Is Total Knee Replacement Required After A Multiple Injury On Leg?

Posted on Sun, 17 Jan 2016

Sun, 17 Jan 2016 Answered on

Wed, 17 Feb 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : hi- lft leg hx as follows. 2000-acl tear unrepaired, just rehabbed. 2003-meniscus tear also just rehab. 2008-epicondyl f break with hardware in place 12 screws and plate. Patellofem arthritis noted in 2011. Doing ok until May this year. accidentally fell off bed unto same knee. No fracture or patellar dislocation noted. at time of injury when getting off floor of cracking sound in knee. Had injections in July which helped and have been extensively using suppliments thar are staving off pain. PA noted +2 lachman with noticable crepitus. Did not have mri just xray in er where mod. arthritis was noted. Been told screws will need removal for subsequent healing before replacement is considered. Do have a more noticable limp as of late- no pain. Am I at point where its apparent am at limit of seilf care? Given extent of injuries what am i looking at to going forward. I am retired (60). Understand time is needed for bone growth in screw holes. Your comments are appreciated

Answered by Dr. Indu Kumar (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
It may take up to 8 weeks for complete healing.

Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for writing to HCM

Your findings may suggests need for total knee replacement.Prior to it,latest MRI knee should be done for proper evaluation.
You are rightly advised to remove implants first,this is a normal protocol.It may take up to 8 weeks for complete healing.
Till replacement you are rightly managing conservatively in the form of supplements and injections.This will help in early healing.
Generally patients are able to lead normal life after knee replacement.

Get well soon.
Hope I have answered your query.
Further queries are most welcome.

Take Care
Dr.Indu XXXXXXX

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T