Total Knee needed - age 52 - recovery and activity questions - Knee & Hip Problems Message Board

paradiddle · 12-26-2007, 02:02 PM

I just got back from OS. He says I need TKR as I am bone on bone after viewing x-ray with no gap on one side. I'm not in great pain but I knew something was wrong. I have been trying to workout harder and it has become difficult. I only feel good on a bicycle.

I tore my ACL in 90 but did not get reconstruct - only meniscus repair at the time. Tore cartilage again and did another scope in 93.

I am thinking of putting this off until I can't stand it. I can do some activity ok. I'm just 70 lbs overweight from when I first tore up knee and that is what is making things difficult. I think with weight loss I could go on with no surgery for awhile. TKR sounds ok, I have the insurance and time to do it as I am not working. (I'm post op from neck surgery in july - I guess I'm falling apart).

I am concerned that TKR will not last that long as I am a big guy. (6 ft 295lb)
and that I may be dissappointed in results as I am not too bad right now.

Doc said if wait I could wear the bone on one side and make it harder to realign (bowlegged). That sounds like the only need to do soon because the pain ain't that bad.

Just looking for some thoughts....

paradiddle · 12-26-2007, 03:10 PM

Is a partial (UKA) replacement and an ACL reconstruct an option?

Peter Tucson · 09-12-2009, 11:23 PM

I know the original post is old, but I thought this may help others.... I'm 50 and had a TKR 3 weeks ago. I'm 6'-2" and 210lbs. I spent 3 years working out with a personal trainer, loosing weight, building muscle and preparing for the time when I couldn't wait any longer (sleepless nights, limited mobility). I have no reservations about doing it now at my age. The only piece I'll outlive is the pastic inbetween the upper and lower joint. This is made to be replaced (dr says should last 30 years). The BEST thing I did was strengthen up before my surgery. I was on a cane after a week, now I don't need a cane and I was driving 10 days after surgery (left leg), and I'm now working out at the gym on a bicycle and eliptical....

paradiddle · 09-16-2009, 10:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Peter Tucson

I know the original post is old, but I thought this may help others.... I'm 50 and had a TKR 3 weeks ago. I'm 6'-2" and 210lbs. I spent 3 years working out with a personal trainer, loosing weight, building muscle and preparing for the time when I couldn't wait any longer (sleepless nights, limited mobility). I have no reservations about doing it now at my age. The only piece I'll outlive is the pastic inbetween the upper and lower joint. This is made to be replaced (dr says should last 30 years). The BEST thing I did was strengthen up before my surgery. I was on a cane after a week, now I don't need a cane and I was driving 10 days after surgery (left leg), and I'm now working out at the gym on a bicycle and eliptical....

Thanks for response. Since my original post I have lost 50+ lbs and down to 240's and smaller pants. My knee is ok for now and I will wait until I can't stand it. I agree with being in better shape before surgery. I was told that way back when I tore my ACL in 1990. That being in shape helps the PT etc.

Good luck with your TKR!!

jmw63 · 09-23-2009, 05:26 PM

My advice would be to put it off for as long as you can. I wouldn't do it until it was really having a negative effect on my life. I just had my first one done in July and, as my doc said, it is a BIG surgery!