We go to dr on 11th. Hope to get some answers then. Just trying to get some input before we go
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I had a knee fusion accomplished with an intermedulary nail that extends from the top of my femur to a few inches above my ankle. This was my choice over an above the knee amputation (AKA) in a last ditch effort to save the leg. I am now 62 years old.
Historically there was an arthroscopic surgery following a workplace injury on 20 Oct 2006 that failed to relieve the pain. That led to an arthroplasty (total knee replacement) on 11 Nov 2008. That device failed and on 3 March 2012 a knee revision was performed. That, too, failed over time and the incidence of a staphylococcus aureus infection in the left knee/leg requiring removal of all of the hardware an the placement of a temporary cement spacer injected with antibiotics. A course of IV antibiotics ensued for 4 months. Eventually, a temporary arthrodesis using a tibial nail was performed. Later, the permanent intermedullary was substituted.
Unfortunately, an E. coli infection occurred that went to the left knee and leg. Surgery to remove the affected tissue before it reached the rod was performed and a new 4 month course of IV antibiotics and another temporary cement spacer impregnated with antibiotics was inserted. Many months from now a permanent cement spacer will be surgically implanted to complete the arthrodesis process again with the hope of no more infections. However, I understand that it is probable that I will ultimately have an AKA.
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You would think with allege technology we have today they would come up with something to help people that tend to get infection. They are considering putting in a rod now but I really worry about infection. Im really sorry for the trouble you have had and wish you the best! Did you say they can put in a permanent. Spacer?
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I had my left knee fused after an auto accident and failed TKR w/ MRSA. The leg is now one and 5/8th inch shorter. Back pain for a couple of years. 12 years later had the plate and screws removed which should have been done 12 mos. later. Doctor not so great. Had to see many orthos. One well-known one told he he could remove the metal and put me in a brace for the rest of my life or amputate. Not acceptable.
Finally went to Mayo Clinic. Great doctor in Jax., FL at Mayo removed the metal. Am now wearing Orthoheel exercise shoes with a built-in wedge to level hips. No pain at all. Good luck to you. SLC
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pwally I'm 34 with a fused knee and its driving me insane.. I can feel my other joints wearing but that may be because I just try to act like when I had two knees.. I have broke stair rails by the way I pull my self up. I jump down multiple steps, I can't remember when I last sat down comfortably. I have started to get pain now, my other knee is starting and I get like trapped nerve pain in my hip.
its been 3-4 years now and as I get older what then.. it hasn't stopped me, it stopped me from being a chef but I have just finished my IT degree instead, I drive a left footed automatic which enables me to get about etc. but I'm so worried about the future.. stairs.. walking.. loads of stuff!
I would seriously snap an amputation but its above the knee so would a prophetic bend? I hate walking past crowds as I feel paranoid as I hear sniggers, life is pretty sh*t sorry for the language.
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I am 55 years old and had knee replacement in 2013. I am facing reconstruction with a chance of skin dying off and loosing the leg or knee fusion and hopefully be able to keep my knee. I walk with a cane now and knee is infected, I am leaning towards knee fusion. You have given a very positive note on the situation. Thanks for that. I have had nothing but bad luck since this whole knee surgery started. I would like something good to come out of all this. Thanks again.
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Hi there! I had my left knee fused almost four weeks ago and am extremely disheartened. I had a TKR done almost 8 years ago but it was done as a last resort. Anyway, the pain never stopped and became worse and worse so my surgeon said the only thing do do was fuse it. Since this surgery, my pain level is almost nil (which is a great thing) but....my leg is 1 3/4 inches shorter and I don't fit in my car anymore...not as a driver nor as a passenger. In fact, so far I haven't been able to fit in two other cars, as a passenger, and have to sit in the back with my leg stretched out. My concern is, are there any vehicles I will be able to fit in and drive?? And advice or help you can give me would be awesome! I am 58 years old also and am feeling my life is over....
Thank you!
Thank you!
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Hi there!
I just read your post and am wondering how you are doing?i had my left knee fused four weeks aga. My pain level is way down, in fact I am almost off the narcotics I had to take for pain for the past 5-6 years. I had a TKR almost eight years ago but the pain just got worse and worse. Then a year and a half after having the TKR, my kneecap broke in half and that caused so much soft tissue damage that no surgeon would even touch it..not to drain it or anything. So, I got a custom fit brace and have worn that for almost five years ...prior, of course, to having this knee fusion four weeks ago. My problem now is I don't fit in my car..neither in the drivers seat nor the passengers...I am hoping I can improvise somehow when I am able to drive again. Have you had your surgery? I'd love to hear any news, advice, etc. on having knee fusions. Thank you!
I just read your post and am wondering how you are doing?i had my left knee fused four weeks aga. My pain level is way down, in fact I am almost off the narcotics I had to take for pain for the past 5-6 years. I had a TKR almost eight years ago but the pain just got worse and worse. Then a year and a half after having the TKR, my kneecap broke in half and that caused so much soft tissue damage that no surgeon would even touch it..not to drain it or anything. So, I got a custom fit brace and have worn that for almost five years ...prior, of course, to having this knee fusion four weeks ago. My problem now is I don't fit in my car..neither in the drivers seat nor the passengers...I am hoping I can improvise somehow when I am able to drive again. Have you had your surgery? I'd love to hear any news, advice, etc. on having knee fusions. Thank you!
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i just saw this post i had a knee scope and it got infected my leg was red and swollen i called the doctor and i advised him he just gave me meds another week passed and i called him again and he made an appointment to come in this took place on oct 3 he took the stitches of and said not to worry i said look its swollen and red he said look on monday oct 7 you start therapy on oct 05 i went in to emergency and that is the last thing i remember i woke up 7 days later with a breathing tube down my throat i want to know do i have a medical negligence case
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hi could I talk to you its paul
take care
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January 2016, hi Paul. I'm also 34, I had an accident over 6 months ago. After 2 main surgeries my right knee will not bend. The docs have said my body has naturally fused the knee for protection. Everything tendon, ligament were severed, although somehow my nerves and arteries survived. My foot works perfect, my knee will bend to 34 degrees max. I'm in a lot of pain though a lot of the time. The docs say to either fuse or amputate because there's no mechanism or cartilage left in the knee, which means it'll never bend and the pain won't go away unless I chose to fuse or amputate. they say a tkr will not work, also I've had an infection in the knee at the start with the accident which would affect the tkr, they even said I'm too young for a tkr.. Against the odds I want to try bend the knee through exercise, maybe ill waste my time but I need to know that it will never bend again for myself. I hope we can get talking in the near future, i don't know anyone with a fused knee.
Thanks
Darren
Thanks
Darren
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Boy they have you between a rock and a hard place. I had mine fused more than thirty years ago, it caused lower back problems, severe pain. I am now 66 years young and now am forced to use a power wheelchair. I would ask about an artificial knee, as if they fuse the knee you will never get a chance to try a fake knee. Good Luck
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