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My wife had a total knee replacement on her right knee several years ago with an Orthopedic surgeon she and I both trust completely. He explained the procedure in great detail. She X-rays but no MRI. Her right knee is still great, but her left knee needs done. We saw the same surgeon yesterday and the procedure should be the same with some improvements. It's SO important to have confidence in the person who is going to do the work. We lucked out and are very thankful for that. His name is Dr. Federov in Eugene, Oregon.
I'm curious. When you say the procedure should be the same "with some improvements," what does that mean? What improvements?
There is almost never a reason to do a MRI prior to hip or knee replacement.
A plain x ray provides all the imaging data that is needed.
The only fear I have is that I have problems with a tendon or something that which bothers me on the knee. I also wonder if I have enough strength to hold whatever they put on the bone to sustain it.
I never asked the surgeon Why the groin had all the bone spurs, left groin was smooth. Have to guess that's how the arthritis has manifested on my dominant side.
So just curious. Were the bone spurs on the side you slept on, or on the other side, assuming you like to sleep on your side?
The only fear I have is that I have problems with a tendon or something that which bothers me on the knee. I also wonder if I have enough strength to hold whatever they put on the bone to sustain it.
If you are walking out of balance for a long period of time in order to favor one hurting joint (like either knee) it can end up causing extra wear on another joint (like either hip). None of our joints function in isolation...they affect each other. Muscle, ligament, and tendon problems play into joint injuries just as bone does. We are a "system" of parts that work together.
As for bone "strength", do you have osteoporosis? Have you had a bone density test to rule it out?
So just curious. Were the bone spurs on the side you slept on, or on the other side, assuming you like to sleep on your side?
The spurs were on the inside of the groin, when looking at the body and knowing the groin area, on the inside. I used to sleep on my side and for years now I sleep only on back..I can't sleep on the replacement side that's for sure. Now wait the groin is the groin, I'd have to have a pic of it besides in my mind.
The last surgeon who spoke to us like that messed up my husband's shoulder surgery. While that is certainly not indicative of your outcome, and I don't need a lot of positive bedside manner, I am not keen on doctors who do not answer questions. My comfort level with procedures is important.
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Thanks. While I have a relative in Eugene, I'm not going to Eugene right now. But it's nice to know, and yes, your post is very reassuring that I'm not crazy. Entirely crazy.
yes, I figured you weren't close to us. But if you were I would highly recommend him. No, you are not crazy! I hope you get a surgeon you have faith in, who does right by you.
I went to orthopedic surgeon yesterday, and was told I need a knee replacement. I have virtually no cartilage left, it's bone-on-bone so he said. He showed me x-rays and tried to explain but then got upset when I interrupted him for an explanation of something. (Oh, well...) Meantime, he said both knees AND a hip need replacements because on a scale from 1 to 10, 10 being the worst, they were all #10. He then more or less finished the discussion. I am very, very nervous about this. I am 75. It's hard for me to walk.
So here is my question: I was told he does not take an MRI, that is not his "protocol." The X-ray is all he goes by. I wonder about this. Especially since I told him that I was having tendon problems. What are your thoughts about this? (By the time I figure this out, they'll probably tell me I'm too old for surgery...<g>)
I agree that you should get a 2nd opinion on everything, thyroid too.
As to having actual surgery? I'd really proceed with caution because of your age and I'll tell you why. My old neighbor had a lady friend not much older then you. She suffered bad with hip pain, ended up going to get it fixed, was deceased before one year after surgery. After her burial, my elderly neighbor was moving his stuff home, tripped going into his house. They thought he would die but he pulled thru. He came to stay with me about a month or so, I had moved away but we were still friends. He had no where to go as his niece didn't want to care for him. We had multiple medical professionals come to my house to see him. He had a bad knee, the PT guy told him at his age (80's) the odds of not dying within one year were not good. I wish I could recall what he said about why elderly people die within a year of major surgery but it turned out to be true. My elderly neighbor went home, he ended up in the hospital again, for some strange reason they gave him a pace maker. Wouldn't you know it he was gone within one month of surgery just like his lady friend.
I don't know what the odds are for people your age to have a successful surgery and go back to life. Perhaps you can look around or ask your next doctor how much experience they have with patients your age and what the odds are.
I went to orthopedic surgeon yesterday, and was told I need a knee replacement. I have virtually no cartilage left, it's bone-on-bone so he said. He showed me x-rays and tried to explain but then got upset when I interrupted him for an explanation of something. (Oh, well...) Meantime, he said both knees AND a hip need replacements because on a scale from 1 to 10, 10 being the worst, they were all #10. He then more or less finished the discussion. I am very, very nervous about this. I am 75. It's hard for me to walk.
So here is my question: I was told he does not take an MRI, that is not his "protocol." The X-ray is all he goes by. I wonder about this. Especially since I told him that I was having tendon problems. What are your thoughts about this? (By the time I figure this out, they'll probably tell me I'm too old for surgery...<g>)
He sounds like my orthopedic doctor who I just love. I was in my mid 70s when it became obvious I needed a knee replacement. I choose the time as my knee kept getting worse, I did not even ask for an MRI and I have never regretted my decision. Our daughter how is only 59 has had one done and will have the other in the next 5 years or so. She uses the same orthopedic doctor. In fact she referred me to him. Believe me, after the first few weeks you will be so happy.
Of course if you are not comfortable with him get another opinion. I will say, most of those I have known and there have been many at my age, have not had an MRI for a knee replacement. Maybe it is different in different parts of the country. I also know medi care and supp insurance has started cracking down on what they will pay for MRIs unless they are really needed.
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