Hi there
I am writing on my behalf of my Dad (67 years old) who has had a rough ride starting from July 2022 when he underwent right TKR.
The knee was never quite right and after it being confirmed he was suffering from a bad infection at the start of 2023, he underwent a two stage TKR revision involving complex plastic surgery.
There have been a lot of issues with his care and significant delays/lack of communication, but ultimately, he was left with necrotic skin a d has been informed that the wound will now bot heal.
He has now been told by his consultants he has a number of options. Firstly, further complex plastic surgery (taking muscle tissue from his back and transderinf this as a graft to his knee).
As a family we have decided this is not an option we want to follow through with, my Dad's mental health is really shot and he does not want to undergo this high risk traumatic surgery again, with the possibility the skin graft will still not take.
As such we are left with fusion of the knee or above the knee amputation.
He is in no immediate rush to make a decision and is trying to hold off until my wedding day on 16th September but it would be extremely beneficial if someone could reach out who has undergone either a knee fusion or amputation to give some first hand experience regarding their limitations, what they can do on a day to day, and just someone who he can related to.
Any help would be much appreciated!
Charlotte
Hi dear. Has your dad tried chiropractic care? It is very good for pain relief and is a non-surgical method. Hope this helps. Thank you.
Hello, Charlotte.
Although I don't have direct experience with knee fusion or amputation, I will give you some general guidelines regarding your father's condition. Undergoing a major surgery like a total knee replacement (TKR) revision and dealing with complications can indeed take a toll on both physical and mental health.
Knee Fusion (Arthrodesis): Knee fusion involves surgically locking the joint in a fixed position, essentially eliminating the knee's ability to bend. This procedure is typically considered when other treatment options have failed, and the joint is severely damaged or infected. Some points to consider:
- Pain Relief: Knee fusion can significantly reduce or eliminate pain in the affected knee joint.
- Stability: The fused knee becomes stable, allowing the individual to bear weight on the leg and walk with the use of assistive devices like crutches or a walker.
- Limitations: Since the knee can no longer bend, activities that require knee flexibility (such as running, jumping, or squatting) become difficult or impossible.
- Gait Changes: Walking with a fused knee may have a different gait pattern, and it might take time to adjust to this change.
Above-the-Knee Amputation: Above-the-knee amputation involves the removal of the leg above the knee joint. This option is usually considered when all other treatments have failed, and the limb's function and quality of life are severely compromised. Some considerations:
- Prosthetics: After amputation, the use of prosthetic limbs becomes essential. Advanced prosthetics can offer individuals a remarkable range of motion and functionality, allowing them to engage in various activities, including walking, driving, and some sports.
- Rehabilitation: Adjusting to a prosthetic limb requires time and effort. Physical therapy and rehabilitation play a crucial role in optimizing mobility and adapting to the prosthetic.
- Limitations: While modern prosthetics offer significant mobility, there may still be certain limitations and activities that might be more challenging or not feasible.
It's essential for your father to have open and honest discussions with his healthcare team to understand the pros and cons of each option fully. They can provide insights into how these procedures might impact his specific condition, lifestyle, and goals.
Moreover, connecting with individuals who have undergone similar procedures can be beneficial for emotional support and learning about their experiences. Your father's healthcare team may be able to help him connect with support groups or patient communities where he can interact with others who have faced similar decisions.
Lastly, his mental health is crucial, and it might be beneficial for him to seek counseling or support from a mental health professional who specializes in assisting individuals coping with chronic pain, surgical outcomes, and life-altering decisions.
I wish your father and your family strength and support during this challenging time.