Hello!
Recently, following painful locking episodes, I was dignosed with a very bad knee
1. Grossly abnormal PCL, cystic change, marrow oedema, longstanding tear
2. Grade 4 chondromalacia patella affecting medial facet
3. Tri compartmental OA
4. Intra articular loose bodies
My dr referred me to a specialist who said preferred option is do nothing, unless I die beforehand of something else I will need a knee replacement. (!)
Since I have no confidence in my knee at all, is this a reasonable course of action and, was his attitude towards me acceptable.
Livia
Hello Livia,
I think it depends on how old you are and to what extent your knee problems prevent you leading a reasonably normal life. I am not familiar with all your problems but they sound horrific. If a TKR will solve all your issues then the sooner you undergo the surgery the better I would have thought.
Thank you for your reply Batteneye,
I am 62 and otherwise healthy although I am overweight, but losing weight. Between episodes of locking and clicking my knee is relatively good, allowing me to live almost normally, although I need to be ultra cautious about sudden twisting movements or using stairs. My workplace requires me to use stairs constantly however, and I am worried about having an accident on stairs.
Livia
Consultant orthopaedic surgeons normally advise waiting until the pain is unbearable before a TKR but that doesn't make sense to me. If your life is hampered to a major degree, then go ahead with the operation. In the long run you will not regret it assuming all goes well. There will be pain post surgery, but it should be worth it in the long run. Good luck!
Thank you again for your reply Batteneye. It is difficult to know what to think and I do not have anyone to discuss this with until I see my dr again. I guess it is hard to come to terms with OA when you have been fit and active all your life. I appreciate your time and trouble.
Livia