thanks for the additional info
1 Like
Dude, I feel you pain. Literally! I had a knee replacement done 10 years ago and it went great. No problems, but now the other knee needs a replacement and I am scheduled for three weeks from now. I understand your fear of an infection. From my research, it affects about 2-3% of all knee replacements. Not enough to say no, but enough to get one’s attention.
My knee replacement 10 years ago was done with an innovative product called Conformis. What is different about it is that instead of using standard parts that are then fitted to the knee during surgery, the knee is CAT-scanned and a knee appliance is built that fits your exact knee. This has cut down the infection rates from what I understand. I certainly had no problems and got back to refereeing football and soccer well ahead of schedule. My next knee operation is going to use a competitor to Conformis, a Swiss company whose name I cannot remember, but does everything the same way. My surgeon believes either product is a superior implant over the normal product from the major medical supply companies (J&J, Becton, Stryker, et al) with fewer infection problems. The standard knee replacement parts may have excess material that must be bent to make it fit the bones. Check out the Conformis website for a better explanation.
I also spoke to him specifically about the risk of an infection. He explained that quick intervention is the best response and that a fast replacement of the pads (?) that simulate the cartilage usually resolves any infection problem (together with antibiotics). So, you have to be vigilant looking for any problems and call your surgeon immediately if you have a concern. Nevertheless, it seems that using these newer products have reduced the infection problems because they fit you knee perfectly without any overhang that can cause an irritation (which could lead to an infection).
Best of luck, my friend. I hope this helps.
3 Likes
I got a full knee replacement 10 months ago.
Went in at 8 am walked out with rolling walker by 10 am. Get a good surgeon it makes a ton of difference. I asked the lady that came by my house 2 visits to make sure no infection it was an out patient surgery. She said everything looks great. I asked her who’s the best surgeon she said my guy was very good but there was one doctor whose patients have almost no scarring and inflammation.
If you’re a baby with pain you won’t do well. I’m not a pain pill kind of guy I had 2/3 rough nights Daytime no problem. My mother in law had all kind of problems and over medicated and wouldn’t go to physical therapy. Do all the rehab and push yourself.
I’m 60 playing competitive baseball not softball. I’m about 3/4 speed. I’m a lot quicker going to my right now. I’m not stealing any bases but on a base hit when the ball goes to home I can get to second on the throw.
3 Likes
I had a procedure done in early 2002, a cartilage graft. (OATS Procedure, I think they called it)
I need knee replacements now. For the info on the cartilage replacement stuff, I know my docs (and insurance) won’t perform this on anyone over 55. In my case, the arthritis is too advanced anyhow.
We are going with a brace for right now…
The comparison X-ray of both my knees is scary looking… the good one has complete spacing; my right, bad knee has none!
I just want to know what an “Ortho Bra” is.
1 Like
.
I can’t imagine any lady named “Ortho” looking good in her bra,
but I wouldn’t mind being wrong if someone has pictures. 