS were dropped when the Persona knee hit the market I believe. Since the introduction of Patient Specific cutting guides and intraoperative navigation, total joint surgery is not what it was 15 years ago. No longer are there ceramic cutting blocks and multi modular measuring devices. Better technology, better patient outcomes.

 

[marioq]

There are still plenty of people using non-navigated and non-patient specific cutting bocks. The Sigma RP is still widely used. Depuy came out with their HP cutting system to try and expedite the surgeries for those who did not have navigation or patient specific cutting blocks. I hear that the Atune knee is gaining some good grounds with improvements. Again the bottom line is get a Doctor Who does lots of knees and use whatever system he or she is comfortable with. That will get you the best outcome as a patient

 

[mtwarych]

It would be nice to have a post-op recliner or some means of elevating your leg.

Other than keeping up or slightly ahead of your PT schedule, You will want to control the swelling of your leg. Swelling will cause a lot of pain and problems for you. Sitting with your leg down in a chair will lead to fluids pooling in your lower leg and make your leg feel "heavy"

One way or another you will want to elevate your leg and apply ice to the area to keep the swelling down. Icing your leg will be an important part of your PT, don't skip it at anytime. I sat length-wise on a sofa with a small pillow under my knee when I was icing my leg. I'm not sure if you will get a wonderful pair of white stockings with your new knee, but if you do, wear them.

When you sit to ice, do your heel pumps and all the exercises you can do. When you go to bed, if you need to, place a small pillow under your knee for a little extra support.

One thing I had to constantly remind myself to do is, when I was walking without crutches or cane, was to take normal strides. I was on my way to training myself to hobble. If you train yourself to take full, natural strides, you will continue to walk without a hobble. Keep an eye on that one. No cheating.

I believe you will be surprised at how quickly the pain will subside and how soon you will be back to "normal".

You will have to be honest with yourself about how you are going to hunt this coming year. It sounds like you hunted the deep dark stuff last year so I don't see why you couldn't this coming year.

All I can say is, Do not pity party yourself. You are in for some pain in the coming future. The pain is NOT bad. Power through the pain, set high bars for yourself and go forth and conquer!

Of course, listen to your surgeon and your PT. Let them know you are not a Suzy Rottencrotch and you are going to push yourself to make this surgery as successful as it can be. When you are sitting in the doctors office waiting for your follow-ups, take a look at the other patients who have had surgeries done. You will be able to tell the people who want to get themselves better and the people who have decided to use the miracle of modern medicine to show everyone how bad they have it.

You do not sound like the latter.

Good luck with your surgery. If I can do anything to help, let me know.

JW
Semper Fi

 

[Lpart]

I had one done in November 2015. My knee was totally shot after 3 prior surgeries and was completely bone on bone. I could not walk downhill when in the mtns or go down stairs very well. Knee works great now on the level. I have some discomfort going down stairs or hills. The discomfort is different though - not in the joint but more in the muscles and tendons across and just above the knee. Still so far ahead of where I was it makes it worth it. I am 68 by the way.

I am hoping I make more progress in the knee this summer. I had six other surgeries in 2016 and wasn't able to really to push it.

 

[marioq]

It would be nice to have a post-op recliner or some means of elevating your leg.

Other than keeping up or slightly ahead of your PT schedule, You will want to control the swelling of your leg. Swelling will cause a lot of pain and problems for you. Sitting with your leg down in a chair will lead to fluids pooling in your lower leg and make your leg feel "heavy"

One way or another you will want to elevate your leg and apply ice to the area to keep the swelling down. Icing your leg will be an important part of your PT, don't skip it at anytime. I sat length-wise on a sofa with a small pillow under my knee when I was icing my leg. I'm not sure if you will get a wonderful pair of white stockings with your new knee, but if you do, wear them.

When you sit to ice, do your heel pumps and all the exercises you can do. When you go to bed, if you need to, place a small pillow under your knee for a little extra support.

One thing I had to constantly remind myself to do is, when I was walking without crutches or cane, was to take normal strides. I was on my way to training myself to hobble. If you train yourself to take full, natural strides, you will continue to walk without a hobble. Keep an eye on that one. No cheating.

I believe you will be surprised at how quickly the pain will subside and how soon you will be back to "normal".

You will have to be honest with yourself about how you are going to hunt this coming year. It sounds like you hunted the deep dark stuff last year so I don't see why you couldn't this coming year.

All I can say is, Do not pity party yourself. You are in for some pain in the coming future. The pain is NOT bad. Power through the pain, set high bars for yourself and go forth and conquer!

Of course, listen to your surgeon and your PT. Let them know you are not a Suzy Rottencrotch and you are going to push yourself to make this surgery as successful as it can be. When you are sitting in the doctors office waiting for your follow-ups, take a look at the other patients who have had surgeries done. You will be able to tell the people who want to get themselves better and the people who have decided to use the miracle of modern medicine to show everyone how bad they have it.

You do not sound like the latter.

Good luck with your surgery. If I can do anything to help, let me know.

JW
Semper Fi

Good advise EXCEPT pillow under the knee. That will make you feel better yes, but the most important thing to get post operatively is full extension. If you do not get that you will always have a flexion contracture. That will make your leg shorter than the other side. Consequently, you will limp. You also cannot rest you muscles with a partially flexed knee.
Flexion can be made by a manipulation under anesthesia. Not great but better than the alternative.

Work hard. You guys will do great

 

[Lpart]

Ditto the pillow under the knee. Extension is the name of the game here.

 

[mrbofus]

The day is near, going in on the 7th feb.
Trying to stay away from the winter colds and sniffles around here this time of year.
Actually looking forward to it if its as good as y'all say. Just rid of the nite time pain would be a blessing!

 

[cowboy]

The day is near, going in on the 7th feb.
Trying to stay away from the winter colds and sniffles around here this time of year.
Actually looking forward to it if its as good as y'all say. Just rid of the nite time pain would be a blessing!

Wishing you nothing but the best. Good luck and let us know how you are doing.
PS: This will guarantee you will draw a tag you've been putting in for many years.

 

[jaeger19]

All good advice except pillow under the knee. Dont want the knee bent when resting. Best is to get a body pillow or use one pillow lengthwise under your leg with another one under your heel. That way the leg is straight and elevated.
Some things not mentioned. You will likely have a nerve block. They help a lot but be aware that when it wears off it can be a bugger. So make sure you use your pain pills when it starts to wear off even a little. Stay ahead of your pain with medication.
Schedule your pt ahead of time so there ate no delays in getting into therapy.
In fact check out who you want to go to for pt. Look for one on one care with a good pt. You dont want to see the pt for 15 minutes and an aide for 45 min.

 

[338edge]

Awesome advice!! Good luck!!

 

[dok7mm]

I've been following this thread with gritted teeth, as I work up my courage to take the plunge. At 69, I'm getting to where the pain isn't much fun. Getting my bull out out this season wouldn't have worked very well, without my son's help. It is give up the high country or get new parts. I have learned a lot from the excellent posts, so I reckon I'll start checking my options. Thanks to all.

 

[mrbofus]

Well I made it thru surgery and back home now working on pain mgt and taking lots of naps. I think the wife is about over it because the sympathy level drops more ever day lol.
All went well and actually ended up with a partial upper and lower inside joint with new patella. The pain has been very manageable and as much as I dislike pain pills I'm still using them sparingly.
Its gonna be a long 3-4 weeks at home because its going on day 4 and I already started pacing the floor.
So all good so far and thanks for all the kind thoughts.