Last year two days after my 40th birthday, I had a severe accident on
my dirt bike which resulted in a tibial plateau fracture (more like a
smash - I hit a tree going very fast). After it was all said and
done, I ended up with nothing between my tibia and femur but bone, the
meniscus was completely destroyed. I am limping still and have
constant pain. Also, I still have many screws and a large plate. The
reduction was not as successful as the doctor hoped and I am limited
to about 95 degrees for range of motion.

Last week I was released by my doctor but he told me the only options
now would be to do a knee replacement or a knee fusion (which he said
he would not recommend at this point). He told me to go as long as I
could before getting a knee replacement because that was "an old man
operation." He said I should endure the pain and reduced activity
levels until I just couldn't handle it.

Prior to my accident, I was extremely active, running several times a
week, basketball a couple times a week, mountain biking, coaching
soccer and going to the gym every day. It was hard for me to accept a
"slower" life style but I think I am getting there. I just have to
refocus lower impact activities like swimming, etc. Sorry, I am
getting off the subject.

From my limited research, it sounds like knee replacements haven't
quite "gotten there" like other joint replacements. Also, the more
active you are the faster they wear out (remember Bo Jackson?). What
advice or direction can anyone give me on when to get one, type of
replacement and anything that can help get my mind and body back in
sync.

Thanks for listening to the ramblings and any advice or thoughts you
might have.

Rich Stewart

What
IMO,,, I do not believe in living many years with pain and loss of
function. Have the replacement...... Change your lifestyle to living with
an artificial joint.
I remember the guy that wanted his knees replaced so that he could get
back on the slopes again..... At about #$ 35 thousand a knee,,,, how stupid
is that??? Just a thought.
Harv

Stewart wrote in message ...
It sounds to me that you just said that you can't do the things you want
to with your damaged knee but you don't want to get an artificial knee
because it might wear out.

That may make sense to folks who don't have artificial joints, but it
doesn't compute for me, a person who has had a joint replaced.

My hip replacement was much more traumatic than any knee replacement you
are considering. However, I am working very hard to wear it out (Step
Aerobics four times a week). If it wears out, I'll get another one.
If that one wears out, I'll go back again.

I know a lady who got her first hip replacement at age 18 and is now walking
around on her third hip.

Before my replacement, I could say ". I am limping still and have constant
pain. " Now I have essentially no hip pain under normal circumstances
(walking, biking, dancing, home chores) though I still have some
"interesting moments" when I test novel and unapproved ways to do the Steps
in my Step Aerobics classes (or when I fall off my bike).

If your damaged joint limits your lifestyle, get it replaced.

Regards
Old Al

I had mine replaced six weeks apart back in 2000. I'm now 55, wish I had
it done 10 years ago. I don't know about running, but I have no pain and
no limp. I'm very over weight and I've lost 80 # since operation, but
still need 125 #, but I'm in no pain and i can play better golf, from 25
handicap to 16 handicap now.

If it were me, I must say I have had not replacements so purely my own
opinion, I would research if there is anything else that can help with
pain improve it for you, if not then get the operation done, as no
point spending the next 10 years in pain, especially as if nothing
else can help. I have done a little research to see whats around for
Arthritic pains etc, as I get pains in my hands from being an
administrator for so many years, and have found that there are some
various alternative therapies, tablets etc, I'm not saying that they
would help you, but if you don't research it you'll never know. the
ones I've tried for my condition are various different tablet
capsules, years ago they recommended cod liver oil, didn't help that
much, then tried Glucosamine Sulphate can get from boots or local
supermarket, that worked for about 18 months or so, then came across a
Capsule called Collagen, you may have heard of it. If you want to
find more info on this there are many websites about, the one I've
used is www.howsdat.com. Entirely up to you, but if all else fails
get the OP and be done with it, and Live your life to the fullest
possible. After all we're all along time dead.





"sterling" <hswool@txucom.net> wrote in message news:<40448d5edbe08f93bad5e0355ba25e9f@localhost.t alkabouthealthnetwork.com>...

Rich,

There is a new arthroplasty implant for the knee which is much better then the
old type. The procedure can be done as same day surgery and the patients are
up and walking within hours after the surgery. It also lasts at least 25
years. You will probably find this information on the websites of teaching
hospitals.

Good luck,
Kathy

klm129@aol.com (Klm129) wrote in message news:<20040812234935.19122.00003409@mb-m06.aol.com>...
I had a regular knee replacement earlier this year and am doing fine.
I have read that the newer type of replacement involves a smaller
incision, and most important, a sliding over of the quad muscle
(instead of cutting), and they use smaller tools. You need to be
under 80 years old, never had surgery on the knee before, and not be
obese. Sounds good to me!
Donna in Apple Valley, MN