BEST REASONS to get a TOTAL KNEE replacement. How to know when & if you should have surgery

[@DrKatieO]

After 36 years of dealing with torn meniscus, now bone on bone, along with no ACL, I finally made the decision to have a TKNR. What a life changer!! 6 months to the day, I hiked up Diamond Head in 30 minutes!! Loving life and my quality of life has gone up! Only a little stiffness here and there.

[@JamesLeeDickson]

Do you have full ROM? My doc says this is reduced which concerns me.

[@maryannsimms7189]

My surgeon never went over anything or warned of what kind of miserable recovery it is. No discussion at all. I wish I had seen this earlier.

[@dradamrosen]

Sorry for your experience.

[@carmeldoherty]

Very good video and well explained

[@shellycupp4062]

Oh my gosh I can't wait to get my knee done. I have had to put it off as I'm the caregiver for my mother-in-law who is on hospice but when the time comes I'm going to have it done as soon as possible. In the meantime I'm doing leg and and glute exercises to help get prepared. I'm also doing good nutrition. I have constant pain even just walking out to my car and getting in is painful. Right now all I can do is take ibuprofen and ice which does help but I want a better solution. Thank you for the video and the information

[@catseye1009]

I had a knee replacement in 2013. It was a nine-month recovery; the first six weeks were miserable, with painful physical therapy and excruciating nights. After discharge from the hospital, the opioid medicine was ineffective, so Tylenol, ice, and a TENS machine were my pain-relieving interventions. I had a continuous motion machine (medieval torture), but I was certain I needed the machine for complete recovery. The surgery and recovery was a success. It was a life-changing event for me. I had an excellent surgeon who did not sugarcoat the operation. The doctor is correct; one must consider how much one's life is affected and the willingness to go through a long recovery. I waited 34 years after the initial injury. The first fifteen years or so was mild to moderate pain in the right knee. The next nineteen years I had physical and water therapy, cortisone shots, but my knee was riddled with arthritis along with meniscus and ACL tears. It was time to look at other options. If one does not do the physical therapy, you might as well not have the surgery. Knee replacement does not heal by resting.

[@dahuffy]

May I ask, what is a TENS machine? Is it a "cooler" that circulates cold water around the knee?

[@kathymcfarland5516]

@@dahuffy TENS stands for Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation. It is a device that sends electrical impulses to electrodes stuck to little pads on your skin (let's say a knee) that cause the muscles to tense up and relax. Basically, it tries to fool your brain into thinking you do not have pain. It wakes up the muscles into learning how to work again. I had one that really didn't do much for me, years ago, and am now facing a total knee replacement. Because I have a high pain tolerance, I have worn my femur and tibia bones down. So, beyond bone on bone, I've worn bone away! Cartilage?! WHAT cartilage?! Shredded and jamming the joint!

[@1975jdawg]

@@dahuffy its electric shock on the muscles

[@cordewit721]

😊😊

[@mjneville1859]

I am at 6 weeks which I guess is still early but the process is slow, on and off painful ( add in nerve pain) and I feel like I'm on a reactive roller coaster. A very fickle knee where an easy exercise at PT is fine one week and the next it hurts and I push through to only have the next two days has me on the couch crying and using heavier drugs which I am trying to avoid. Very frustrating . It is heartening to know you feel the surgery was a success. I also have been dealing with a tilted kneecap and major malt racking for over 30 years and each year, I had to give up more activities. Right now, it does not feel I will ever get functional and regain fun activities, because now I have nerve pain and a hot cranky knee that can still swell... But , your post gave me some hope.

[@lindakelsch6196]

I had end stage osteoarthritis. The day after I had total knee replacement. I thought. . Wow my knee feels so much better. Now I will have my other knee done in two weeks. I did great with knee surgery did not need or take any narcotics and had no problem with rehabilitation.

[@georgeannhannan194]

Yeah. The pain of end-stage OA is enough to make you used to anything. I can't remember not living with pain. Made me a tough old lady!!

[@vickieberger9492]

You were very lucky

[@gnohn9366]

Had to have both knees replaced due to arthritis last year at 62. Had them done 2 1/2 months apart as my Doc doesn’t like to do bilateral. Yes it is painful, but manageable. After about the first 10 days I started feeling better. PT was easy because my ROM came back quickly to well over 13O degrees, but I was diligent about doing my exercises. On Dr. Rosen’s scale I went from a 4 to about and 8.5. maybe i can get to 9. Knees are not like they were when I was 25 but now I can go hiking, play tennis, pickleball, canoe trips, bowling, yard work, no problem. You just have to be patient, it’s a long recovery, months not weeks.

[@CitizenOfBabylon]

Thanks for being honest Dr.

[@dradamrosen]

Always!

[@BernadetteKurtz]

This is great info. I had a bad experience with a recent back surgery so I am very apprehensive but I cannot take the pain anymore. All of this information has eased my mind...a little.

[@adrinem4513]

I have severe osteoarthritis in my left knee. I cannot straighten it all the way nor bend it all the way meaning compared to my right knee. I am in constant pain with it. I lose sleep because of it. Walking is very painful. Nothing works to relieve the pain. I have heard so many horror stories from neighbors and friends that I am scared to have it done. Meanwhile my pain gets worse and worse. I understand now that I will somehow have to strengthen my muscles in that leg if I decide to have the surgery. This is good stuff. I appreciate the information very much as it is thorough and gives me much to consider. Thank you for this.

[@dradamrosen]

Glad you liked it

[@dingotopruc9642]

One point I may add, I suffered for two years with hip pain, so much that I was taking the maximum dose of Tylenol or Advil ( I alternated the pain medicine) on a long period. My doctor said let's do a liver and kidney diagnostic and test. I was damaging both organs and it was nearing permanency. I would have been in trouble with major organs that could not be easily replaced if even.

[@joanjennings3896]

Sounds like you really need to get it done. I just had mine done a month ago. I was dreading it but it is improving every day. Sure, the first week is tough but it does get better and if you do as you’re told re: icing it, meds, keeping your leg elevated and doing physio and exercises, you should be fine.

[@tatianazolotarev2151]

😅 😊​@@dingotopruc9642

[@johnschannel449]

maybe you are at he point that you have nothing to lose by having surgery, maybe theres only upside and not much downside of surgery becsue its already so bad

[@Maris-W]

Great advice, thank you. I had a recent knee replacement because of severe pain and it went great. My other knee, also with arthritis, doesn't have constant pain, just occasional twinges. I now plan to wait a while because that leg has pins in the ankle from a years ago crushing of my ankle, which will be a slight hindrance to PT exercises needed after for recovery. I was going back and forth on that decision until I watched your video. Meanwhile I'll be enjoying the ability to move easily and keep up with family and friends.

[@dradamrosen]

Sounds like a good plan.

[@LostinMayberry]

I had a flare in my worse knee and instinctively knew I wasn’t going to improve enough to go back to work. I had already been accepted for surgery by an Ortho and he felt when I was ready I’d know. When my knee flared I was functionally so low that I told him I felt like there was nothing he could do to make the pain worse. ( to his credit he did wince and disagree.) 4 days post TKR it’s better than it was before, other than the stiffness from the fluid)

[@marniehouston7465]

Thank you for this information. I was on the fence about if i should have it done. Already spoke to surgeon who told me “only you know when you’re ready”. Which really didn’t help me at all. Not bone on bone YET….but my ADL’s are affected, i have to monitor how much i can walk or do and it limits my time with my family . I also found my last trip very very hard to walk very much, and it was my 1st seniors bus trip. So i thought , yes i need to have it done now. I do have a low threshold to pain, and have done everything else including synvisc injections which only helped up to the 5th one. So i guess it’s time…..surgery will be scheduled shortly. Thanks for the video.

[@dradamrosen]

Glad it was helpful. Good luck with your rehab.

[@georgeannhannan194]

Thank you. You touched on some points that I hadn't thought of before. I go in July 25th for a total knee replacement. I had never even considered something like this before, but I broke my right kneecap in two in Jan. I didn't find out until two weeks later that it was broken, but the pain was horrible and I still had a life to tend to. It ended up mending when I stopped to let it, but the orthopedic doctor. I went to said they didn't know how I was still walking around. I have had many nights where the pain kept me awake, for years. I have had to stop doing most of the things I used to do, I had always been active. The arthritis is bad, and my knee is bone on bone with spurs on top and bottom like huge teeth. And it has affected my hip and back, as well. I am so looking forward to this surgery. I was wondering if I was just a wimp and truly needed this because I will have to take time off for it, and I am a caregiver. Thank you for making this video. I don't feel so bad now.

[@dradamrosen]

glad you found it helpful. wishing you a speedy recovery.

[@dahuffy]

I go in for mine Aug. 9th

[@fancyfrancy2244]

I hope you do well! My prayers are with you! I’m to the point where I can’t take it anymore. I have no choice. I’m only 61 am still working part time but it’s killing me. I stand all day on my job. I’m miserable.

[@dahuffy]

@@fancyfrancy2244 I'm 66

[@georgeannhannan194]

I got my replacement July 25th. Right after surgery and the day after I was all but dancing! Then...the pain blocks wore off. But it hasn't been near so bad as when I broke that kneecap in Jan of this year. This is day 9 and I have gone to PT 3x this last week. I did all the exercises before surgery and have been doing them since, and my range of motion is good. The pain doesn't seem to come from the knee, it comes from the bruising and swelling all over the leg from the trauma of surgery. It doesn't hurt when I walk or stand, but when I am sitting or keeping the leg up for periods of time. Sleeping was not great, but we have cats that share the bed with us. I finally found a great solution to that, however. One of those spongy, soft blankets to wrap the leg in was heaven! Also, I have CHF and discovered that I am better off avoiding salted food. While I can compensate for that normally, it isn't working now, and you don't want the leg swelling any more than necessary. My doctor used the robot in surgery, moved the knee tendon instead of cutting it, and I am "glued" back together. I am blown away at how great this went. Medicine has come even further in just a few years. I was lucky to have a doctor who is young enough and highly skilled at this, with a good medical team. I feel just like a car that got a new muffler!

[@rangerider51]

I’m a 73 year old male and I had my left knee replaced two years ago. It was massively painful before I had it done. Then I had the surgery and it was discomforting for a couple of months. Then it got better. Now my right knee is extremely painful. I probably need it replaced as well. Whee I need it badly. Massive pain.

[@dradamrosen]

Many of my patients that have one side done always seem to know if and when they need the other side replaced.

[@faithwilley3171]

Preparing for surgery soon. Watching lots of videos and gathering information. Your video is very well thought out and hits on all of the questions I have. I'm still fairly young, but can only walk about 1/4 mile before I hit the invisible wall that debilitates me. Pills don't make a difference, the first two injections helped for about a month each, and the third shot did nothing. MRI shows torn ligaments due to the lack of cartilage. My surgeon explained he can clean it up, but could not say how long before the lack of cartilage would create the same situation. Your video did not change my mind, but gave me confidence that I have weighed my decision appropriately. Thank you for your candor, and may your patients appreciate you.

[@fancyfrancy2244]

Please keep us posted on your recovery. You’re lucky you got an MRI. Mine said it’s not needed. 🤷‍♀️🤷‍♀️🤷‍♀️🤷‍♀️

[@faithwilley3171]

@@fancyfrancy2244 Attending pre-op class today. I'll be getting a CT scan soon, which will be the setup for the MAKO robotics.

[@fancyfrancy2244]

@@faithwilley3171mine uses robotics too. He also uses the “quad saving” cut. It sounds like you have a good surgeon. I’m the same, cannot walk long distances and I have the “ duck waddle” now. Mine still wants to try injections into the joint. I’m going to be 62 in November and I had to go part time at my job because I can’t stand long periods of time. I’m a hairstylist. I’m bone on bone on both knees but only on inner knee. My Dr is pretty sure I have torn meniscus too because of the outer side pain. Backs of knees kill me and I am so stiff from arthritis! This is such a nightmare. It ruins your life. I’ve been riding a recumbent bike every night to strengthen my quads and it has really helped me. They say the stronger your muscles are going in makes a better recovery. I pray you have a pain free recovery that goes smoothly. May I ask who your surgeon is and their location? Mine is in Southern California.

[@faithwilley3171]

@@fancyfrancy2244 I'm in Florida. I hope you can get relief soon!

[@christinebeirne9053]

Thank you for this. My symptoms came on suddenly and I have about 1mm of room between the joints. Steriods allowed me to go to Europe and walk about 10k to 20k steps with a cane. But between the arthritis and torn meniscus- I’m in pain all the time. I went from working with weights and ballet every week (I’m 67) to nothing. It is time and your video clarified it.

[@dradamrosen]

I hope you have an uneventful and speedy recovery.

[@steveharris7189]

Excellent video, honest and highly informative.

[@dradamrosen]

Glad you liked it.

[@jozlindion9267]

This is very informative before I go for my surgery in October, thank you for sharing this information 🙏🙏

[@dradamrosen]

You are welcome.

[@Canfixstuff]

Great job thanks

[@greenbriar49]

How does one do knee replacement if one lacks and cannot get a support network from family as too busy n friends got their own lives. I will need a longer rehab stay n hope insurance will cover it without grief. I am over 70 yes of age

[@avamartinez8586]

I’m in the same boat.

[@tonydominguez5264]

So glad I saw this video and extremely grateful. I've been contemplating a knee replacement and very undecided of when should I do it but after watching this video I realized that I'm in good shape and my knee pain is not that significant. Your video answered all of my concerns. Thank you so much and keep up the good work.

[@dradamrosen]

Glad it was helpful!

[@denisescott34]

Thank you for such a great discussion. Lots of good perspective to consider. I appreciate it.

[@dradamrosen]

Glad it was helpful!

[@angeladibble]

I have mild knee arthrtitis and its really painful. I'm dreading having to cope with this for a lot longer before I can have a replacement.

[@dradamrosen]

Definitely work with your surgeon to maximize non-operative treatments (strengthening, activity modification, weight loss (if indicated), oral meds and/or injections. If they fail to relieve pain then you might be ready for surgery.

[@TomFerguson-xb9ns]

I waited so long to get my knee done its been 9 months still recovering . Wish I never have ot done

[@fancyfrancy2244]

Why???

[@VeronicaEtchell]

Yes why?

[@sarKAZm19]

Why?

[@mjneville1859]

I am at 6 weeks which I guess is still early but the process is slow, on and off painful ( add in nerve pain) and I feel like I'm on a reactive roller coaster. A very fickle knee where an easy exercise at PT is fine one week and the next it hurts and I push through to only have the next two days has me on the couch crying and using heavier drugs which I am trying to avoid. Very frustrating and In your case I'm sorry you are already at 9 months and not seeing improvement. very frustrating.

[@fancyfrancy2244]

@@mjneville1859Did they have to straighten your leg out a bit? I’ve heard some people who’ve had become “knock kneed” or “bow legged” because they needed knee replacement, it takes longer to heal. Is your nerve pain on the outer side of the knee? I’ve read that can take a while to heal. So many different outcomes in this surgery it is so frustrating. I hope things become easier for you. Don’t give up! I’ve read some take a full year or more to completely heal.

[@lisatalley296]

I waited 10 years to have my first knee replaced in January. I had been doing PRP do keep my pain manageable, and my doctor at the time had said their goal was to keep me comfortable until technology caught up. This past summer I got to the point that I was in so much pain that I realized it was time to talk to a surgeon. He looked at my knees and said they were as severe as they can be. At my 6 week check up my surgeon said I hit it out the ball park. I’m 4 months post TLKR, and almost 3 weeks after having an Iovera injection in my right knee. Because it has numbed my right knee, I can’t believe the difference. I’m not pain free totally, but my husband has even commented on how much energy I have. I had no idea how debilitating my knee pain was. In 4 days I will get my right knee done. I know what is in store with recovery, but the peek at how my life can become is very encouraging.

[@dradamrosen]

Many chronic pain sufferers don't realize how bad it has become until after surgery and the chronic pain is gone. Good luck on knee #2.

[@moondancer334]

Great video. Thank you SO much for taking the time to share such helpful and important info, very kind of you.

[@dradamrosen]

Glad it was helpful!

[@barbarafleming3827]

Wonderful and very complete presentation. THANKS so much. Going to order your book now. BFleming, M.D., Ph.D.

[@dradamrosen]

Awesome, thank you!

[@joyceschneider8377]

Wonderful advice and guidance. THANK YOU. Now to evaluate what my doctors did NOT tell me and ask better questions.

[@dradamrosen]

glad you found it helpful

[@summerbreezie]

Same here after watching. I have to ask my doctor better questions too.

[@siobhanjohnson8088]

Thank you.. you have helped me make a decision as I do use a cane now and have to make choices as to what activities I do. I love cycling but had to give it up and walking is very restricted. I was told I need both replaced and will now go ahead.. but will do each one separately ❤❤

[@summerbreezie]

Thank you so much for all of the information. It generated more questions that I need to ask my doctor.

[@dradamrosen]

Glad it helped. Knowledge is key.

[@yvonnepereira4172]

​@@dradamrosen😂

[@pattis2505]

That was very helpful. Thank you for sharing. I bought your book and the information in it is awesome! Thank you for sharing your expertise. Take care!

[@dradamrosen]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@gingercarpenter1553]

Ordered your book!

[@30neshia]

Awesome information!!!!! Thank you so much for explaining

[@dradamrosen]

Glad it was helpful!

[@kathyd7284]

Excellent information. Thank you so much!

[@dradamrosen]

Glad it was helpful!

[@stef3565]

So glad I watched this! Thank you!

[@dradamrosen]

You are very welcome

[@JH-dp5yo]

I had pain in my knees until I saw an orthopaedic doctor. He recommended hyaluronic acid after finding that I have knee osteo with a meniscus tear. The a sport physician injected on my left knee on May 8. I had my physiotherapist appointments. I was told that I would have a KR in 5 years' time. And guess what , I mixed ginger powder mix with water. Then, bandage this left knee overnight for the last 2.5 months. Winter sets in, and then my right knee started played up. My job involves walking, and it becomes sore by the end of the day. I am 51 and started to have pain. What I did beside ginger powder. I started frankincense oil incorporated fra during the day or when I was not using ginger powder. I used Frankincense oil Boswelia Ceratii. I put 6-8 drops and massage to my knees. Eight days later, I have no pain, and for the first time, I can put my socks on and bend my knee. The only thing I have is light stiffness. My meniscus pain also stops now. I am now pain-free.

[@MarciaPiermattei]

Thanks!!!

[@4coopdawg]

What about Stem Cell Therapy ?

[@sharonleong4185]

Thank you for the information. Very helpful.

[@dradamrosen]

You are so welcome!

[@estelleadamski308]

3 m. ago I injured my knee Recent MRI shows a meniscus root tear, stress fracture, Baker's cyst, significant bone edema. Also shows full-thickness cartilage loss. My ortho says I'm not a good candidate for a root repair, and has ordered modified activity w/a walker for walking for 4-6 wks. to heal the fracture & bone edema. I feel like there may only be a TKR in my future. It's very painful and I'm on multiple doses of Tylenol ea. day. It hurt so bad I went to the ER to see if I had a DVT (neg.) I've had steroids inj. & oral- no help. THX for the great info.

[@juliedove3787]

Tomorrow I get a second opinion on my knee replacement advice. My x ray was ok - mild arthritis. But my knee is bent and the MRI was more damning of its condition. I’d like to start some strengthening exercises and wonder if you have a video of them please as I found his one superb. Ps - I’m dieting !

[@LBurou]

Helpful advice, thank you :)

[@dradamrosen]

You are welcome

[@SarahBrown-p7r]

Thank you for the excellent video!

[@dradamrosen]

Glad you liked it!

[@SparkleMama11]

My knee is in so much pain!!!! I’ve had 2 gel injections and it seems to be getting worse, knee replacement scares me so much!!

[@thomasbritt6606]

Same here. Gel injection didn't help me at all. If you need a replacement, don't get anymore injections. You have to wait 3-6 months to have surgery. They say the injections increase the risk of an infection. That's where I'm at. My surgery is in January 2025. I hope I can make it that long!

[@Video2Webb]

Are you doing any stretching and strengthening exercises? If not, move mountains to do them! As this doctor emphasizes, one may not expect good outcomes without doing as much as possible to make your muscles strong before surgery. Cartilage and bone DO respond to targeted activity - check out the video 'How to strengthen your cartilage' by a Belgian surgeon. He has done a very good video that explains the biological structures of cartilage and bone and how each part responds to certain actions done on a regular basis.

[@allkindsamusicchick]

Again...thank you for the information and your professional honesty. Could you tell me if you believe that a Carnivore or low-carb diet might help reduce inflammation in arthritic knees? Also...Do you have any thoughts on those floor sliders that help you slide the leg back and forth while in a sitting position. Does that movement help to lubricate the knee?

[@AnthonyCastrovinci]

Doctor, I fell in late April went to orthopedic gave me an injection and physical therapy. After therapy knee felt great till 3 weeks ago, pain back in my knee. I go get the MRI, see doctor yesterday. I’m 54 year old male active workout, play Cornhole on leagues, if I don’t do cardio at gym I walk 4 miles. So doctors said I have meniscus tear with arthritis, he says he can scope, but eventually I’ll need a knee replacement. Also he don’t do the knee replacement a colleague I would have to talk to. What would you do?

[@dradamrosen]

I would have a consultation with the total knee replacement specialist and hear what he says.

[@AnthonyCastrovinci]

Thank you

[@Specracer47]

At 76 I have mild osteoarthritis along with a bi-lateral meniscus tear. Had a RTKR 18 mos ago but had severe osteoarthritis with meniscus tear. What are my options as I wish to continue playing pickleball several days a week…

[@teriwrong]

I guess I’m ready…can hardly walk. Using a walker all the time. Going from the parking lot into the store isn’t feasible. I’m level 3 severity in both knees. Unfortunately, I’m 20 lbs overweight (have already lost 50 lbs) so Kaiser won’t do it. I used to go to the gym 2-3x/wk w/ personal trainer and water aerobics 3-5x/wk but bc breathlessness that turned out to be pulmonary embolisms and now I’ve lost my quad strength.I developed adrenal insufficiency from cortisone injections. Had pulmonary embolisms and DVTs in January (maybe caused by Covid-I had a very mild infection but developed Long Covid w/in a month) causing diastolic heart failure! Dropped out of my exercise routine bc I couldn’t catch my breath…pulmonologist thinks I had been throwing clots for months before it was correctly diagnosed (nope, it wasn’t “anxiety”-thanks, no thanks to Kaiser). I think I’m a mess healthwise so don’t know if they will even do knee replacements at this point.

[@dthomas4501]

I didn't like this video! I LOVED it! Thank you so much. I'm a relatively active 80 yr old (still ride horses) with bone on bone in my left knee after several years of knee injections. I also have a Baker's cyst in that knee. I was on crutches for a week the pain was so bad. I think that I was overcompensating because the right sciatic nerve went berserk. My PCP told me to talk to surgeons but to start rehab immediately. Found a local surgeon I really like who agrees that muscles should be strong going into surgery. PT has been working on both the sciatic issue and the knee. I'm scheduled for sx in Sept but my knee feels so good now, I'm questioning if I need it. You pointed up a important key in your video. I feel good now but will I continue to put in 2.5 hours of rehab 3 days a week to maintain this good feeling? It's serious question that I need to think about and commit to the action. Thank you again for this informative and much needed video.

[@dradamrosen]

So glad to hear that you loved it.

[@LalitaBhasin]

I had monovisc injection about four weeks ago but pain still persists there at the back of knee, also doing PT. Can’t stand for a long time.

[@Lady4Life]

Awesome video!!!

[@dradamrosen]

Glad you liked it.

[@johnschannel449]

what about footware, is it OK to walk barefoot indoors or should you wear footware and outdoors what are the best type of shoes to wear, l think l read flat shoes are best

[@estelleadamski308]

I was born w/one hip higher than the other, a pelvic tilt. It caused significant problems in my life, could not give birth naturally, not ride a bike, run or dance fast, Anyway I was bone-on-bone on my hip and had THR 5 yrs. ago. I injured my other knee last yr. and had a partial meniscectomy and my ortho said I had no cartilage loss in any compartment & mild arthritis. I have since injured my other knee and have full-thickness cartilage loss, it makes sense as this is my THR leg. How common is this to have a pelvic tilt? And cause all this damage?

[@ednavarro3013]

My knees are locking up

[@JavierArellan0-e3t]

That's for the information

[@dradamrosen]

You are very welcome.

[@sundogtune]

so i am only 55 have had 3 sugeries on this knee.( cartilidge and acl) x-ray impressions show 4 views of rt knee severe medial joint space collapse with significant tello femoral arthritis. he does show large osteophytes in the lateral femoral condyle as well. BUT my main pain is in the IT band, which leads to severe stiffness on the face of my knee. does not want to bend and can not lock out. BUT i still try and workout( ride bike and walk my dog). i am limping if i have to stay standing for 3 hours at work on concrete floors. seems early to me but should i have it done??? this is such a big decision!! 7 knee surgeries total, so the other one cant be far behind.

[@1975jdawg]

so im 50 this is my 3rd surgery tore my acl in high school. had one put in bout 10 yrs ago and just had my tkr on april 12th im still debating on whether it was worth it ???? as far as walking and pain and standing on concrete it was defintly worth it made all that much better. my issue is climbing and side to side jumping movements im back to work and i drive a 18 wheeler so i push in the clutch its my left knee by the way but i have to climb up on the trailer sometimes and move in awkward positions. but it gets stronger every day and im not @ 4 months yet. the key is just what he said you have to make it stronger work the leg stretch and strengthin im really hopeful its going to be great but i feel like its a year to recover and you have to do the work

[@sundogtune]

@@1975jdawg what type of surgery did you get? makoplasty, custom or just arthroscopy? climbing ladders was a big concern for me also. as i am a maintenance man. and have to climb quite often.can you kneel yet? thats another big issue for me. i see dr. this thurs. to set operation date .would you do it again or wait till later. thanks for your time!!

[@Canfixstuff]

Just supported your channel

[@carolc6364]

Would you say this information can be applied in a general way to a hip replacement?

[@dradamrosen]

Yes, the comparison if very similar.

[@carolc6364]

Thank you! I will share this with a friend who needs a hip replacement, but is reluctant to do it. Your videos are super helpful.

[@peppersprayetcstore]

I am not bone on bone and not in extreme pain. But there is loss of bone on my Xray in both knees. I have a lot of stiffness and pain when I sit too long. However, I have extreme misalignment (knees gong inward) and it is causing balance issues, lower back pain and bad posture. If effect, it is hampering my quality of life. Because of this I am considering bilateral knee replacement. But I am still gathering information. I just turned 84 and am in very good health for my age. The only physical problem I have is Macular Degeneration which is being managed and it won't interfere with a knee replacement. My Dr. does not cut muscles and tendons which will make recovery better I am told. And they have a nutrition and PT program before and after the surgery. I would consider injections but would it really address the knock knee problem? Any suggestions and/or input would be helpful.

[@moondancer334]

Dr Rosen, can you recommend a video, book or website that explains what sort of exercises are recommended for someone with moderate O/A in a knee, to help strengthen the quads and whatever other muscles, to help the knee itself? Thank you

[@dradamrosen]

There are so many options and each persons ability is different. In my book - THE KNEE BOOK - I cover a number of exercises. If you follow any of the exercises for after total knee they work the same muscles needed to strengthen your native knee. One option is seeing a physical therapist for a few sessions so they can teach you a good home exercise program that is safe.

[@franny6073]

My prayers shows bone on bone. Chronic pain..Am I a candidate?

[@johnschannel449]

l have mild early stage knee artritis , is it OK to walk barefoot indoors or should l wear shoes.

[@chrismanavis4505]

i have both bad knees and getting ready in 4 days to have my left knee replace ,but i am not up to it i have done cortizone couple times, and six months ego stem cell don't know if i want to do the surgery ,has any one done hyaluronic acid shots??

[@deborahann5552]

I had the torn meniscus clean and shave and now I am in more pain and I limp which I didn't before surgery. Several months later he now says I need a knee replacement. Why should I trust the surgeons? I should have never had the first surgery.

[@lindaelston4728]

I’ve had 2 Scope surgeries, PRP injections and my replacement is next week. I’m super nervous, watched tons of videos and talked to people. I’m 72.

[@dradamrosen]

Sorry to hear. I discuss that in my book. Some patients with arthritis and degenerative meniscus tears don't see improvement or in some cases get worse. Then the only remaining surgical option is a total knee replacement.

[@stevejanger3791]

Can I avoid surgery if I take PRP injection?

[@arcoulant87]

I had my knee replacement on hold so I could ride the Tour divide this summer ,I rode 1000 miles out of 2700 mils and had to stop ,( I ride 4000to5000 a year and am 67) in your experience would you expect a cyclist to get his /her form back .

[@dradamrosen]

every person is different. here in southern california we have a lot of bikers and i have had a few patients over the years that were able to go back to century rides but not all.

[@dougdavid9321]

What do you think if partial knee replacement?

[@dradamrosen]

Check out this video -kzbin.info/www/bejne/l6mnppegn6Z8hK8

[@johnschannel449]

is it possible to have severe osteoarthritis but have little or no pain, l think that may be my case

[@dradamrosen]

Yes, not everyone that has arthritis on x-ray has pain. It is best to treat the patient and their symptoms not just the x-ray

[@johnschannel449]

@@dradamrosen thnaks,my right knee has been feeling unstable past month like it going to give way sometimes, l got an x ray done today and see my doctor next week, l was sure it was arthritis as l am 50 years old and overweight, but the guy that took the x ray said his sure its not because the cartridge looks normal and the gap in the knee is normal, what other things could it be, l havent noticed any injury and theres very little pain. l hope my doctor knows when he looks at the x ray next week

[@Boncassy]

Why is it that patience who have more then 2mm of space on an x-ray have some of the worst outcomes. I'm not understanding this.

[@dradamrosen]

its a good question. Simply, they don't have severe arthritis. With space remaining on a standing x-ray they may have mild arthritis, or a scale we use from 0 (normal) to 4 (bone on bone) they may be a 1 or 2. Those patients have early arthritis and pain but not severe enough arthritis to see the benefits of a total knee. A total knee is better than a severely arthritic knee but not better than a normal or mildly arthritic knee. The worst thing to see is a patient after knee replacement that says there knee replacement knee is worse than it was before surgery.

[@tomotten3165]

Dr Rosen do you do partial knee replacements? I have your book and have really benefited from your videos. Thanks

[@dradamrosen]

Yes, maybe I'll do a video about partials. Glad the book and videos helped.

[@yvonnepereira4172]

Xxxxcccc ch​@@dradamrosen

[@johnschannel449]

hi just} subscribed } l m 50 years old, overweight and l have weakness in my right knee with a very sight ache pain, feels like l might lose balance walking stairs . it only started past couple months but got worse recently . l had an x ray yesterday and see my doctor in a week, the guy that took the x ray said knee overall looks normal and the gap in the knee is normal for my age so he said he doesnt think its arthritis, what things do you think it could be apart from arthrisis . If the x ray shows the gap is normal can it still be arthrisis, could l still have a series problem that the x ray wont show but a MRI might show. l am hoping its just some minor strain from too much walking or something that will heal without surgery

[@dradamrosen]

Most importantly you should have been standing for the x-ray, called a weight bearing view. Many times when patients are lying down the space looks normal only to be bone-on-bone when a weight bearing xray is performed. See what the ortho says. Sometimes an MRI can be helpful if she/he suspects a meniscus tear as the cause of the pain (tears are commonly a normal finding in many patients over the age of 50) or something called osteonecrosis where a portion of the bone dies and causes pain.

[@johnschannel449]

@@dradamrosen thanks, l was standing , he did one standing and another one standing and bending and he said the space was normal and the knee looked normal , but he was just the x ray guy not a doctor ? is osteonecrosis a more serious problem then menicus tear ? . THere is very little is any pain just a feeling of weaknes and instability in the knee, if l has osteoncrosis would there be pain, is osteoncrosis of the knee rare and that would be an unlikely outcome.

[@funnymemes2276]

Are you under general anesthesia with this surgery???

[@dradamrosen]

Most are under general anesthesia and a nerve block or a spinal with sedation

[@penelopehunt2371]

They only last 20 years so be careful of timing . These surgeons don’t tell you about scepsis , useless nursing , lack of insurance cover , recovery etc . They don’t give a damn. Get a good biokineticist

[@stephdaniels5587]

Spot on content 👍 Dr Rosen, thank you so much for all your videos and your book ❤.

[@dradamrosen]

My pleasure!

[@YingziHao]

Thank you for the advice !😊

[@dradamrosen]

You're so welcome!