I have suffered for at least 15 years with both knee problems and arthritis in knees and ankles. 10 years ago I had my right ankle fused.
6 months ago I became eligible for healthcare via my wife’s employers scheme and 3 months ago had mri on both knees.
I had an arthroscopy on right knee 4 weeks ago and 2 large items were removed and surgeon felt that the rest of knee was in good shape overall.
the mri on my left knee showed arthritis had totally ruined the inside area of knee and that he felt a ukr would help massively. When we met for the arthroscopy on my other knee I explained that I was concerned about the ukr and given that I was 58 and all I want is to be pain free and be able to walk distances with my family and there seem to be lots of more post op problems after ukr, I suggested a tkr.
the surgeon is happy to do whatever I want, does anyone have any thoughts that may help me decide on best course of action
Simon,
The only thing i would suggest is if you choose the PKR, make sure you get the Makoplasty. It’s precise and accurate. I just had my Makoplasty PKR and ACL reconstruction on 2/21. The recovery has been rough but I am told, only because I had to have the ACL reconstructed, as well. I’m of the opinion that “don’t fix what’s not broken.” That is why I chose the partial. My medial surface was worn down and arthritic but my lateral surface was fine. Good luck in your quest!
Hi Simon
I would go with what the doctor recommends . I will be two years PKR in May . Only the lateral side was bone on bone . I have had several people say should have had total . I say hogwash !
I feel a partial is much easier recovery ( just my opinion and based on two years of reading on this forum ). Others would say different and everyone’s recovery is different .
Whatever you decide it will not be a walk in the park but you will get on the other side eventually . I am very happy I had the partial .
Debbie
I would start by asking for some data as to what % of your Drs pkr have to be redone as a tkr and the life of the partial. As I've been at this knee thing since 2002. I've run into a number of people who have started with the pkr and most have had to return for the total within a few years.(My problem is a rare tumor that's about a 1 in 2 million thing so I can't speak the arthritis problem) I was 65 when I started and now am 81 and I can tell you that knees aren't like wine. They don't get better with age.