Final knee motion after total knee replacement depends on preoperative motion

September 13th — admin

Years ago I had a total knee replacement. With the new joint I had less pain but not much more motion. Now I’m going to have the other knee done. Any chance I can get better motion with the newer joints?

Many studies have repeatedly shown that final knee motion after replacement depends on preoperative motion. It’s also true that patients with the greatest loss of motion have better results than patients with minimal loss of motion.

Recently a group of researchers in England and Canada got together to review the results of total knee replacements. They were especially interested to see what factors predict final motion measurements.

They found that age, gender, and body weight didn’t seem to make much difference. Likewise the type of implant was no longer such a big factor. The amount of knee flexion before replacement was still pretty important.

It’s likely you’ll notice some difference with the new implant. Let us know how you compare them!

For more information on this subject, call The Zehr Center for Orthopaedics at 239-596-0100 or visit www.zehrcenter.com. The information contained herein is compiled from a variety of sources. It may not be complete or timely. It does not cover all diseases, physical conditions, ailments or treatments. The information should NOT be used in place of a visit with your healthcare provider, nor should you disregard the advice of your health care provider because of any information you read in this topic.

Posted in Knees. Tags: , , , . No Comments »

Knee replacement patients do less after surgery?

June 17th — admin

I can’t help but notice my family and friends who’ve had a knee replacement do less and less after their surgery. I thought replacing the joint would free them up to do more. Is this a common pattern?

Research data shows patients get relief from pain after a total knee replacement (TKR). But residual disability is common as you’ve noticed. Most patients get enough motion and strength back to do their daily tasks.

Recovery to pre-TKR levels just doesn’t happen for the average person. A year after the operation, most patients go up and down stairs at half the speed of healthy adults the same age. Squatting, gardening, and heavy housework often go by the wayside. Patients with TKRs walk slower and shorter distances than before the surgery.

Physical therapists are studying this problem. They hope to find ways to prevent or overcome these problems. A recent study from the University of Delaware suggests strengthening the quadriceps (thigh) muscle may be a key factor.

For more information on this subject, call The Zehr Center for Orthopaedics at 239-596-0100 or visit www.zehrcenter.com.The information contained herein is compiled from a variety of sources. It may not be complete or timely. It does not cover all diseases, physical conditions, ailments or treatments. The information should NOT be used in place of visit with your healthcare provider, nor should you disregard the advice of your health care provider because of any information you read in this topic.

Posted in Knees. Tags: , . No Comments »

Why can’t 45-year-old get knee replaced?

June 14th — admin

I’m 45 years old and in need of a knee replacement but I can’t find a surgeon who’ll do it for me. I’ve heard the trend for joint replacement is on the rise. Does this mean more younger people are getting new knees? Or just more older folks?

A little bit of both. While it’s true surgeons are hesitant to replace a “young” knee, joint replacements in adults ages 45 to 64 has risen by 10 percent in the past 10 years. Rates of hip and knee implants are the highest in adults between ages 65 and 84.

Surgeons are still concerned about the revision rate for adults having joint replacements at a young age. Enough bone is removed and changes made in the joint structure the first time that a second replacement can be risky. Since the average life of an implant is 10 to 15 years, it’s a safe bet that a 45-year old will likely need at least one more joint implant before age 80.

There are surgeons who will replace a joint in a 45-year old under the right circumstances. Most agree it’s best to keep active, maintain your strength, and wait.

For more information on this subject, call The Zehr Center for Orthopaedics at 239-596-0100 or visit www.zehrcenter.com.The information contained herein is compiled from a variety of sources. It may not be complete or timely. It does not cover all diseases, physical conditions, ailments or treatments. The information should NOT be used in place of visit with your healthcare provider, nor should you disregard the advice of your health care provider because of any information you read in this topic.

Posted in Knees. Tags: , , . No Comments »

What is a “soggy knee”? My doctor gave me this label after a total knee replacement surgery.

May 3rd — admin

What is a “soggy knee”? My doctor gave me this label after a total knee replacement surgery.

Some patients have increased local bleeding and leg swelling after knee joint replacement. This condition interferes with normal motion and is referred to as a soggy knee.Treatment with drugs and physical therapy help take care of these problems. Getting knee motion back as early as possible is very important. Sometimes, a soggy knee condition can be avoided with the use of aspirin right after the operation. Aspirin has five ‘A’s that go with it. It is an analgesic for pain, an antiinflammatory to prevent swelling, and an antipyretic to reduce fever. It’s also an anticoagulant or blood thinner. This helps prevent blood clots. The final ‘A’ is for acidic which can cause stomach problems. The first four ‘A’s work together to help reduce the chances of developing a soggy knee after surgery.

For more information on this subject, call The Zehr Center for Orthopaedics at 239-596-0100 or visit www.zehrcenter.com. The information contained herein is compiled from a variety of sources. It may not be complete or timely. It does not cover all diseases, physical conditions, ailments or treatments. The information should NOT be used in place of a visit with your healthcare provider, nor should you disregard the advice of your health care provider because of any information you read in this topic.

Posted in Knees. Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , . No Comments »

Did I waste $2,000 on a CPM machine? Does it help after knee replacement?

September 1st — admin
Last year I spent $2,000 purchasing a continuous passive motion machine to use after a total knee replacement. I was planning to resell it. Now I find out the latest studies say it doesn’t work. What’s this all about?

 
Continuous passive motion (CPM) was first used in the 1980s when a well-known orthopedic surgeon did some studies with it to help joints heal after fractures. It’s use after total knee replacement has been debated for years.

Some studies show CPM helps patients get more motion back faster. Others say it doesn’t make a difference. Some studies show a shorter hospital stay for patients using CPM. Others don’t show any difference at all.

Researchers suggest different study designs and methods of research may explain these varied results. For example, in one study the CPM was only used for 24 hours after the operation. Another study used it for three hours twice a day for five days.

Sample size (the number of patients in the study) can make a difference in results, too. Smaller studies may not be as valid as larger studies. Finally surgery has improved over the years making the use of CPM less necessary. Patients are already able to move freely after the operation with fewer muscles cut and less swelling. They don’t need a machine to passively bend and straighten the knee for them.

The information contained herein is compiled from a variety of sources. It may not be complete or timely. It does not cover all diseases, physical conditions, ailments or treatments. The information should NOT be used in place of visit with your healthcare provider, nor should you disregard the advice of your health care provider because of any information you read in this topic. For more information on this subject, visit www.zehrcenter.com 

Posted in Knees. Tags: , , , , . No Comments »
«
Newer posts » »