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Online now: 1 member: TABLE SETTER 11; 37 anonymousDiscussion: Knee Surgery or replacement
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| April 29, 2018 Darjlov 7 posts | Knee Surgery or replacement I am looking for other experiences or suggestions. I am 52 and had knee surgery a year and half ago to remove 30% of my meniscus, 15 fragments, and smooth out the top of the bone. The doctor stated I had osteoarthritis where 100% of the bone was worn down in one location and 75% in two other locations. He further stated I was too young to due a full replacement. Anyhow, after surgery I completed my therapy and went back to playing softball on a limited basis. Running proved difficult due to discomfort/pain as well as weakness. As the season progress I went back and got gel injections to help relieve the pain but to no avail. In speaking with the doctor he said the next course of action would be to go back in and drill holes to allow marrow to ooze out where it will harden over top of the bone forming a cartilage like substance. Has anyone had this procedure if so was it successful to allow you to run? or does anyone have any insights on other viable procedures to reduce pain and allow me to run a bit better. Looking for options or a full replacement the most viable. |
| April 30, 2018 MurrayW Men's 65 221 posts | Go see another doctor. You're not too young if a knee replacement is what you need. There's no reason to suffer for several more years just to meet some arbitrary age goal. I had a partial knee replacement 7 years ago at 56 and had it revised with a full knee replacement this December. I was back hitting in February and in the last couple of weeks am back to hitting as well as I was before the latest replacement. Running is still a little difficult but that will come in the next few months. |
| April 30, 2018 missouridave Men's 60 166 posts | I also recommend getting a second opinion. I had my knee replaced at age 61. Better than it was but not as good as I thought it would be. There are some new options becoming available. In Europe they are now using an artificial meniscus rather than replacement. Not yet available in the US last time I checked. I also know that the University of Missouri Joint Center is now using cadaver meniscus rather than replacement. I believe you must be under age 55 to have this procedure. Good luck and if you have a replacement. It is critical that you do all of the rehab. |
| April 30, 2018 softball4b Men's 70 1248 posts | It is not about how old you are, it is about how long the knee will last and $$$. Get the 2nd opinion and get the replacement. I limped around for 3 years after I blew my meniscus. It has been 18 months since the total replacement and even though it will never be the same as when I was younger, I am playing competitive softball and contributing. The advantage of getting it done now far out weighs the negative and the reduced quality of life. Mike Adair |
| May 2, 2018 beejaytx Men's 60 5 posts | The drill hole procedure is called microfracture. Had it done as part of my meniscus surgery and was able to run around OK for about 3-4 years. I am considering knee replacement on both knees as well. Good luck! |
| May 2, 2018 Nancy Allen Men's 55 1438 posts | At the risk of being redundant, getting a second opinion is good advice. My knee Dr often gets new patients after a bad first experience. Mine believes in surgery as the final option. He works with people to strengthen the knee with exercises and alternative behaviors. Although my issue was probably different that yours, over 10 years ago I went to him, and I did not have surgery, and my knee feels great. He is my hero. Coachie's knee was bone on bone. My knee Dr said that he needed surgery, but he needed to lose some weight and do exercises to strengthen the muscles. He was never going to do that. He went to another knee Dr who I believe was a competent Dr but did not have the same philosophies as mine. He died a few days later from an undiagnosed condition. So please at least get a second opinion. Surgery is not always the first answer, and I can see why you lack confidence in his recommendations. |
| May 3, 2018 kjones Men's 50 15 posts | I had micro fracture surgery 5 yrs ago. I have been able to run at the same level that I was before the surgery. I play the outfield and it is not an issue. If you get the micro fracture you can always get the knee replacement later. Good luck! |
| May 3, 2018 gman67 Men's 55 16 posts | I've had both of my knees replaced. I had my first at 51 and my second at 53. I'm going to be 57 this month. I still get knee pain but i'm able to play and run. I'm not fast but I'm 6'4" and 290lbs, so i never will be. The doctors told me I needed my knees replaced when I was 40. I tried the gel injections, they didn't work for me. I wore MCL unloader braces for years. It got to the point where my teeth hurt from grinding them because of the pain. I would see another doctor and do your research on replacement knees. I told my doctor that I still was going to play softball so he used the joint that we felt would give me the best chance. It has been a blessing! Your body will tell you when it's time, mine did. Best of luck in your decision! My name is Gerard Blair and I play for RBC. |
