After 36 years of dealing with torn meniscus, now bone on bone, along with no ACL, I finally made the decision to have a TKNR. What a life changer!! 6 months to the day, I hiked up Diamond Head in 30 minutes!! Loving life and my quality of life has gone up! Only a little stiffness here and there.
Wow that's me and this video has been really helpful in deciding that the time is likely upon me to bite the bullet and get the op. Thanks for sharing your experience.
My doc prescribed a sitting ROM machine for use for (5x15minutes) the first two weeks after surgery which I believe was really helpful in getting good range of motion. Painful while using but was helpful in stretching things so I could sleep. The idea is that scar tissue rapidly envelops the metal and if you stretch it right from the start it is forced to have enough room for your leg to bend. If you don't stretch from the beginning you have to break the scar tissue later to increase your range of motion and it's really painful.
Had to have both knees replaced due to arthritis last year at 62. Had them done 2 1/2 months apart as my Doc doesn’t like to do bilateral. Yes it is painful, but manageable. After about the first 10 days I started feeling better. PT was easy because my ROM came back quickly to well over 13O degrees, but I was diligent about doing my exercises. On Dr. Rosen’s scale I went from a 4 to about and 8.5. maybe i can get to 9. Knees are not like they were when I was 25 but now I can go hiking, play tennis, pickleball, canoe trips, bowling, yard work, no problem. You just have to be patient, it’s a long recovery, months not weeks.
@@gnohn9366 can be years befor you see any meaningful improvement.its never the same for the unlucky ones who do not get their needs met and are hugely disappointed.
It has taken me 3 years to get close to what you had achieved ina few month's. My own perseverance and stretching exercises and walking every day.still limping hugely disappointing.
I have arthritis in both knees, bone on bone in one. I’ve been getting Shockwave treatments and it definitely has helped. No pain walking or on stairs. It’s not covered by insurance but it’s worth it to me to avoid surgery.
I had a knee replacement in 2013. It was a nine-month recovery; the first six weeks were miserable, with painful physical therapy and excruciating nights. After discharge from the hospital, the opioid medicine was ineffective, so Tylenol, ice, and a TENS machine were my pain-relieving interventions. I had a continuous motion machine (medieval torture), but I was certain I needed the machine for complete recovery. The surgery and recovery was a success. It was a life-changing event for me. I had an excellent surgeon who did not sugarcoat the operation. The doctor is correct; one must consider how much one's life is affected and the willingness to go through a long recovery. I waited 34 years after the initial injury. The first fifteen years or so was mild to moderate pain in the right knee. The next nineteen years I had physical and water therapy, cortisone shots, but my knee was riddled with arthritis along with meniscus and ACL tears. It was time to look at other options. If one does not do the physical therapy, you might as well not have the surgery. Knee replacement does not heal by resting.
@@dahuffy TENS stands for Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation. It is a device that sends electrical impulses to electrodes stuck to little pads on your skin (let's say a knee) that cause the muscles to tense up and relax. Basically, it tries to fool your brain into thinking you do not have pain. It wakes up the muscles into learning how to work again. I had one that really didn't do much for me, years ago, and am now facing a total knee replacement. Because I have a high pain tolerance, I have worn my femur and tibia bones down. So, beyond bone on bone, I've worn bone away! Cartilage?! WHAT cartilage?! Shredded and jamming the joint!
I am at 6 weeks which I guess is still early but the process is slow, on and off painful ( add in nerve pain) and I feel like I'm on a reactive roller coaster. A very fickle knee where an easy exercise at PT is fine one week and the next it hurts and I push through to only have the next two days has me on the couch crying and using heavier drugs which I am trying to avoid. Very frustrating . It is heartening to know you feel the surgery was a success. I also have been dealing with a tilted kneecap and major malt racking for over 30 years and each year, I had to give up more activities. Right now, it does not feel I will ever get functional and regain fun activities, because now I have nerve pain and a hot cranky knee that can still swell... But , your post gave me some hope.
I had end stage osteoarthritis. The day after I had total knee replacement. I thought. . Wow my knee feels so much better. Now I will have my other knee done in two weeks. I did great with knee surgery did not need or take any narcotics and had no problem with rehabilitation.
Thank you for taking the time to present a more thoughtful and measured conversation to help with the decision about surgery. Surgeons I’ve consulted scared the heck out of me pushing me to make an immediate decision to operate. I’m doing well & so appreciate that you encourage us to know that we’ll make the right decision at the right time.
I have severe osteoarthritis in my left knee. I cannot straighten it all the way nor bend it all the way meaning compared to my right knee. I am in constant pain with it. I lose sleep because of it. Walking is very painful. Nothing works to relieve the pain. I have heard so many horror stories from neighbors and friends that I am scared to have it done. Meanwhile my pain gets worse and worse. I understand now that I will somehow have to strengthen my muscles in that leg if I decide to have the surgery. This is good stuff. I appreciate the information very much as it is thorough and gives me much to consider. Thank you for this.
One point I may add, I suffered for two years with hip pain, so much that I was taking the maximum dose of Tylenol or Advil ( I alternated the pain medicine) on a long period. My doctor said let's do a liver and kidney diagnostic and test. I was damaging both organs and it was nearing permanency. I would have been in trouble with major organs that could not be easily replaced if even.
Sounds like you really need to get it done. I just had mine done a month ago. I was dreading it but it is improving every day. Sure, the first week is tough but it does get better and if you do as you’re told re: icing it, meds, keeping your leg elevated and doing physio and exercises, you should be fine.
maybe you are at he point that you have nothing to lose by having surgery, maybe theres only upside and not much downside of surgery becsue its already so bad
I don't know what to do. My Doc is leaving it up to me, but a couple years ago he said that we should think about it when I turn 65. I just turned 67. The shots every 3 months help a lot but sometimes I neglect to go every 3 months and I only suffer for it. I've already had 2 arthroscopic surgeries on both knees and there is nothing left to scrape or remove. I am pretty much bone on bone. I have a bakers cyst behind my left knee and that is the knee that gives me the most pain. Knee pain does not keep me up at night or limit me from taking walks. I wrap my left knee with an ace bandage and I do fine. But, when I have pain it's bad. And - I cannot do pain very well at all. I am the biggest baby when it comes to pain and my doctor knows this. I believe this is why he is not suggesting a TKR anymore. Like I said prior, he advised me to have one done when I reached 65. Now he is just leaving it up to me. When I get the shots and if one happens to hurt - I scream. I know, how embarrassing right!! Anyway, when I was in my 20's I fell and hurt my left knee. It was so bad I landed up seeing and orthopedic surgeon and he suggested the scope surgery. I eventually had the right knee scoped too. This doctor, back then, told me that one day when I am older I will need both of my knees replaced because my knees are not aligned correctly and that I will always have problems - but when I get older it will be worse. He was right as they are both much worse. The doctor I see now took ex-rays a couple months ago and he did not see much change at all from pictures taken over a year ago. I know if l lost 20 lbs I would not have as much pain because I was 20 lbs. lighter a few years ago and my knee pain was not as hard. My weight goal is 155 - 160 and then I'm good and happy too! One problem that does not go away is I cannot get up off the floor without a struggle and someone giving me a hand to pull me up. Even getting out of a pool, I have to use the stairs. I have scheduled a date to have my left knee replaced - May 1st, 2025. I want to chicken out though and my doctor is leaving it totally up to me. He told me it will be a painful surgery and I will have to work hard in PT before and after. It's not that I'm lazy - I just can't do pain. I pretty much have no pain threshold and I hate it that I'm this way - but I have always been this way. Please I need some opinions here. Oh , another factor is that I live alone. Just me and my dog (a Basenji). I do not have any stairs so that is a plus. I have neighbors that can help. My son lives back East (where I am originally from) and my daughter has her hands full with 3 young ones and a full-time job - also my son-in-law is very busy with his company. So, I will have to depend on my neighbors for help and I hate being a bother. And it will pretty much be one neighbor helping me the most and that makes me feel bad. I really need opinions here. I forgot to mention my left knee pops a lot too and I am having pain right now and it's only been 2 months since my shots. Okay, thank you in advance to anyone that will respond.
@@SharonGD-rh1pz where is the origin of your pain? I have the doctors been able to pinpoint what the pain is from my question to you is what your health is like I got mine done when I was overweight. I think that had been a problem. Also, I thought because I was up on my leg a lot after surgery that that was considered exercise but now the stretching is very important. I must say the amount of pain I had in my left knee before I got it done. I had had meniscus surgery before that and have baker cyst also but I had I went ahead and got the total replacement at the age of 50 I was told to weight lose weight well that never happened but then I found myself. I was born on bone like they said the left knee was on the right and I’m a nurse so I figured I had to do something. I did get my left knee done the problem. The only problem I have is a little bit of tightness at the knee joint and it’s probably my fault for not doing, the extensive stretches of the knee the doctors giving me an EMG to see if I have any kind of damage because I’m feeling some sort away around my ankle and foot at times but overall can be great and every time I get knee x-ray plastic knee looks perfect so I’m really happy that I went to get a second opinion and seen another doctor. He’s going to give me an EMG which will test see if I have any kind of damage, there are a lot of different modalities you can if you go on one of the post knee replacement sites she will probably learn a lot before you decide to get healthy as far as your weight that a good sign. I don’t know if you have any other medical issues that would be a problem insurance company would say whether they’re gonna deny it or approve it I was denied because of my weight but my doctor somehow got to go through well best of luck with you. I hope any little tidbits I gave you help by the way I need to get my right leg done, but I can’t get it done until I lose weight. I have, but then I put it right back on again because I need to be self-discipline with my eating
This was excellent! I am 65 and wondering if I should consider a total knee replacement, and this video REALLY helped me to think through the issue. I only feel soreness when I walk (not when I am lying down) so I think I need to do a better job managing my pain with over the counter meds. Thank you!!
A superb video, and so worth watching. I have to say that having had a terribly life restricting painful knee, my new knee thats two years old now, is brilliant. 11 out of 10 for a painless, fully functional knee. I put it down to a dedicated surgeon and following all the guidance about before and after surgery exercises. I've met and been told of people who didn't do the exercise work and now complain about the experience. Do the exercise properly and look forward to a great result. Its worth the effort. 👋
This is great info. I had a bad experience with a recent back surgery so I am very apprehensive but I cannot take the pain anymore. All of this information has eased my mind...a little.
Happy to hear about age. Just turned 50 and need TKR due to severe osteoarthritis in my right knee. Cannot bike, hike, ski, and even walk anymore. Still about 12 months out from the consult with the surgeon (in Canada so we do have a wait) but looking forward to post surgery and getting back to what I love. Working on exercises and losing more weight (down 50 Lbs) before surgery. Thanks for all of this great information Doc!
I had a total right knee 8 days ago. In my mid 50s now, I had an 80% meniscus removal four years ago. I had worn completely through the cartilage in two deep grooves and was bone on bone. While I had good days and bad, walking through an art show was almost impossible. I would wake every night and have to apply Voltaren. I had also developed a noticeable limp when I walked.
Great advice, thank you. I had a recent knee replacement because of severe pain and it went great. My other knee, also with arthritis, doesn't have constant pain, just occasional twinges. I now plan to wait a while because that leg has pins in the ankle from a years ago crushing of my ankle, which will be a slight hindrance to PT exercises needed after for recovery. I was going back and forth on that decision until I watched your video. Meanwhile I'll be enjoying the ability to move easily and keep up with family and friends.
Thank you. You touched on some points that I hadn't thought of before. I go in July 25th for a total knee replacement. I had never even considered something like this before, but I broke my right kneecap in two in Jan. I didn't find out until two weeks later that it was broken, but the pain was horrible and I still had a life to tend to. It ended up mending when I stopped to let it, but the orthopedic doctor. I went to said they didn't know how I was still walking around. I have had many nights where the pain kept me awake, for years. I have had to stop doing most of the things I used to do, I had always been active. The arthritis is bad, and my knee is bone on bone with spurs on top and bottom like huge teeth. And it has affected my hip and back, as well. I am so looking forward to this surgery. I was wondering if I was just a wimp and truly needed this because I will have to take time off for it, and I am a caregiver. Thank you for making this video. I don't feel so bad now.
I hope you do well! My prayers are with you! I’m to the point where I can’t take it anymore. I have no choice. I’m only 61 am still working part time but it’s killing me. I stand all day on my job. I’m miserable.
I got my replacement July 25th. Right after surgery and the day after I was all but dancing! Then...the pain blocks wore off. But it hasn't been near so bad as when I broke that kneecap in Jan of this year. This is day 9 and I have gone to PT 3x this last week. I did all the exercises before surgery and have been doing them since, and my range of motion is good. The pain doesn't seem to come from the knee, it comes from the bruising and swelling all over the leg from the trauma of surgery. It doesn't hurt when I walk or stand, but when I am sitting or keeping the leg up for periods of time. Sleeping was not great, but we have cats that share the bed with us. I finally found a great solution to that, however. One of those spongy, soft blankets to wrap the leg in was heaven! Also, I have CHF and discovered that I am better off avoiding salted food. While I can compensate for that normally, it isn't working now, and you don't want the leg swelling any more than necessary. My doctor used the robot in surgery, moved the knee tendon instead of cutting it, and I am "glued" back together. I am blown away at how great this went. Medicine has come even further in just a few years. I was lucky to have a doctor who is young enough and highly skilled at this, with a good medical team. I feel just like a car that got a new muffler!
I'm 62 and sustained a bicondylar, comminuted, slightly displaced, tibial plateau fracture with depression, and internal derangement of the knee. They did not do surgery because they felt that they couldn't guarantee a good outcome and I would need knee replacement in the near future. I'm almost 6 months post fracture and experience quite a bit of pain. My leg has a few degrees of valgus now. I walk with a heavy limp, but managed to get ROM to almost 125 degrees. I really pushed it because I want the leg to be in the best shape before TKR. Oddly enough, my ankle/foot experiences more pain than the knee most times.
I’m having my second knee replacement. Thank god I mako Stryker assisted. Recovery was fantastic, tho painful. So, I am ready for second one. So worth it. Good video. Thanks. 😊
I’m a 73 year old male and I had my left knee replaced two years ago. It was massively painful before I had it done. Then I had the surgery and it was discomforting for a couple of months. Then it got better. Now my right knee is extremely painful. I probably need it replaced as well. Whee I need it badly. Massive pain.
I had a partial knee replacement that lasted seven months. I suffered for two years with a loose tibial component. I had a a revision to a total knee replacement. I was discharged twelve hours after surgery. My pain relief at home was totally inadequate for the first week. It was pure hell triggering a depression and PTSD. BTW I also developed Erythomelagia post-op. It’s an incurable neuropathic disease without any good treatment. I traded one form of pain for another. Just think really hard, and consider if it’s for you. One way or another it will change your life.
I had my right knee replaced last September after being in agony for 27 months. The knee was dislocating a couple of times a week, I have osteoarthritis and hypermobility syndrome.I had issues trying to get it to bend and ended up having a MUA. My left knee feels as if it's decoupling when I walk rather like a piece of mechano. It goes back in thankfully. Mobility isn't good. I can't walk far anc my social life has suffered something awful. Ive just turned 60 years of age. I consider myself a young 60 . I was very fit before everything started going pear shaped with a dislocation on the right knee. I'm walking with a crutch for support. I'm scheduled for surgery on the left knee November'24. I feel I had no alternative but to go down the replacement route. I can't stand the pain. Disturbed sleep and not knowing when the pain will hit is so debilitating.
Oh my gosh I can't wait to get my knee done. I have had to put it off as I'm the caregiver for my mother-in-law who is on hospice but when the time comes I'm going to have it done as soon as possible. In the meantime I'm doing leg and and glute exercises to help get prepared. I'm also doing good nutrition. I have constant pain even just walking out to my car and getting in is painful. Right now all I can do is take ibuprofen and ice which does help but I want a better solution. Thank you for the video and the information
Thank you for this. My symptoms came on suddenly and I have about 1mm of room between the joints. Steriods allowed me to go to Europe and walk about 10k to 20k steps with a cane. But between the arthritis and torn meniscus- I’m in pain all the time. I went from working with weights and ballet every week (I’m 67) to nothing. It is time and your video clarified it.
Thank you for this information. I was on the fence about if i should have it done. Already spoke to surgeon who told me “only you know when you’re ready”. Which really didn’t help me at all. Not bone on bone YET….but my ADL’s are affected, i have to monitor how much i can walk or do and it limits my time with my family . I also found my last trip very very hard to walk very much, and it was my 1st seniors bus trip. So i thought , yes i need to have it done now. I do have a low threshold to pain, and have done everything else including synvisc injections which only helped up to the 5th one. So i guess it’s time…..surgery will be scheduled shortly. Thanks for the video.
I’m not waiting till I’m totally debilitated! I had ACL repair 20 years ago it was awful. I felt like my surgeon blew me off, a couple years ago after it totally went south a PT suggested a surgeon, saw him -one cortisone shot into the IT band was a huge game changer. Only took 4 Drs to tell me what was wrong😒
So glad I saw this video and extremely grateful. I've been contemplating a knee replacement and very undecided of when should I do it but after watching this video I realized that I'm in good shape and my knee pain is not that significant. Your video answered all of my concerns. Thank you so much and keep up the good work.
Definitely work with your surgeon to maximize non-operative treatments (strengthening, activity modification, weight loss (if indicated), oral meds and/or injections. If they fail to relieve pain then you might be ready for surgery.
I had a flare in my worse knee and instinctively knew I wasn’t going to improve enough to go back to work. I had already been accepted for surgery by an Ortho and he felt when I was ready I’d know. When my knee flared I was functionally so low that I told him I felt like there was nothing he could do to make the pain worse. ( to his credit he did wince and disagree.) 4 days post TKR it’s better than it was before, other than the stiffness from the fluid)
My mom waited too long for a hip replacement. Her heart developed issues and she could no longer have surgery. She lived ten more years in horrible pain and mostly sitting in a chair (she could not get out on her own). I’m leery of waiting too long to get my knee done.
Ok I was back and forth on doing the surgery Scheduled for the 8th Nov.I changed the date . Finally after this video I’ll do it. I’m looking forward for your videos on robotic tkr. My knee is knocked. And everything else is pretty bad. I was leaning towards Manuel PT. That wouldn’t change the knocked knee . That is my deciding factor. Thank you
I am at 6 weeks which I guess is still early but the process is slow, on and off painful ( add in nerve pain) and I feel like I'm on a reactive roller coaster. A very fickle knee where an easy exercise at PT is fine one week and the next it hurts and I push through to only have the next two days has me on the couch crying and using heavier drugs which I am trying to avoid. Very frustrating and In your case I'm sorry you are already at 9 months and not seeing improvement. very frustrating.
@@mjneville1859Did they have to straighten your leg out a bit? I’ve heard some people who’ve had become “knock kneed” or “bow legged” because they needed knee replacement, it takes longer to heal. Is your nerve pain on the outer side of the knee? I’ve read that can take a while to heal. So many different outcomes in this surgery it is so frustrating. I hope things become easier for you. Don’t give up! I’ve read some take a full year or more to completely heal.
Thank you for your video and understandable, detailed answers about having TKR. I'm scheduled for my right TKR on 01 November 2024, and I now know that I've made the correct choice. Thanks again.
That was very helpful. Thank you for sharing. I bought your book and the information in it is awesome! Thank you for sharing your expertise. Take care!
I have a high pain tolerance but it’s wearing on me both physically and mentally. I’m angry I didn’t take care of my self and asked my body to do more than it is naturally capable of. Plus my genetics is a trail of replacement relatives. I think I’m just going to do at the end of my rope and losing interests most all of my outdoor activities that you need to be mobile.
I waited 10 years to have my first knee replaced in January. I had been doing PRP do keep my pain manageable, and my doctor at the time had said their goal was to keep me comfortable until technology caught up. This past summer I got to the point that I was in so much pain that I realized it was time to talk to a surgeon. He looked at my knees and said they were as severe as they can be. At my 6 week check up my surgeon said I hit it out the ball park. I’m 4 months post TLKR, and almost 3 weeks after having an Iovera injection in my right knee. Because it has numbed my right knee, I can’t believe the difference. I’m not pain free totally, but my husband has even commented on how much energy I have. I had no idea how debilitating my knee pain was. In 4 days I will get my right knee done. I know what is in store with recovery, but the peek at how my life can become is very encouraging.
I had debilitating inflammation in both knees starting in Oct 2023. I’m booked for bilateral in Jan 2024. I’m 61 and just wore out my bearings. No problems with the other parts of my knees. Athlete my whole life then boom almost in a wheelchair. Without diclofenac I would be in a chair.
I am trying to decide on whether to wait or have replacement done after Xmas (doctor says I should have it done.). I don’t want to jump into anything, but I also don’t want to get weaker at 68
Brilliant brilliantly done, I am soon to be 71 and 3 months. Am I a good candidate for a total knee replacement? I got to get both of them done. My doctor says I have arthritis in my knee. What do you think? Please respond the best you can. You know. I just want to get an idea and some people say you're really hurts afterwards. Recovery time. Thank you.
I am 71 and 6 months. I had bilateral knee replacement 8 weeks ago. Both knees were bone on bone. The first two weeks are very painful, but you must move as much as possible. I have 130 degree in one leg and 122 degree in the other after 8 weeks and am almost back to feeling my old self. The PT is tough and be prepared to feel down mentally. I was in excellent shape before the surgery and have not gotten back to that level. I think I should be there in another month.
Preparing for surgery soon. Watching lots of videos and gathering information. Your video is very well thought out and hits on all of the questions I have. I'm still fairly young, but can only walk about 1/4 mile before I hit the invisible wall that debilitates me. Pills don't make a difference, the first two injections helped for about a month each, and the third shot did nothing. MRI shows torn ligaments due to the lack of cartilage. My surgeon explained he can clean it up, but could not say how long before the lack of cartilage would create the same situation. Your video did not change my mind, but gave me confidence that I have weighed my decision appropriately. Thank you for your candor, and may your patients appreciate you.
@@faithwilley3171mine uses robotics too. He also uses the “quad saving” cut. It sounds like you have a good surgeon. I’m the same, cannot walk long distances and I have the “ duck waddle” now. Mine still wants to try injections into the joint. I’m going to be 62 in November and I had to go part time at my job because I can’t stand long periods of time. I’m a hairstylist. I’m bone on bone on both knees but only on inner knee. My Dr is pretty sure I have torn meniscus too because of the outer side pain. Backs of knees kill me and I am so stiff from arthritis! This is such a nightmare. It ruins your life. I’ve been riding a recumbent bike every night to strengthen my quads and it has really helped me. They say the stronger your muscles are going in makes a better recovery. I pray you have a pain free recovery that goes smoothly. May I ask who your surgeon is and their location? Mine is in Southern California.
Hey sir, I have a big toe problem. It's fused together or it needs to be surgically fixed one. Podiatrist set that I should get my knee fixed before I get my toe fixed. What's your thought on that? Just in general, should I get the towel fixed first or total knee replacement first? I'm confused. Thanks again if you respond I appreciate it
Doctor, I fell in late April went to orthopedic gave me an injection and physical therapy. After therapy knee felt great till 3 weeks ago, pain back in my knee. I go get the MRI, see doctor yesterday. I’m 54 year old male active workout, play Cornhole on leagues, if I don’t do cardio at gym I walk 4 miles. So doctors said I have meniscus tear with arthritis, he says he can scope, but eventually I’ll need a knee replacement. Also he don’t do the knee replacement a colleague I would have to talk to. What would you do?
Great information, but did I miss the talk about bone on bone. I just cancelled my surgery which was planned in Dec. 2024. A few months back, I walked the hills of NC while on vacation. I was able to do the hills, but later on that evening, had severe pain while trying to sleep and then severe pain upon standing. I am Bone on bone, have arthritis and am pretty certain the meniscus is screwed up along with a bakers cyst behind my knee. Anyhow, fast forward, I just cancelled my surgery as I feel that I rushed into it. Upon visiting my ortho, I agreed to try a gel shot. I also had a cortisone shot within a few weeks of the gel shot. as I felt it didn't totally relieve the pain. I have been pain free since. My question is : since I am bone on bone, should I hold off surgery being the shots have helped me?
I always tell people they will decide when they are ready, even if they are bone-on-bone. If they have a significant deformity which can affect their ligaments I push them to do surgery sooner as opposed to later.
At 76 I have mild osteoarthritis along with a bi-lateral meniscus tear. Had a RTKR 18 mos ago but had severe osteoarthritis with meniscus tear. What are my options as I wish to continue playing pickleball several days a week…
good info. are all replacements cementless now? i know that helps with the longevity of the new joint. i had one knee replaced at 48 years old and my other knee 6 years later (6 weeks out!from surgery). the recovery is a process, but totally worth it!! i love being out of pain and exercising again.
so i am only 55 have had 3 sugeries on this knee.( cartilidge and acl) x-ray impressions show 4 views of rt knee severe medial joint space collapse with significant tello femoral arthritis. he does show large osteophytes in the lateral femoral condyle as well. BUT my main pain is in the IT band, which leads to severe stiffness on the face of my knee. does not want to bend and can not lock out. BUT i still try and workout( ride bike and walk my dog). i am limping if i have to stay standing for 3 hours at work on concrete floors. seems early to me but should i have it done??? this is such a big decision!! 7 knee surgeries total, so the other one cant be far behind.
so im 50 this is my 3rd surgery tore my acl in high school. had one put in bout 10 yrs ago and just had my tkr on april 12th im still debating on whether it was worth it ???? as far as walking and pain and standing on concrete it was defintly worth it made all that much better. my issue is climbing and side to side jumping movements im back to work and i drive a 18 wheeler so i push in the clutch its my left knee by the way but i have to climb up on the trailer sometimes and move in awkward positions. but it gets stronger every day and im not @ 4 months yet. the key is just what he said you have to make it stronger work the leg stretch and strengthin im really hopeful its going to be great but i feel like its a year to recover and you have to do the work
@@1975jdawg what type of surgery did you get? makoplasty, custom or just arthroscopy? climbing ladders was a big concern for me also. as i am a maintenance man. and have to climb quite often.can you kneel yet? thats another big issue for me. i see dr. this thurs. to set operation date .would you do it again or wait till later. thanks for your time!!
3 m. ago I injured my knee Recent MRI shows a meniscus root tear, stress fracture, Baker's cyst, significant bone edema. Also shows full-thickness cartilage loss. My ortho says I'm not a good candidate for a root repair, and has ordered modified activity w/a walker for walking for 4-6 wks. to heal the fracture & bone edema. I feel like there may only be a TKR in my future. It's very painful and I'm on multiple doses of Tylenol ea. day. It hurt so bad I went to the ER to see if I had a DVT (neg.) I've had steroids inj. & oral- no help. THX for the great info.
I have double jointed knees and they are bone on bone. Im 66 years old, I'm a full time total caregiver to my adult son, should I have knee replacements?
I’m 80, moderate osteoarthritis both knees but not much real pain, only stiffness. Problem is over last 2 years right knee has become knock knee. This is causing balance issues and limping and I’m concerned it will begin affecting back and hips. Is knock knee with non-painful arthritis still a good reason to have knee replacement? My life is very much affected by this knock knee.
Yes, some people get bow-legged (there arthritis is worse on the inside of the knee) or people like you that are knock-kneed (arthritis worse on the outside of the knee) in either case if you are having pain from the arthritis and it is affecting your quality of life or ability to walk a knee replacement may be a good option
Thank you.. you have helped me make a decision as I do use a cane now and have to make choices as to what activities I do. I love cycling but had to give it up and walking is very restricted. I was told I need both replaced and will now go ahead.. but will do each one separately ❤❤
Great video! What is your opinion and what is the positiveness that I keep hearing regarding the Mako by Stryker knee replacement system? Why do I keep hearing that there's less recovery time and better results with this particular procedure? Not sure how I feel about a company that makes hospital beds getting involved in knee replacement, your thoughts?
You can check out this video -ua-cam.com/video/9QaKBBH5Hs4/v-deo.html - and next week there will be another video where I take you step-by-step through a robotic total knee
what about footware, is it OK to walk barefoot indoors or should you wear footware and outdoors what are the best type of shoes to wear, l think l read flat shoes are best
i have both bad knees and getting ready in 4 days to have my left knee replace ,but i am not up to it i have done cortizone couple times, and six months ego stem cell don't know if i want to do the surgery ,has any one done hyaluronic acid shots??
I am not bone on bone and not in extreme pain. But there is loss of bone on my Xray in both knees. I have a lot of stiffness and pain when I sit too long. However, I have extreme misalignment (knees gong inward) and it is causing balance issues, lower back pain and bad posture. If effect, it is hampering my quality of life. Because of this I am considering bilateral knee replacement. But I am still gathering information. I just turned 84 and am in very good health for my age. The only physical problem I have is Macular Degeneration which is being managed and it won't interfere with a knee replacement. My Dr. does not cut muscles and tendons which will make recovery better I am told. And they have a nutrition and PT program before and after the surgery. I would consider injections but would it really address the knock knee problem? Any suggestions and/or input would be helpful.
Im a cluster F! I am acheduled for lumbar fusion, yet need both knees replaced and left hip. I have burning behind knee running down my calf to my ankle. I am at a loss and dont know which is more important to get done. I also have fibromyalgia and already may have small fiber neuropathy. Any suggestions which body part should be done first? Knee surgeon says my knee is totally shot bone on bone. I walk half of walmart and have to grab my leg by my jeans to pull into the car. I have so much wrong. I even thought of just checking out. Spine surgeons says no nerve are coming through L4L5 from disc falling and have facet joint disease. I have antiphospholipid syndrome from vaccine so now blood clots is a huge worry....any suggestions
Each patient is different and I would ask you to ask your docs to discuss. Usually we do hips before knees if they are equal. When it comes to back and hip - if there is severe nerve issues such as weakness or significant numbness then the back is done first. Otherwise the hip is done before the back and some patients find that after the hip is replaced the back is a little better.
How does one do knee replacement if one lacks and cannot get a support network from family as too busy n friends got their own lives. I will need a longer rehab stay n hope insurance will cover it without grief. I am over 70 yes of age
@@melissathompson7483 Have you tried the gel shots? I had my 2nd one several days ago. My knee is doing better. One more to do and I’m hoping this will last at least 6 months That’s how long they last on people if they are even going to work. These do work on about 50% of people I heard.
I was born w/one hip higher than the other, a pelvic tilt. It caused significant problems in my life, could not give birth naturally, not ride a bike, run or dance fast, Anyway I was bone-on-bone on my hip and had THR 5 yrs. ago. I injured my other knee last yr. and had a partial meniscectomy and my ortho said I had no cartilage loss in any compartment & mild arthritis. I have since injured my other knee and have full-thickness cartilage loss, it makes sense as this is my THR leg. How common is this to have a pelvic tilt? And cause all this damage?
I'm 48 years old and have severe osteoarthritis in both knees and was told i need both knees replaced but keep getting told consistently that I'm too young...Any thoughts on this as the surgeon says it's up to me
I got mine LTKR done at 49. They told me the same, but after multiple injections & wearing a brace I insisted. It was a rough recovery but im actually glad i did it instead of waiting
Again...thank you for the information and your professional honesty. Could you tell me if you believe that a Carnivore or low-carb diet might help reduce inflammation in arthritic knees? Also...Do you have any thoughts on those floor sliders that help you slide the leg back and forth while in a sitting position. Does that movement help to lubricate the knee?
I had my knee replacement on hold so I could ride the Tour divide this summer ,I rode 1000 miles out of 2700 mils and had to stop ,( I ride 4000to5000 a year and am 67) in your experience would you expect a cyclist to get his /her form back .
every person is different. here in southern california we have a lot of bikers and i have had a few patients over the years that were able to go back to century rides but not all.
Dr Rosen, can you recommend a video, book or website that explains what sort of exercises are recommended for someone with moderate O/A in a knee, to help strengthen the quads and whatever other muscles, to help the knee itself? Thank you
There are so many options and each persons ability is different. In my book - THE KNEE BOOK - I cover a number of exercises. If you follow any of the exercises for after total knee they work the same muscles needed to strengthen your native knee. One option is seeing a physical therapist for a few sessions so they can teach you a good home exercise program that is safe.
Same here. Gel injection didn't help me at all. If you need a replacement, don't get anymore injections. You have to wait 3-6 months to have surgery. They say the injections increase the risk of an infection. That's where I'm at. My surgery is in January 2025. I hope I can make it that long!
Are you doing any stretching and strengthening exercises? If not, move mountains to do them! As this doctor emphasizes, one may not expect good outcomes without doing as much as possible to make your muscles strong before surgery. Cartilage and bone DO respond to targeted activity - check out the video 'How to strengthen your cartilage' by a Belgian surgeon. He has done a very good video that explains the biological structures of cartilage and bone and how each part responds to certain actions done on a regular basis.
I didn't like this video! I LOVED it! Thank you so much. I'm a relatively active 80 yr old (still ride horses) with bone on bone in my left knee after several years of knee injections. I also have a Baker's cyst in that knee. I was on crutches for a week the pain was so bad. I think that I was overcompensating because the right sciatic nerve went berserk. My PCP told me to talk to surgeons but to start rehab immediately. Found a local surgeon I really like who agrees that muscles should be strong going into surgery. PT has been working on both the sciatic issue and the knee. I'm scheduled for sx in Sept but my knee feels so good now, I'm questioning if I need it. You pointed up a important key in your video. I feel good now but will I continue to put in 2.5 hours of rehab 3 days a week to maintain this good feeling? It's serious question that I need to think about and commit to the action. Thank you again for this informative and much needed video.
Are you wondering if you are ready for surgery? Here are thoughts to help you decide. Thanks for watching.
After 36 years of dealing with torn meniscus, now bone on bone, along with no ACL, I finally made the decision to have a TKNR. What a life changer!! 6 months to the day, I hiked up Diamond Head in 30 minutes!! Loving life and my quality of life has gone up!
Only a little stiffness here and there.
Do you have full ROM? My doc says this is reduced which concerns me.
This is my goal
Wow that's me and this video has been really helpful in deciding that the time is likely upon me to bite the bullet and get the op. Thanks for sharing your experience.
My doc prescribed a sitting ROM machine for use for (5x15minutes) the first two weeks after surgery which I believe was really helpful in getting good range of motion. Painful while using but was helpful in stretching things so I could sleep. The idea is that scar tissue rapidly envelops the metal and if you stretch it right from the start it is forced to have enough room for your leg to bend. If you don't stretch from the beginning you have to break the scar tissue later to increase your range of motion and it's really painful.
@@bcwbcw3741 yikes tnx for the info
Had to have both knees replaced due to arthritis last year at 62. Had them done 2 1/2 months apart as my Doc doesn’t like to do bilateral. Yes it is painful, but manageable. After about the first 10 days I started feeling better. PT was easy because my ROM came back quickly to well over 13O degrees, but I was diligent about doing my exercises. On Dr. Rosen’s scale I went from a 4 to about and 8.5. maybe i can get to 9. Knees are not like they were when I was 25 but now I can go hiking, play tennis, pickleball, canoe trips, bowling, yard work, no problem. You just have to be patient, it’s a long recovery, months not weeks.
@@gnohn9366 can be years befor you see any meaningful improvement.its never the same for the unlucky ones who do not get their needs met and are hugely disappointed.
It has taken me 3 years to get close to what you had achieved ina few month's. My own perseverance and stretching exercises and walking every day.still limping hugely disappointing.
@@gnohn9366 hard to believe stories like this whwn your own experience has been huge disappointment
I have arthritis in both knees, bone on bone in one. I’ve been getting Shockwave treatments and it definitely has helped. No pain walking or on stairs. It’s not covered by insurance but it’s worth it to me to avoid surgery.
I had a knee replacement in 2013. It was a nine-month recovery; the first six weeks were miserable, with painful physical therapy and excruciating nights. After discharge from the hospital, the opioid medicine was ineffective, so Tylenol, ice, and a TENS machine were my pain-relieving interventions. I had a continuous motion machine (medieval torture), but I was certain I needed the machine for complete recovery. The surgery and recovery was a success. It was a life-changing event for me. I had an excellent surgeon who did not sugarcoat the operation. The doctor is correct; one must consider how much one's life is affected and the willingness to go through a long recovery. I waited 34 years after the initial injury. The first fifteen years or so was mild to moderate pain in the right knee. The next nineteen years I had physical and water therapy, cortisone shots, but my knee was riddled with arthritis along with meniscus and ACL tears. It was time to look at other options. If one does not do the physical therapy, you might as well not have the surgery. Knee replacement does not heal by resting.
May I ask, what is a TENS machine? Is it a "cooler" that circulates cold water around the knee?
@@dahuffy TENS stands for Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation. It is a device that sends electrical impulses to electrodes stuck to little pads on your skin (let's say a knee) that cause the muscles to tense up and relax. Basically, it tries to fool your brain into thinking you do not have pain. It wakes up the muscles into learning how to work again. I had one that really didn't do much for me, years ago, and am now facing a total knee replacement. Because I have a high pain tolerance, I have worn my femur and tibia bones down. So, beyond bone on bone, I've worn bone away! Cartilage?! WHAT cartilage?! Shredded and jamming the joint!
@@dahuffy its electric shock on the muscles
😊😊
I am at 6 weeks which I guess is still early but the process is slow, on and off painful ( add in nerve pain) and I feel like I'm on a reactive roller coaster. A very fickle knee where an easy exercise at PT is fine one week and the next it hurts and I push through to only have the next two days has me on the couch crying and using heavier drugs which I am trying to avoid. Very frustrating . It is heartening to know you feel the surgery was a success. I also have been dealing with a tilted kneecap and major malt racking for over 30 years and each year, I had to give up more activities. Right now, it does not feel I will ever get functional and regain fun activities, because now I have nerve pain and a hot cranky knee that can still swell... But , your post gave me some hope.
I had end stage osteoarthritis. The day after I had total knee replacement. I thought.
. Wow my knee feels so much better. Now I will have my other knee done in two weeks. I did great with knee surgery did not need or take any narcotics and had no problem with rehabilitation.
Yeah. The pain of end-stage OA is enough to make you used to anything. I can't remember not living with pain. Made me a tough old lady!!
You were very lucky
Thank you for taking the time to present a more thoughtful and measured conversation to help with the decision about surgery. Surgeons I’ve consulted scared the heck out of me pushing me to make an immediate decision to operate. I’m doing well & so appreciate that you encourage us to know that we’ll make the right decision at the right time.
I have severe osteoarthritis in my left knee. I cannot straighten it all the way nor bend it all the way meaning compared to my right knee. I am in constant pain with it. I lose sleep because of it. Walking is very painful. Nothing works to relieve the pain. I have heard so many horror stories from neighbors and friends that I am scared to have it done. Meanwhile my pain gets worse and worse. I understand now that I will somehow have to strengthen my muscles in that leg if I decide to have the surgery. This is good stuff.
I appreciate the information very much as it is thorough and gives me much to consider. Thank you for this.
Glad you liked it
One point I may add, I suffered for two years with hip pain, so much that I was taking the maximum dose of Tylenol or Advil ( I alternated the pain medicine) on a long period. My doctor said let's do a liver and kidney diagnostic and test. I was damaging both organs and it was nearing permanency. I would have been in trouble with major organs that could not be easily replaced if even.
Sounds like you really need to get it done. I just had mine done a month ago. I was dreading it but it is improving every day. Sure, the first week is tough but it does get better and if you do as you’re told re: icing it, meds, keeping your leg elevated and doing physio and exercises, you should be fine.
😅
😊@@dingotopruc9642
maybe you are at he point that you have nothing to lose by having surgery, maybe theres only upside and not much downside of surgery becsue its already so bad
I don't know what to do. My Doc is leaving it up to me, but a couple years ago he said that we should think about it when I turn 65. I just turned 67. The shots every 3 months help a lot but sometimes I neglect to go every 3 months and I only suffer for it. I've already had 2 arthroscopic surgeries on both knees and there is nothing left to scrape or remove. I am pretty much bone on bone. I have a bakers cyst behind my left knee and that is the knee that gives me the most pain. Knee pain does not keep me up at night or limit me from taking walks. I wrap my left knee with an ace bandage and I do fine. But, when I have pain it's bad. And - I cannot do pain very well at all. I am the biggest baby when it comes to pain and my doctor knows this. I believe this is why he is not suggesting a TKR anymore. Like I said prior, he advised me to have one done when I reached 65. Now he is just leaving it up to me. When I get the shots and if one happens to hurt - I scream. I know, how embarrassing right!! Anyway, when I was in my 20's I fell and hurt my left knee. It was so bad I landed up seeing and orthopedic surgeon and he suggested the scope surgery. I eventually had the right knee scoped too. This doctor, back then, told me that one day when I am older I will need both of my knees replaced because my knees are not aligned correctly and that I will always have problems - but when I get older it will be worse. He was right as they are both much worse. The doctor I see now took ex-rays a couple months ago and he did not see much change at all from pictures taken over a year ago. I know if l lost 20 lbs I would not have as much pain because I was 20 lbs. lighter a few years ago and my knee pain was not as hard. My weight goal is 155 - 160 and then I'm good and happy too! One problem that does not go away is I cannot get up off the floor without a struggle and someone giving me a hand to pull me up. Even getting out of a pool, I have to use the stairs. I have scheduled a date to have my left knee replaced - May 1st, 2025. I want to chicken out though and my doctor is leaving it totally up to me. He told me it will be a painful surgery and I will have to work hard in PT before and after. It's not that I'm lazy - I just can't do pain. I pretty much have no pain threshold and I hate it that I'm this way - but I have always been this way. Please I need some opinions here. Oh , another factor is that I live alone. Just me and my dog (a Basenji). I do not have any stairs so that is a plus. I have neighbors that can help. My son lives back East (where I am originally from) and my daughter has her hands full with 3 young ones and a full-time job - also my son-in-law is very busy with his company. So, I will have to depend on my neighbors for help and I hate being a bother. And it will pretty much be one neighbor helping me the most and that makes me feel bad. I really need opinions here. I forgot to mention my left knee pops a lot too and I am having pain right now and it's only been 2 months since my shots. Okay, thank you in advance to anyone that will respond.
You might try using this tool to put some numbers/data behind your decision.ua-cam.com/video/Al6cDdWxMm4/v-deo.html
@@dradamrosen Thank you very much! I used the tool and it was totally interesting!
@@SharonGD-rh1pz where is the origin of your pain? I have the doctors been able to pinpoint what the pain is from my question to you is what your health is like I got mine done when I was overweight. I think that had been a problem. Also, I thought because I was up on my leg a lot after surgery that that was considered exercise but now the stretching is very important. I must say the amount of pain I had in my left knee before I got it done. I had had meniscus surgery before that and have baker cyst also but I had I went ahead and got the total replacement at the age of 50 I was told to weight lose weight well that never happened but then I found myself. I was born on bone like they said the left knee was on the right and I’m a nurse so I figured I had to do something. I did get my left knee done the problem. The only problem I have is a little bit of tightness at the knee joint and it’s probably my fault for not doing, the extensive stretches of the knee the doctors giving me an EMG to see if I have any kind of damage because I’m feeling some sort away around my ankle and foot at times but overall can be great and every time I get knee x-ray plastic knee looks perfect so I’m really happy that I went to get a second opinion and seen another doctor. He’s going to give me an EMG which will test see if I have any kind of damage, there are a lot of different modalities you can if you go on one of the post knee replacement sites she will probably learn a lot before you decide to get healthy as far as your weight that a good sign. I don’t know if you have any other medical issues that would be a problem insurance company would say whether they’re gonna deny it or approve it I was denied because of my weight but my doctor somehow got to go through well best of luck with you. I hope any little tidbits I gave you help by the way I need to get my right leg done, but I can’t get it done until I lose weight.
I have, but then I put it right back on again because I need to be self-discipline with my eating
This was excellent! I am 65 and wondering if I should consider a total knee replacement, and this video REALLY helped me to think through the issue. I only feel soreness when I walk (not when I am lying down) so I think I need to do a better job managing my pain with over the counter meds. Thank you!!
You're so welcome!
A superb video, and so worth watching. I have to say that having had a terribly life restricting painful knee, my new knee thats two years old now, is brilliant. 11 out of 10 for a painless, fully functional knee. I put it down to a dedicated surgeon and following all the guidance about before and after surgery exercises. I've met and been told of people who didn't do the exercise work and now complain about the experience. Do the exercise properly and look forward to a great result. Its worth the effort. 👋
This is great info. I had a bad experience with a recent back surgery so I am very apprehensive but I cannot take the pain anymore. All of this information has eased my mind...a little.
My recovery was hard and painful at first but it's been well worth it 2 years since I had first one , having the other one in few months time
OP GOOD FOR SOME PAINFULL FOR OTHERS? WHAT TO DI ?!
Happy to hear about age. Just turned 50 and need TKR due to severe osteoarthritis in my right knee. Cannot bike, hike, ski, and even walk anymore. Still about 12 months out from the consult with the surgeon (in Canada so we do have a wait) but looking forward to post surgery and getting back to what I love. Working on exercises and losing more weight (down 50 Lbs) before surgery. Thanks for all of this great information Doc!
Glad you liked it. Best of luck, hopefully you get in sooner than later.
I had a total right knee 8 days ago. In my mid 50s now, I had an 80% meniscus removal four years ago. I had worn completely through the cartilage in two deep grooves and was bone on bone. While I had good days and bad, walking through an art show was almost impossible. I would wake every night and have to apply Voltaren. I had also developed a noticeable limp when I walked.
Great advice, thank you. I had a recent knee replacement because of severe pain and it went great. My other knee, also with arthritis, doesn't have constant pain, just occasional twinges. I now plan to wait a while because that leg has pins in the ankle from a years ago crushing of my ankle, which will be a slight hindrance to PT exercises needed after for recovery. I was going back and forth on that decision until I watched your video. Meanwhile I'll be enjoying the ability to move easily and keep up with family and friends.
Sounds like a good plan.
Thank you. You touched on some points that I hadn't thought of before. I go in July 25th for a total knee replacement. I had never even considered something like this before, but I broke my right kneecap in two in Jan. I didn't find out until two weeks later that it was broken, but the pain was horrible and I still had a life to tend to. It ended up mending when I stopped to let it, but the orthopedic doctor. I went to said they didn't know how I was still walking around. I have had many nights where the pain kept me awake, for years. I have had to stop doing most of the things I used to do, I had always been active. The arthritis is bad, and my knee is bone on bone with spurs on top and bottom like huge teeth. And it has affected my hip and back, as well. I am so looking forward to this surgery. I was wondering if I was just a wimp and truly needed this because I will have to take time off for it, and I am a caregiver. Thank you for making this video. I don't feel so bad now.
glad you found it helpful. wishing you a speedy recovery.
I go in for mine Aug. 9th
I hope you do well! My prayers are with you! I’m to the point where I can’t take it anymore. I have no choice. I’m only 61 am still working part time but it’s killing me. I stand all day on my job.
I’m miserable.
@@fancyfrancy2244 I'm 66
I got my replacement July 25th. Right after surgery and the day after I was all but dancing! Then...the pain blocks wore off. But it hasn't been near so bad as when I broke that kneecap in Jan of this year. This is day 9 and I have gone to PT 3x this last week. I did all the exercises before surgery and have been doing them since, and my range of motion is good. The pain doesn't seem to come from the knee, it comes from the bruising and swelling all over the leg from the trauma of surgery. It doesn't hurt when I walk or stand, but when I am sitting or keeping the leg up for periods of time. Sleeping was not great, but we have cats that share the bed with us. I finally found a great solution to that, however. One of those spongy, soft blankets to wrap the leg in was heaven! Also, I have CHF and discovered that I am better off avoiding salted food. While I can compensate for that normally, it isn't working now, and you don't want the leg swelling any more than necessary. My doctor used the robot in surgery, moved the knee tendon instead of cutting it, and I am "glued" back together. I am blown away at how great this went. Medicine has come even further in just a few years. I was lucky to have a doctor who is young enough and highly skilled at this, with a good medical team. I feel just like a car that got a new muffler!
I'm 62 and sustained a bicondylar, comminuted, slightly displaced, tibial plateau fracture with depression, and internal derangement of the knee. They did not do surgery because they felt that they couldn't guarantee a good outcome and I would need knee replacement in the near future. I'm almost 6 months post fracture and experience quite a bit of pain. My leg has a few degrees of valgus now. I walk with a heavy limp, but managed to get ROM to almost 125 degrees. I really pushed it because I want the leg to be in the best shape before TKR. Oddly enough, my ankle/foot experiences more pain than the knee most times.
Great video. My wife had one 6 weeks ago and everything he said was spot on.
Good to hear!
I’m having my second knee replacement. Thank god I mako Stryker assisted. Recovery was fantastic, tho painful. So, I am ready for second one. So worth it. Good video. Thanks. 😊
I’m a 73 year old male and I had my left knee replaced two years ago. It was massively painful before I had it done. Then I had the surgery and it was discomforting for a couple of months. Then it got better. Now my right knee is extremely painful. I probably need it replaced as well. Whee I need it badly. Massive pain.
Many of my patients that have one side done always seem to know if and when they need the other side replaced.
I had a partial knee replacement that lasted seven months. I suffered for two years with a loose tibial component. I had a a revision to a total knee replacement. I was discharged twelve hours after surgery. My pain relief at home was totally inadequate for the first week. It was pure hell triggering a depression and PTSD. BTW I also developed Erythomelagia post-op. It’s an incurable neuropathic disease without any good treatment. I traded one form of pain for another. Just think really hard, and consider if it’s for you. One way or another it will change your life.
So sorry to hear. This video on regret and remorse details what you and other patients sometime go through -ua-cam.com/video/3TrzqPCm-cE/v-deo.html
I had my right knee replaced last September after being in agony for 27 months. The knee was dislocating a couple of times a week, I have osteoarthritis and hypermobility syndrome.I had issues trying to get it to bend and ended up having a MUA.
My left knee feels as if it's decoupling when I walk rather like a piece of mechano. It goes back in thankfully.
Mobility isn't good. I can't walk far anc my social life has suffered something awful. Ive just turned 60 years of age. I consider myself a young 60 .
I was very fit before everything started going pear shaped with a dislocation on the right knee.
I'm walking with a crutch for support.
I'm scheduled for surgery on the left knee November'24.
I feel I had no alternative but to go down the replacement route. I can't stand the pain. Disturbed sleep and not knowing when the pain will hit is so debilitating.
Oh my gosh I can't wait to get my knee done. I have had to put it off as I'm the caregiver for my mother-in-law who is on hospice but when the time comes I'm going to have it done as soon as possible. In the meantime I'm doing leg and and glute exercises to help get prepared. I'm also doing good nutrition. I have constant pain even just walking out to my car and getting in is painful. Right now all I can do is take ibuprofen and ice which does help but I want a better solution. Thank you for the video and the information
Thank you for this. My symptoms came on suddenly and I have about 1mm of room between the joints. Steriods allowed me to go to Europe and walk about 10k to 20k steps with a cane. But between the arthritis and torn meniscus- I’m in pain all the time. I went from working with weights and ballet every week (I’m 67) to nothing. It is time and your video clarified it.
I hope you have an uneventful and speedy recovery.
Yes it was very helpful I will be getting a new knee replacement December the 27th Thank you I like the video very helpful
Glad you liked it. Wishing you a speedy recovery.
Thank you for this information. I was on the fence about if i should have it done. Already spoke to surgeon who told me “only you know when you’re ready”. Which really didn’t help me at all. Not bone on bone YET….but my ADL’s are affected, i have to monitor how much i can walk or do and it limits my time with my family . I also found my last trip very very hard to walk very much, and it was my 1st seniors bus trip. So i thought , yes i need to have it done now. I do have a low threshold to pain, and have done everything else including synvisc injections which only helped up to the 5th one. So i guess it’s time…..surgery will be scheduled shortly. Thanks for the video.
Glad it was helpful. Good luck with your rehab.
I’m not waiting till I’m totally debilitated! I had ACL repair 20 years ago it was awful. I felt like my surgeon blew me off, a couple years ago after it totally went south a PT suggested a surgeon, saw him -one cortisone shot into the IT band was a huge game changer. Only took 4 Drs to tell me what was wrong😒
So glad I saw this video and extremely grateful. I've been contemplating a knee replacement and very undecided of when should I do it but after watching this video I realized that I'm in good shape and my knee pain is not that significant. Your video answered all of my concerns. Thank you so much and keep up the good work.
Glad it was helpful!
I have mild knee arthrtitis and its really painful. I'm dreading having to cope with this for a lot longer before I can have a replacement.
Definitely work with your surgeon to maximize non-operative treatments (strengthening, activity modification, weight loss (if indicated), oral meds and/or injections. If they fail to relieve pain then you might be ready for surgery.
I had a flare in my worse knee and instinctively knew I wasn’t going to improve enough to go back to work. I had already been accepted for surgery by an Ortho and he felt when I was ready I’d know. When my knee flared I was functionally so low that I told him I felt like there was nothing he could do to make the pain worse. ( to his credit he did wince and disagree.) 4 days post TKR it’s better than it was before, other than the stiffness from the fluid)
Excellent video, honest and highly informative.
Glad you liked it.
Wonderful and very complete presentation. THANKS so much. Going to order your book now.
BFleming, M.D., Ph.D.
Awesome, thank you!
That feeling when kneeling surgery is tomorrow 😈💙
Thanks for being honest Dr.
Always!
My mom waited too long for a hip replacement. Her heart developed issues and she could no longer have surgery. She lived ten more years in horrible pain and mostly sitting in a chair (she could not get out on her own). I’m leery of waiting too long to get my knee done.
Excellent video! Thank you very much. 🎉
Glad you liked it!
Excellent information
Glad you liked it
Ok I was back and forth on doing the surgery Scheduled for the 8th Nov.I changed the date . Finally after this video I’ll do it. I’m looking forward for your videos on robotic tkr. My knee is knocked. And everything else is pretty bad. I was leaning towards Manuel PT. That wouldn’t change the knocked knee . That is my deciding factor. Thank you
I waited so long to get my knee done its been 9 months still recovering . Wish I never have ot done
Why???
Yes why?
Why?
I am at 6 weeks which I guess is still early but the process is slow, on and off painful ( add in nerve pain) and I feel like I'm on a reactive roller coaster. A very fickle knee where an easy exercise at PT is fine one week and the next it hurts and I push through to only have the next two days has me on the couch crying and using heavier drugs which I am trying to avoid. Very frustrating and In your case I'm sorry you are already at 9 months and not seeing improvement. very frustrating.
@@mjneville1859Did they have to straighten your leg out a bit? I’ve heard some people who’ve had become “knock kneed” or “bow legged” because they needed knee replacement, it takes longer to heal. Is your nerve pain on the outer side of the knee? I’ve read that can take a while to heal. So many different outcomes in this surgery it is so frustrating. I hope things become easier for you. Don’t give up! I’ve read some take a full year or more to completely heal.
Thank you for your video and understandable, detailed answers about having TKR. I'm scheduled for my right TKR on 01 November 2024, and I now know that I've made the correct choice. Thanks again.
Glad it was helpful!
This is very informative before I go for my surgery in October, thank you for sharing this information 🙏🙏
You are welcome.
very good video and information. thank you for the information.
Glad it was helpful!
That was very helpful. Thank you for sharing. I bought your book and the information in it is awesome! Thank you for sharing your expertise. Take care!
Awesome! Thank you!
Very good information. thank you!
Thanks for watching!
I have a high pain tolerance but it’s wearing on me both physically and mentally. I’m angry I didn’t take care of my self and asked my body to do more than it is naturally capable of. Plus my genetics is a trail of replacement relatives. I think I’m just going to do at the end of my rope and losing interests most all of my outdoor activities that you need to be mobile.
I waited 10 years to have my first knee replaced in January. I had been doing PRP do keep my pain manageable, and my doctor at the time had said their goal was to keep me comfortable until technology caught up. This past summer I got to the point that I was in so much pain that I realized it was time to talk to a surgeon. He looked at my knees and said they were as severe as they can be. At my 6 week check up my surgeon said I hit it out the ball park. I’m 4 months post TLKR, and almost 3 weeks after having an Iovera injection in my right knee. Because it has numbed my right knee, I can’t believe the difference. I’m not pain free totally, but my husband has even commented on how much energy I have. I had no idea how debilitating my knee pain was. In 4 days I will get my right knee done. I know what is in store with recovery, but the peek at how my life can become is very encouraging.
Many chronic pain sufferers don't realize how bad it has become until after surgery and the chronic pain is gone. Good luck on knee #2.
I had debilitating inflammation in both knees starting in Oct 2023. I’m booked for bilateral in Jan 2024. I’m 61 and just wore out my bearings. No problems with the other parts of my knees. Athlete my whole life then boom almost in a wheelchair. Without diclofenac I would be in a chair.
Wishing you a speedy recovery
Very helpful and practical. Well done Dr.
Glad it was helpful!
Needed to hear/know this. Thanks,Dr. Rosen
Glad to help
I am trying to decide on whether to wait or have replacement done after Xmas (doctor says I should have it done.). I don’t want to jump into anything, but I also don’t want to get weaker at 68
What do you think of Partial KR? My ortho says im a good candidate for that..
You might find this video helpful -ua-cam.com/video/axDudjjAINM/v-deo.html
Wonderful advice and guidance. THANK YOU. Now to evaluate what my doctors did NOT tell me and ask better questions.
glad you found it helpful
Same here after watching. I have to ask my doctor better questions too.
Thank you so much for all of the information. It generated more questions that I need to ask my doctor.
Glad it helped. Knowledge is key.
@@dradamrosen😂
Excellent information. Thank you so much!
Glad it was helpful!
You helped me a lot , Doctor.made my decision much easier. Thank you👍
Happy to help
Brilliant brilliantly done, I am soon to be 71 and 3 months. Am I a good candidate for a total knee replacement? I got to get both of them done. My doctor says I have arthritis in my knee. What do you think? Please respond the best you can. You know. I just want to get an idea and some people say you're really hurts afterwards. Recovery time. Thank you.
I am 71 and 6 months. I had bilateral knee replacement 8 weeks ago. Both knees were bone on bone. The first two weeks are very painful, but you must move as much as possible. I have 130 degree in one leg and 122 degree in the other after 8 weeks and am almost back to feeling my old self. The PT is tough and be prepared to feel down mentally. I was in excellent shape before the surgery and have not gotten back to that level. I think I should be there in another month.
Preparing for surgery soon. Watching lots of videos and gathering information. Your video is very well thought out and hits on all of the questions I have. I'm still fairly young, but can only walk about 1/4 mile before I hit the invisible wall that debilitates me. Pills don't make a difference, the first two injections helped for about a month each, and the third shot did nothing. MRI shows torn ligaments due to the lack of cartilage. My surgeon explained he can clean it up, but could not say how long before the lack of cartilage would create the same situation. Your video did not change my mind, but gave me confidence that I have weighed my decision appropriately. Thank you for your candor, and may your patients appreciate you.
Please keep us posted on your recovery.
You’re lucky you got an MRI.
Mine said it’s not needed.
🤷♀️🤷♀️🤷♀️🤷♀️
@@fancyfrancy2244 Attending pre-op class today. I'll be getting a CT scan soon, which will be the setup for the MAKO robotics.
@@faithwilley3171mine uses robotics too. He also uses the “quad saving” cut. It sounds like you have a good surgeon. I’m the same, cannot walk long distances and I have the “ duck waddle” now. Mine still wants to try injections into the joint. I’m going to be 62 in November and I had to go part time at my job because I can’t stand long periods of time. I’m a hairstylist. I’m bone on bone on both knees but only on inner knee. My Dr is pretty sure I have torn meniscus too because of the outer side pain. Backs of knees kill me and I am so stiff from arthritis! This is such a nightmare. It ruins your life. I’ve been riding a recumbent bike every night to strengthen my quads and it has really helped me. They say the stronger your muscles are going in makes a better recovery. I pray you have a pain free recovery that goes smoothly. May I ask who your surgeon is and their location? Mine is in Southern California.
@@fancyfrancy2244 I'm in Florida. I hope you can get relief soon!
So glad I watched this! Thank you!
You are very welcome
Hey sir, I have a big toe problem. It's fused together or it needs to be surgically fixed one. Podiatrist set that I should get my knee fixed before I get my toe fixed. What's your thought on that? Just in general, should I get the towel fixed first or total knee replacement first? I'm confused. Thanks again if you respond I appreciate it
A very useful video, thank you very much
You are welcome!
Doctor, I fell in late April went to orthopedic gave me an injection and physical therapy. After therapy knee felt great till 3 weeks ago, pain back in my knee. I go get the MRI, see doctor yesterday. I’m 54 year old male active workout, play Cornhole on leagues, if I don’t do cardio at gym I walk 4 miles. So doctors said I have meniscus tear with arthritis, he says he can scope, but eventually I’ll need a knee replacement. Also he don’t do the knee replacement a colleague I would have to talk to. What would you do?
I would have a consultation with the total knee replacement specialist and hear what he says.
Thank you
My surgeon never went over anything or warned of what kind of miserable recovery it is. No discussion at all. I wish I had seen this earlier.
Sorry for your experience.
Very good video and well explained
Me too pretty much zero information.or understanding of the recovery and consequences of the surgery
Same here. So disappointing.
Many told me how glad they were to have had it but no one told me about the dreadful recovery discomfort
Great video. Thank you SO much for taking the time to share such helpful and important info, very kind of you.
Glad it was helpful!
Great information, but did I miss the talk about bone on bone. I just cancelled my surgery which was planned in Dec. 2024. A few months back, I walked the hills of NC while on vacation. I was able to do the hills, but later on that evening, had severe pain while trying to sleep and then severe pain upon standing. I am Bone on bone, have arthritis and am pretty certain the meniscus is screwed up along with a bakers cyst behind my knee. Anyhow, fast forward, I just cancelled my surgery as I feel that I rushed into it. Upon visiting my ortho, I agreed to try a gel shot. I also had a cortisone shot within a few weeks of the gel shot. as I felt it didn't totally relieve the pain. I have been pain free since. My question is : since I am bone on bone, should I hold off surgery being the shots have helped me?
I always tell people they will decide when they are ready, even if they are bone-on-bone. If they have a significant deformity which can affect their ligaments I push them to do surgery sooner as opposed to later.
At 76 I have mild osteoarthritis along with a bi-lateral meniscus tear. Had a RTKR 18 mos ago but had severe osteoarthritis with meniscus tear. What are my options as I wish to continue playing pickleball several days a week…
good info. are all replacements cementless now? i know that helps with the longevity of the new joint. i had one knee replaced at 48 years old and my other knee 6 years later (6 weeks out!from surgery). the recovery is a process, but totally worth it!! i love being out of pain and exercising again.
so i am only 55 have had 3 sugeries on this knee.( cartilidge and acl) x-ray impressions show 4 views of rt knee severe medial joint space collapse with significant tello femoral arthritis. he does show large osteophytes in the lateral femoral condyle as well. BUT my main pain is in the IT band, which leads to severe stiffness on the face of my knee. does not want to bend and can not lock out. BUT i still try and workout( ride bike and walk my dog). i am limping if i have to stay standing for 3 hours at work on concrete floors. seems early to me but should i have it done??? this is such a big decision!! 7 knee surgeries total, so the other one cant be far behind.
so im 50 this is my 3rd surgery tore my acl in high school. had one put in bout 10 yrs ago and just had my tkr on april 12th im still debating on whether it was worth it ???? as far as walking and pain and standing on concrete it was defintly worth it made all that much better. my issue is climbing and side to side jumping movements im back to work and i drive a 18 wheeler so i push in the clutch its my left knee by the way but i have to climb up on the trailer sometimes and move in awkward positions. but it gets stronger every day and im not @ 4 months yet. the key is just what he said you have to make it stronger work the leg stretch and strengthin im really hopeful its going to be great but i feel like its a year to recover and you have to do the work
@@1975jdawg what type of surgery did you get? makoplasty, custom or just arthroscopy? climbing ladders was a big concern for me also. as i am a maintenance man. and have to climb quite often.can you kneel yet? thats another big issue for me. i see dr. this thurs. to set operation date .would you do it again or wait till later. thanks for your time!!
Awesome information!!!!! Thank you so much for explaining
Glad it was helpful!
Spot on content 👍 Dr Rosen, thank you so much for all your videos and your book ❤.
My pleasure!
3 m. ago I injured my knee Recent MRI shows a meniscus root tear, stress fracture, Baker's cyst, significant bone edema. Also shows full-thickness cartilage loss. My ortho says I'm not a good candidate for a root repair, and has ordered modified activity w/a walker for walking for 4-6 wks. to heal the fracture & bone edema. I feel like there may only be a TKR in my future. It's very painful and I'm on multiple doses of Tylenol ea. day. It hurt so bad I went to the ER to see if I had a DVT (neg.) I've had steroids inj. & oral- no help. THX for the great info.
I have double jointed knees and they are bone on bone. Im 66 years old, I'm a full time total caregiver to my adult son, should I have knee replacements?
I’m 80, moderate osteoarthritis both knees but not much real pain, only stiffness. Problem is over last 2 years right knee has become knock knee. This is causing balance issues and limping and I’m concerned it will begin affecting back and hips. Is knock knee with non-painful arthritis still a good reason to have knee replacement? My life is very much affected by this knock knee.
Yes, some people get bow-legged (there arthritis is worse on the inside of the knee) or people like you that are knock-kneed (arthritis worse on the outside of the knee) in either case if you are having pain from the arthritis and it is affecting your quality of life or ability to walk a knee replacement may be a good option
Very helpful, thank you.
You're welcome!
Thank you.. you have helped me make a decision as I do use a cane now and have to make choices as to what activities I do. I love cycling but had to give it up and walking is very restricted. I was told I need both replaced and will now go ahead.. but will do each one separately ❤❤
Would you say this information can be applied in a general way to a hip replacement?
Yes, the comparison if very similar.
Thank you! I will share this with a friend who needs a hip replacement, but is reluctant to do it. Your videos are super helpful.
Ordered your book!
Great video! What is your opinion and what is the positiveness that I keep hearing regarding the Mako by Stryker knee replacement system? Why do I keep hearing that there's less recovery time and better results with this particular procedure? Not sure how I feel about a company that makes hospital beds getting involved in knee replacement, your thoughts?
You can check out this video -ua-cam.com/video/9QaKBBH5Hs4/v-deo.html - and next week there will be another video where I take you step-by-step through a robotic total knee
what about footware, is it OK to walk barefoot indoors or should you wear footware and outdoors what are the best type of shoes to wear, l think l read flat shoes are best
i have both bad knees and getting ready in 4 days to have my left knee replace ,but i am not up to it i have done cortizone couple times, and six months ego stem cell don't know if i want to do the surgery ,has any one done hyaluronic acid shots??
Thank you for the information. Very helpful.
You are so welcome!
I am not bone on bone and not in extreme pain. But there is loss of bone on my Xray in both knees. I have a lot of stiffness and pain when I sit too long. However, I have extreme misalignment (knees gong inward) and it is causing balance issues, lower back pain and bad posture. If effect, it is hampering my quality of life. Because of this I am considering bilateral knee replacement. But I am still gathering information. I just turned 84 and am in very good health for my age. The only physical problem I have is Macular Degeneration which is being managed and it won't interfere with a knee replacement. My Dr. does not cut muscles and tendons which will make recovery better I am told. And they have a nutrition and PT program before and after the surgery. I would consider injections but would it really address the knock knee problem? Any suggestions and/or input would be helpful.
What about Stem Cell Therapy ?
Not something that surgeons are trained in or compensated. Plus not "FDA" approved or covered by insurance.
Im a cluster F! I am acheduled for lumbar fusion, yet need both knees replaced and left hip. I have burning behind knee running down my calf to my ankle. I am at a loss and dont know which is more important to get done. I also have fibromyalgia and already may have small fiber neuropathy. Any suggestions which body part should be done first? Knee surgeon says my knee is totally shot bone on bone. I walk half of walmart and have to grab my leg by my jeans to pull into the car. I have so much wrong. I even thought of just checking out. Spine surgeons says no nerve are coming through L4L5 from disc falling and have facet joint disease.
I have antiphospholipid syndrome from vaccine so now blood clots is a huge worry....any suggestions
Each patient is different and I would ask you to ask your docs to discuss. Usually we do hips before knees if they are equal. When it comes to back and hip - if there is severe nerve issues such as weakness or significant numbness then the back is done first. Otherwise the hip is done before the back and some patients find that after the hip is replaced the back is a little better.
l have mild early stage knee artritis , is it OK to walk barefoot indoors or should l wear shoes.
I would decide on what feels better- walking barefoot or wearing shoes. Pain level?
I had monovisc injection about four weeks ago but pain still persists there at the back of knee, also doing PT. Can’t stand for a long time.
Helpful advice, thank you :)
You are welcome
How does one do knee replacement if one lacks and cannot get a support network from family as too busy n friends got their own lives. I will need a longer rehab stay n hope insurance will cover it without grief. I am over 70 yes of age
I’m in the same boat.
Yes, me too. It sucks!
@@melissathompson7483 Have you tried the gel shots? I had my 2nd one several days ago. My knee is doing better. One more to do and I’m hoping this will last at least 6 months That’s how long they last on people if they are even going to work. These do work on about 50% of people I heard.
Great job thanks
I was born w/one hip higher than the other, a pelvic tilt. It caused significant problems in my life, could not give birth naturally, not ride a bike, run or dance fast, Anyway I was bone-on-bone on my hip and had THR 5 yrs. ago. I injured my other knee last yr. and had a partial meniscectomy and my ortho said I had no cartilage loss in any compartment & mild arthritis. I have since injured my other knee and have full-thickness cartilage loss, it makes sense as this is my THR leg. How common is this to have a pelvic tilt? And cause all this damage?
I'm 48 years old and have severe osteoarthritis in both knees and was told i need both knees replaced but keep getting told consistently that I'm too young...Any thoughts on this as the surgeon says it's up to me
I got mine LTKR done at 49. They told me the same, but after multiple injections & wearing a brace I insisted. It was a rough recovery but im actually glad i did it instead of waiting
Thank you for the advice !😊
You're so welcome!
Again...thank you for the information and your professional honesty.
Could you tell me if you believe that a Carnivore or low-carb diet might help reduce inflammation in arthritic knees?
Also...Do you have any thoughts on those floor sliders that help you slide the leg back and forth while in a sitting position. Does that movement help to lubricate the knee?
I have osteoarthritis in every joint not only my knee.
Thank You.
You're welcome
I had my knee replacement on hold so I could ride the Tour divide this summer ,I rode 1000 miles out of 2700 mils and had to stop ,( I ride 4000to5000 a year and am 67) in your experience would you expect a cyclist to get his /her form back .
every person is different. here in southern california we have a lot of bikers and i have had a few patients over the years that were able to go back to century rides but not all.
Dr Rosen, can you recommend a video, book or website that explains what sort of exercises are recommended for someone with moderate O/A in a knee, to help strengthen the quads and whatever other muscles, to help the knee itself? Thank you
There are so many options and each persons ability is different. In my book - THE KNEE BOOK - I cover a number of exercises. If you follow any of the exercises for after total knee they work the same muscles needed to strengthen your native knee. One option is seeing a physical therapist for a few sessions so they can teach you a good home exercise program that is safe.
My prayers shows bone on bone. Chronic pain..Am I a candidate?
Many videos out there on knee exercises. Check out El Paso manual physical therapy. I also heard someone mention a Bones for Life program.
My knee is in so much pain!!!! I’ve had 2 gel injections and it seems to be getting worse, knee replacement scares me so much!!
Same here. Gel injection didn't help me at all. If you need a replacement, don't get anymore injections. You have to wait 3-6 months to have surgery. They say the injections increase the risk of an infection. That's where I'm at. My surgery is in January 2025. I hope I can make it that long!
Are you doing any stretching and strengthening exercises? If not, move mountains to do them! As this doctor emphasizes, one may not expect good outcomes without doing as much as possible to make your muscles strong before surgery. Cartilage and bone DO respond to targeted activity - check out the video 'How to strengthen your cartilage' by a Belgian surgeon. He has done a very good video that explains the biological structures of cartilage and bone and how each part responds to certain actions done on a regular basis.
I didn't like this video! I LOVED it! Thank you so much. I'm a relatively active 80 yr old (still ride horses) with bone on bone in my left knee after several years of knee injections. I also have a Baker's cyst in that knee. I was on crutches for a week the pain was so bad. I think that I was overcompensating because the right sciatic nerve went berserk. My PCP told me to talk to surgeons but to start rehab immediately. Found a local surgeon I really like who agrees that muscles should be strong going into surgery. PT has been working on both the sciatic issue and the knee. I'm scheduled for sx in Sept but my knee feels so good now, I'm questioning if I need it. You pointed up a important key in your video. I feel good now but will I continue to put in 2.5 hours of rehab 3 days a week to maintain this good feeling? It's serious question that I need to think about and commit to the action. Thank you again for this informative and much needed video.
So glad to hear that you loved it.