The Most Painful Surgery Ever?

Thanks to YOGABODY Teachers College www.yogabody.com/iha for sponsoring this video. Check out their science-based, online yoga certification courses.
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The Most Painful Surgery Ever?
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In this video, Justin from the Institute of Human Anatomy discusses the surgical procedure known as a total knee arthroplasty, and what a patient can expect during and after it's been performed.
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Merchandise
beacons.page/instituteofhuman...
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References
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/arti...
www.medilib.ir/uptodate/show/...
eor.bioscientifica.com/view/j...
online.boneandjoint.org.uk/do...
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/f...
scholar.google.com/scholar?as...
academic.oup.com/ptj/article/...
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knee_re...
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Video Timeline
00:00 - 00:17 Intro
00:18 - 00:57 What Is An Arthroplasty?
00:58 - 03:18 Who Needs An Arthroplasty?
03:19 - 04:56 Medical Imaging
04:57 - 05:57 Is a Tourniquet Bad?
05:58 - 08:22 Making the Cut
08:23 - 10:01 Removing Other Tissues
10:02 - 11:44 Manual Resurfacing
11:45 - 14:39 Robotic Assisted Resurfacing
14:40 - 15:19 Which Is Better?
15:20 - 16:31 Placing the Prosthesis
16:32 - 17:03 Ensuring Proper Alignment
17:04 - 17:41 Putting Everything Back Together
17:42 - 19:11 The Recovery Process
19:12 - 21:43 Potential Complications
21:44 - 22:50 Support the Channel
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Audio Credit: www.bensound.com
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#Yogabody #KneeReplacement #Arthroplasty

[@theanatomylab]

Thanks to YOGABODY Teachers College www.yogabody.com/iha for sponsoring this video. Check out their science-based, online yoga certification courses.

[@osmosisjones4912]

What you described about the physcophath is actually the norm except risk taking but lack of empathy taking joy at other suffering. That's the norm

[@smallbee1234]

Does participating in yoga help alleviate knee problems or worsen them?

[@Aconitum_napellus]

Thank you for making this video. Its quite emotional watching this because my Mother is having a total knee replacement soon. I just hope she is amongst the patients who recover well and regain mobility and quality of life.

[@isaymaybe4601]

How do the Surgeons attach muscle and tendons to the steel structure. Screwing the muscles can't be the answer. Can it?

[@mikalgreyam3968]

HEY, Do a Hemmrhoid Video!

[@56jetman]

Adding to my previous comment, the one thing that stuck with me was when my surgeon told me right after my first knee replacement, "Don't baby the knee. When you were under anesthesia we moved your knee in every position possible. You're not going to hurt it." And I have to admit that I was pretty aggressive with my physical therapy, but it really paid off as I have great range of motion and I'm pain-free. Contrasting this with my cousin: after knee replacement, her sister stayed with her and waited on her hand and foot for the first couple weeks after surgery. She barely moved during that time and her physical therapy was a lot less aggressive than mine. She still has days when she's in a lot of pain and it's been more than a year since her surgery. I'm a widower living alone and I pretty much had to fend for myself when I came back from the hospital so out of necessity I was walking and getting around right away. So if there's a lesson to be learned it's to do as much activity after surgery as you can because it all pays off in the end.

[@jennifermikuluk2357]

Yes! When people buy a recliner for their recovery, I get worried. I had great recovery, wasn’t easy, but worked it from the start. I sent my husband back to work after a couple days. Getting things for yourself, not laying down for more then an hour was the first thing I did. Keep active!

[@lesliegibbons1364]

I had a knee replacement and have done my own rehabilitation. Even after 2 1/2 years I am still noticing improvement. I stretch every day and push it consistently…

[@donnamariewilliams8261]

I’ve had rheumatoid arthritis for 47 years and still have all of my own joints - I had arthroscopic knee surgery in 1995 - the surgeon wanted to do a complete replacement then, but I didn’t want that at the time & I’m so blessed to still be able to do everything myself - I work out every day & that has been my saving grace - our bodies are truly amazing vessels and it fascinates me to see what I can go through and bounce back from if you have spiritual faith! Also the old adage, move it or lose it comes to mind!

[@shubha.m3]

@@donnamariewilliams8261 have our body support and recover realy fast tell me plz

[@cathydanies5072]

You are so right. My pt was very hard . You are very blessed to done this alone. I couldn't get out of bed to fill my ice machine not even to bathroom alone for two weeks. God bless .my left knee getting worse I never go through it again never .

[@donnakolodziej4091]

I am a retired physical therapist and am scheduled for bilateral knee replacements in May. My surgeon and I decided to do both at once since I treated many people with this surgery during my career and know just what to expect. Wish me luck!

[@judyaddams4952]

22:12 Good Luck Donna! I am 2 weeks post op from my Left TKR today. I’m beginning to see the light at the end of the pain tunnel 😂. Mobility is still very stiff and painful but I feel I’m improving every day. Wishing you the best! You got this!

[@donnakolodziej4091]

@@judyaddams4952 Thanks, Judy! You’re very encouraging! Good luck on your continued recovery. 😊

[@PK-ez7bn]

As a current outpatient PT, I wish you happy healing and you already know about the PT. My mom had her R TKA mid December, she flew through it super easy. She never took more than tramadol. Her ortho used the ROMtech bike at home, and it kept her moving several times/day. I hope you have some tall chairs for those first days of sit/stand transfers!

[@kimberlydragone6015]

I’m fairly young at 62. I had one done. I can’t imagine having two at the same time. You need your other to help you with rehabbing the surgical knee and just general getting around (toileting 😱) I’m so glad I didnt opt for that.

[@kimberlydragone6015]

Sorry, but you think your ready. If you haven’t had one then you haven’t a clue. Being a PT is not the same as being a patient. I wish you a lot of smooth healing. Maybe you’ll be one of the lucky ones.

[@Linda-ii8hc]

I had my right knee replaced and 4 months later my left knee replaced, this was done in 2021 at age 69. The surgery was outpatient and I came home and went up the 5 steps into our home. I can honestly say that I had minimal pain with both surgeries and with the PT. My knees felt like they were bone on bone in both knees before surgery and I was in chronic pain for years. I could barely walk any distance at all and they just radiated pain up and down my legs. I was scared to have surgery but after I wished I had done it years ago. I have arthritis throughout my body, but I can say that I no longer have any pain in my knees!

[@janetmesserschmidt5888]

Thank you for sharing! I am going to have to have both of mine done and i am terrified!

[@angelapietras1235]

Linda you were very lucky,the exercises after are dam agony,I have had many operations but that was my hardest with those exercises.

[@bevhart4604]

@@angelapietras1235You are right, she was lucky. To be done on an outpatient. Yikes! Took me a few weeks to feel more comfortable.

[@angelapietras1235]

@@bevhart4604 me too.

[@christalmiller816]

Thank you for this comment. I have RA and have been terrified after being reminded how much pain I will be in after double tkr surgery. I have been in immense pain from bone on bone both knees and I’m in my 40s. I can’t imagine being in more pain than I already am. But it’s refreshing to have someone say-I was in horrible pain before! It made me feel better. Wish people would be more positive like you!

[@michellegibbs2065]

I can totally agree with "the most painful surgery ever" statement. It is one that you have to do everything the doctor says and the physical therapist says. Wow!

[@Buttercup312]

You said it...I am currently recuperating from number 2...and yes...I have already proclaimed "if you love me....just cut it off!!!" 😅 but seriously...I know it's only a matter of weeks of painful hard work in exchange for the rest of my life....

[@belzw3889]

Noooooo.....please don't say that! I'm headed for surgery on Thursday and have already had APR surgery (among the top most painful), are tax Parastomal hernia repair with mesh & 30 helical titanium tacks/screws into the gut (also among the top ranked painful), & dealt with TGN (dubbed "suic*de disease due to the pain) for 2 years before a temp remedy was found. Now this knee this 🙄🤯 It's like my body's in competition with itself to see how much it can endure 🤔

[@taranbedi6533]

Thank you for this informative demonstration and advice. I had my right total knee replacement 8 weeks ago, and im recovering really well. I've been doing my knee bend and exercise since the second day of my surgery. Everyday it feels much better and stronger.

[@catkin13]

@@belzw3889hope all went well. I’m nearly 6 months post surgery. Sometimes I completely forget it’s there which is fab. It’s taken lots of work. Stick to your rehab !!!!

[@juliakbrown]

My mom had both knees done last year, one in the spring and the other in the fall. The first was awful - the recovery took ages and she was in a lot of pain. The second was super easy and barely painful at all. So even the same person can have wildly different experiences.

[@PatchouliPenny]

Did she have the same surgical team?

[@8beef4u]

@@PatchouliPenny even if she did it's a different knee and a different day for the surgeon

[@paintedwings74]

The nerves themselves can be different (they don't grow in a rigid, unwavering path; they're just in the same general locations) so that they may be more or less damaged during surgery; and the background level of both damage and pre-op pain can be different between knees. I had no idea how much more pain was coming from my left knee until it was repaired, and 60% of the pain was gone within a week post-op. I went from total debilitating pain to being able to go out and do life, in the month before the right knee was replaced. The right side was just as trashed, but it wasn't sending out the same level of alarm-signals.

[@maureenmckenna5220]

My husband had the same experience. First knee, awful. Second one a breeze. I thought it was the fact that he knew the drill, was comfortable with the first result, and felt confident about recovery. I had one knee only replaced, and it took me an entire year to feel completely normal. I was back in work in three months, but full recovery, much longer, with no complications.

[@lynnestamey7272]

I had one knee replaced and followed my doctors orders. I had in home PT for ,2 we and then twice weekly for about 3 months. It was awful. I was dreading my second replacement, with the same surgeon (he's really good) but at a different hospital. Then I went to a rehab hospital and that made a huge difference in my recovery. I had 135 degrees of flex within 3 weeks. I followed all the directions explicitly. I don't have the constant pain from bone on bone. I still keep my cane when I am outside my home, but not inside.

[@josephoduor2358]

Much respect to the surgeons who learn and practise this. I was in pain by just visualizing the description of the procedure.

[@PraveenSriram]

Same here the pain was too much for me to bear so I couldn’t watch the entire video

[@twotakeoff]

@@PraveenSriram same, I was feeling so much agony I couldn't watch the whole video

[@paintedwings74]

You know what pain really is when this surgery looks much less painful than walking around without it.

[@sarcasticallyrearranged]

It seems that surgeons treat the patients like a piece of meat, are extremely rough and don't care about how much pain the person will be in afterwards.

[@Theodorej1960]

@@sarcasticallyrearranged I can understand your feelings, but that's just not true for the vast number of Ortho surgeons out there. Most of them are VERY compassionate and understand what we go through. It's just that, as they say, "it is what it is" and there's just no way to make it lesser. Some things in life we just have to back our ears and power through. It does get better, but you have to use the tools that you have and decide that you're going to do what is necessary to get better.

[@cvent8454]

I had bilateral knee replacements in 2011. Recovery for the first two weeks was difficult, but my therapist kept telling me that I would turn a corner. She was right. Three weeks in, I began to feel better. One thing I learned was not to rest my legs on a pillow as it would feel good but would prevent proper healing. Also, I did my exercises religiously. My surgeon was so impressed with my progress. Twelve years later, I feel great. It was the best thing I could have done. Everyone is different, but you have to be physically and mentally prepared. The video is excellent in explaining it, but you can only understand it properly after your surgery. I wish everyone the best of luck. I was in a wheelchair before surgery and walk unassisted now. One last thing, as painful as my knee replacements were, a few years later, I had to have one of my thumb joints replaced (I have RA). That surgery was the most painful I've ever experienced because, as the PT explained, think of the nerves, etc. in the hand. I cried every day, and I didn't cry once during my knee replacement recovery. But once again, the pain was worth it. I am totally pain-free in that joint and have an excellent range of motion. Be well and thank you.

[@michaellasims8116]

0k😊

[@geneva2580]

I had two total knee replacement surgery and everything went well. Didn't have a problem with the pain. I was walking around about three days after my surgery and had one right before Thanksgiving and I cooked thanksgiving meal. I had a great surgeon.

[@tamianderson123]

What state? I need one but am so scared.

[@sandysimmer1279]

I had a right knee replacement two years ago at age 61. I worked hard at getting back to normal, physical therapy, etc. I was out of work for three months per my doctor. I am still doing great walking and my bend is good. I do have numbness where the scar is, though. I work 8 hours per day walking or standing all day and am able to live a normal Life without the pain I experienced before.

[@jewel1953]

Been 16 years for both knees at the same time and still numb and get stiff.

[@snorkyb2257]

As an orthopedic nurse, patients who've had both, tell me that shoulders hurt more than knees. But there are fantastic long acting block options now for both that get you over the worst parts. Most of our total knees are same day surgeries now, when in the past patients stayed 3 days. Mostly due to the improved blocks, and new perioperative pain management regimens, so people use a lot less narcs, and recover faster.

[@christy4062]

I haven't had shoulder surgery, but had both knees replaced at age 46. There are no words to describe the pain. I used to consider myself strong, but those recoveries had me bawling and begging for mercy

[@susanrichardson8516]

I have had a bilateral knee replacement and a significant shoulder repair. If I had a choice I would have my knees done again before I had another shoulder surgery.....

[@matthewnelson1932]

Thoracic surgery might be the worse?

[@kge420]

I’ve had shoulder replacement and a hip replacement. Shoulder was by far the more painful of the two recovery wise. Until! Three months after hip replacement I fell on some ice and the implant came through my femur and caused a spiral break. A six hour hip revision surgery ended with no, zero, post op pain management. My wife, an RN and our son, a CRNA were furious but the head nurse only gave me one Percocet. Not sure I could be in any more pain and don’t wish to find out.

[@westcoasttiki]

@@kge420😳 my husband is going in for shoulder replacement in a month, he’s had open heart surgery for a congenital defect only 18 mo ago. Ugh. You’ve made my heart race a bit! Hope you are doing well now!

[@danieldelgado8153]

Had both knees replaced when I was 54 and 56. Before that I did everything to avoid the surgery because of my age and knowing I would have to redo them in 15-20 years. I’m a very active and healthy ER nurse and I was at the point where I didn’t care because of my knee pain. Went back to work in 6 weeks. Granted the first 2 weeks are pure hell but worth it. Within 3 months I was riding my bike 15 to 20 miles without a problem. I have no issues with my knees. If I walk miles or hike up hills my knees will ach after but nothing bad. Now 63, best thing I could of done. Hopefully they last 20-30 years so they can out live me. My best Dan Albuquerque.

[@munganiayvonne3548]

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the beautiful soul that donated their body including the knee for us to learn and understand better, this channel saved my School life, thank you so so much Asante Sana...especially to those that have donated their bodies for us.. We say A BIG THANK YOU.... THANK YOU... this is very informative and interesting... Makes my everyday work life much easier... I understand better ❤

[@nancyc5472]

I actually didn’t think my total knee replacement was terribly painful. Did I follow all doctor instructions? Yes. Was I diligent about all physical therapy? Absolutely. My spine surgeries were far more painful. I think we are all different.

[@schwerner343]

Did you have fusion surgery?

[@AllIAm1]

From my experience working with ppl post op spine and shoulder surgeries seem to be the most painful overall

[@lalaland962]

I had a lumbar laminectomy which wasn't painful at all, but I've never had knee surgery. I was in physical therapy with a couple of men who had had this surgery, though. One of them had a lot of pain, and the other didn't. Yes, we are all really different.

[@drp1bb856]

My mother had double knee replacement, rotator cuff, spinal, hip replacement, triple bypass, and I bet I’m forgetting a few. Her double knee replacement seemed to be the most involved when it came to pre/post op.

[@davidzkitchentips7648]

You are absolutely right, spine surgery is the most painful

[@TheMickvee]

I've had both knees and one of my shoulders replaced. They were all equally as painful. 5 years on and I am completely pain free. Hooray for medical advances!

[@mickikindley7821]

I had the same surgeries I am not pain free but a 💯 better

[@ebglock]

If you are pain free you are lucky.

[@TheMickvee]

@@ebglock Yes, I realise that not all recipients of a new joint have a happy outcome. I am one of the lucky ones!

[@whizbang7130]

Damn....5 years to feel better. I hope I see Jesus before having this done.

[@waywaybeyond]

I have had both shoulders and knees replaced. The shoulder sockets were so worn away on both sides, I had to sign a waiver that the surgeon had the okay to perform a reverse shoulder replacement (socket/joint reversed) if the computer augmented prothesis slipped too much during surgery. Long story short: both shoulders were regular replacements, and both knees, by a different surgeon are both unrestricted.......meaning I can do anything I want: run, tennis, weights, kayaking. Medical advances are unbelievable.

[@chrisjohansen4088]

Had a knee replacement in November 2022. Did not get general anesthesia and was awake for the surgery. Had a spinal block. Zero pain. Surgery took a little over one hour. Went home the same day. Slower recovery than I hoped but significantly better than before the surgery.

[@ashurean]

Dude, i think nerve blocks are the coolest shit when it comes to anesthetics. Although there's something to be said for general anesthetics in regards to not having to just sit there and wait for them to finish. Being unconscious makes the whole process feel faster.

[@bettymorris5509]

I had total knee replacement in my 70s. Am now in my 80s and plan to have the other one done. I am active and hope to stay that way. I walked up stairs the next day. Had great pt. Yes, there was pain, managed but no pain after. Just be sure you have a good doctor. 1:53

[@Stephen_Martin]

Had Nerve block or epidermal. layed just listening to the sawing, hammering and drilling, oh and stapling...

[@Cwo30]

I just had my left knee done 5 weeks ago (Right one was 11 months ago) and I go in for manipulation in 2 days. I’m 50 still active duty in the military and I kick my butt at the gym almost everyday and I can’t believe how hard these replacements are/have been. It’s amazing how much of a toll they have taken on my body and mind. You definitely need to be be mentally strong and prepared for the journey of a TKR.

[@readynow12345]

It's not all that bad.

[@shmoogie31]

Thank you so much for your service! Best of luck with your recovery!❤

[@harmindergill6488]

I done total knee replacement 6 weeks ago I have to go for manipulation 2 days ago feel much better now

[@Gud2B_Blessed]

​@@harmindergill6488whoa a Manipulation only 6wks later why?

[@michaelpung4121]

Very true!

[@davidwichlidal5063]

i just had my knee replaced on January 10th 2023, at the age of 52. You are correct the recovery is no joke. the pain is bad but the stiffness is the hardest to deal with. just over 3 weeks into recovery, glad I had it done but damn long recovery

[@stephengianopolus1359]

Everything gets better between 6th and 7th week. Much swelling goes down around that time. Had mine don10/23. Drove at 16 days. Left knee replaced.

[@chrismoody1342]

This is very timely, my brother went in Monday for replacement, he’s 72 and in good health. As far as I’m concerned I hope to never have to go thru this procedure. I’m 67 and worked a lifetime in construction and have abused my knees, crawling and kneeling on concrete floors etc. So far so good, I haven’t had any aches or pains. Everybody keep your fingers crossed I can do without any problems.

[@kathyclark3168]

Gotta em crossed 😊

[@marilynbates3951]

Got them crossed for you I’ve had both hips replaced and right knee replaced due to osteoarthritis wouldn’t wish it on anyone but have kept active all my life have a horse and worked hard good luck to anyone having it done, because the thing is the is does get to you and the relief us amazing keep well

[@kathyclark3168]

Hopefully you never get osteoarthritis because it isn't fun. Stay well 🙂

[@ritaallerding6802]

Protect those knees here on out. I was a fitness and exercise gym rat and in great shape, but one serious fall dead center in my knee caps dislocated mine permanently and a handful of years later I end up with END STAGE 4 ARTHRITIS. A TORN MENISCUS, and am facing two knee replacements mandatory...but getting filler type injections of synovial fluid material by a sports medicine orthopedic doctor and they help until then. It's horrible being totally fit and not able to walk... protect your knees please

[@JWells-mz1jr]

I had minimal pain after my knee replacement surgery. Meaning that it was not nearly as bad as I had expected. It has been five years since I had my surgery, and I am completely HAPPY with it. I'm 80-y-o and have full, painless function. Don't put it off. Just do it!

[@cliveawilson]

Thank you. I’m just three weeks post surgery. It’s good to know what actually happened and good encouragement to do the exercises.

[@rondesantis8618]

I experienced a severe knee injury in high school in 1969. After 8 1/2 hours of surgery, they did the best they could. At 45 yrs old I had it replaced. Pain was terrible. 9 years later I needed a revision. It went far better. At 71 yrs old it's still going great, and I'm very active. 4-5 workouts every week and lots of walking and biking. I believe the fitter you are going in to the surgery the better your recovery will be. Good luck to all who need it. Thank God for modern medicine!

[@temi4116]

I have been a "near daily" bicyclist for years. I am working on trying to get surgery scheduled now. Then, I can't wait to bike again and will be anxious. Can you do small hills?

[@rondesantis8618]

@@temi4116 I bike frequently and have no trouble. You'll be fine!

[@geckoproductions4128]

I also tore up a knee in 69--skiing. 10 days in hospital, 10 weeks in plaster cast. INCREDIBLE PT after than. Now I'm 72 had robotic surgery. In one day, out the next. Took two weeks to completely recover from operation, six weeks of PT to get use of knee back. 100% success all the way around. Ain't science grand!

[@Ccyawn123]

My granny was going to have both hers replaced. She had the left one done first. It was quite an ordeal. She said that when the right one saw what the left one went through it straightened right up and didn’t need surgery 😂

[@sylviaallen8706]

This makes my day 😂😂😂😂😂

[@davidkinzie6397]

I had my left knee replaced roboticaly, did the PT and healed up satisfactory. Had severe Sciatic pain shortly after and had two injections that finaly cured it. I may not have the right one replaced now because it dose not hurt like before, perhaps for the same reason as your granny.

[@wsue1038]

LOL, too funny!

[@imahick5723]

I am also finding that my right knee is not hurting or painful since the left knee was replaced. I'm crediting the fact that I am standing straighter and can put a lot of weight on the left now. Not sure about having a TK R on right

[@pender57]

Great video. I’ve had both full replacements. You are spot on. The newest knee was day surgery. They have changed from overnight stay . Not only was I up walking with a walker, but went home same day. End results was well worth the pain.

[@Jessica226.]

I'm 47 and had TRKR in January. Nothing robotic. I'm still waiting for the day that I'm glad I had this done because everything about this surgery sucks. I won't even go into the healing process. Saying it's brutal is a massive understatement.

[@gagato5]

I had robotic and after 6 wks was good

[@janiceteeter6091]

I have had both knees replaced. I walked bone on bone for over 10 years because of my age. My knees were so badly damaged the surgeries took twice as long as normal. I had physical therapy for 3 months BEFORE my surgeries and found that speeded up my recovery immensely.

[@mimoza1989]

Week 4 after ACL reconstruction. My advice: 1) go to physiotherapist months before the surgery and ask what exercises you can do to best prepare your body to all that is going to happen. You will be annoyed with them, but do it anyway, it will be worth it 2) buy a stationary bike, even if you are over weight limit you can use it while sitting on a chair/couch (it works surpassingly well) 3) buy cold/hot pack with cover you can secure on your knee with velcro strap 4) practice walking with couches 5) ask your doctor/physiotherapist how to get on/off bed and practice (hook foot of your healthy leg under ankle of operated one; now you can use your healthy leg to help other move; move to the edge of your bed and in one motion, put both legs down at the same time. You will need a lot of space to do it!) 6) put a chair under shower

[@monicaclasener]

Excellent advice! Best come prepared.

[@letterkeys4440]

After my 2nd acl reconstruction my only advice is to focus on straightening your leg out every single day multiple times a day. Range of motion will come in time however if you dont get your leg straightened out early there will be permanent consequences

[@bc-guy852]

Sounds like a good program. Thanks for sharing. Full recovery soon!!

[@mimoza1989]

@@letterkeys4440 Truth. All physiotherapists and doctors told me that bending can be easily worked out (because the knee wants to bend in this direction naturally) but straightening is much more difficult to work out. The more time passes the harder it gets

[@flautalee3090]

Do you recommended having one knee done followed -months later-by the other knee (maybe this is how all of them are done)?

[@JBHRN]

About 2 years ago, I had a bilateral TKA. The surgeon used the Conformis system. A CT scan was taken of both knees and the prostetic and jigs were fabricated custom to the imaging that was done. Both the ACL & PCL were removed. I could not be happier with the outcome. This was a great discussion on the procedure.

[@MsMorganGirls]

How was your long term outcome? I'm having the same type of procedure in Feb. I just had my MRI. I'm getting a newish type of implant that mimics the ACL & MCL for added stability (or so they say).

[@JBHRN]

@@MsMorganGirls I am an APRN, in primary care as well, bilateral TKA in 2020. In the last year I completed a 30 mile backpacking trip with a 50 pounds pack elevation gain 12,000 feet. I can kneel on both knees on conrete inexcess of 30 minutes at a time. I have absolutely ZERO PAIN. This was a huge game changer! One thing underdiscussed is a disruption to your quality of sleep. You will be sleeping in shorter "cat naps" and this can last 9-18 months. Overtime it get better. Consider using voltaren gel and a TENS unit. Trans-electrical Nerve Stim Unit. It will reduce your need to pain medication. It is SAFE to use with staples in the skin. Goodluck & better health... John Hall, APRN

[@MsMorganGirls]

@@JBHRN thank you so much for the info on how you've recovered. I expect it to be painful for a few weeks, but it won't last forever. I had bunion surgery 3 years ago that sucked for a good long time, but it doesn't hurt now. Thanks again.

[@funfettirapunzel]

My mom is going to be getting one of her knees replaced just after her 60th birthday next month. She’s too scared to know the details, but I want to be well-informed!! And upon watching this, I think I’ll need to take time off work to be able to help her out afterwards!! 💖

[@liosandro]

I am 51 and I had my right knee totally replaced april 2022. Procedure was almost painless, no huge pain during the first 10 days after the surgery. I had a little blood draining, possibly too little. So my knee is still a bit swollen, but improving. The real pain is rehab. To avoid having the knee stuck you need to bend it, and force it, and FORCE IT. And it HURTS A LOT. The fact is I was a rugby player and a really active persone until really close to the surgery, so my muscles were (and are) fairly big and resistant. So everything was hard to do. I reached forced 90 degrees bending after 3 months. I now can bend around 130-140 degrees, and rapidly improving. No more pain, I can walk for kilometers without pain. Before the surgery I had to stop after 500 meters. I plan to restart bicycling in the next month. Life is better with my steel knee.

[@SRIRAMGURUMURTHY]

Can you please let us know what exactly the doctor says about the durability of your total knee replacement since your age is around 52 and you have a long way to go in terms of years. How many years your knee will last as per doctor expectations. Expecting your reply. Thanks !!

[@liosandro]

@@SRIRAMGURUMURTHY doctor says 25 years minimum, given I stopped playing rugby and I avoid any high impact activities. I now do lots of bicycling and swimming, and I walk a lot. I am loosing weight at the rate of at least 1kg/month and that is important too for prosthetic duration. I am overall very happy.

[@SRIRAMGURUMURTHY]

@liosandro It's good to hear from you !! Get well soon. I am suffering from Chrondromalacia Patallae Grade IV from 01st of April 23 and had one Hylauronic plus PRP injections on 15th May 23. I could see very minimal improvement, but when it comes to pain...it's killing me a lot. I could not be able to walk or stand for more than 10 minutes. I am thinking of a surgery for cartilage damage. But everybody gives different opinions. If I am allowed to trim my cartilage by the orthopedic surgeon, then I may still face some light cartilage damage pain along with that may lead to OA. I don't know what is to be done next. I am 47 years old. Cartilage can not be cured or healed on its own. These injections will do wonders?

[@liosandro]

@@SRIRAMGURUMURTHY my problem was a life of high intensity sport and life on a ligament injury I had at age 17. Guess a knee-torturing sport and I did it, including my military service in the Folgore Airborne. I supported the knee with muscles, and all was good until a couple of years ago (I used to play rugby as an old). I had covid (1 month of very high fever and physical stress) my leg muscles were depleted, but I had to finish my house moving all alone because it was to be free to the new owner. 4 floors without lift. Around 200 floors of stairs in one weekend, lifting lots of weight in the aftermath of covid. All of my knee contact parches were completely and utterly munched. I have pictures of it during the surgery and it literally looks like rough surfaces on all the cartilages, and destroyed both meniscus. I am happy now.

[@jillhughes5212]

This is encouraging thank you

[@jeffstieren4474]

I had both of mine done at the same time and both were full replacements. I was walking with a walker and doing steps the next day. Honestly the first two weeks sucked but I had a mind set that this was not going to stop me. Within a month I was driving again. You have to do the exercises and movements as required in order to be successful and live out your life pain free. It’s been 3.5 years now and doing awesome.

[@wsue1038]

👍👍👍👍👍

[@laurag7295]

Well done!

[@jeffstieren4474]

@@laurag7295 have you had yours done as well ? How are you doing ?

[@jeffstieren4474]

@@laurag7295 did you have yours done as well ? If so, tell me about your experience.

[@TakeTheRide]

You're brave to do two at once. I'm scared to death to have one done. I had a hip replacement and that was the easiest surgery I've ever had done. That's all people at physical therapy after knee surgeries and they looked absolutely miserable. That scared me.

[@paulareynolds8804]

Great video, thanks! I love seeing what my knees look like inside. I’m 66 and had my first TKR in May, 2022 followed by the second TKR on the left in August, 2022. My right knee recovered beautifully, but the left is taking longer. I’m sure that’s because my body can only repair so much at one time. I had no cartilage left, tons of arthritis and the doctor told me my bones were so worn down they looked like glass inside - they were a mess! I worked extremely hard on ROM and straightening in PT. Do your research and find the best doctor in your area, or travel to get the best surgeon - it’s so important. This surgery was extremely painful, but you must force yourself to move that knee immediately! If you don’t do the work, you will be very sorry. It really does take a full year to heal - I am 5.5 months out on my left and still have numbness and nerve recovery; my right knee is 8.5 months into recovery and feels great! Time and patience are your friends. Good luck!

[@debbysheets7535]

In 1998 I had my first Total Knee Replacement. I was 45 at the time. I had complications with my blood pressure being so low that PT was nearly impossible. We used the continuous motion device to compensate. Scar tissue formed immediately even at day 2 post op. My knee would not budge. So on week 8 my surgeon did a closed manipulation & broke the scar tissue. He said that it cracked so loud that it sounded like someone had broken a baseball bat. It worked & at 70 today my replacement is still going strong. Even though I had a very long recovery, it was the best decision I’ve made. I had my other knee replaced in 2005.

[@susanrichardson8516]

I has the Conformis knee replacement at age 57. I forced myself to do rehab as much as possible during the first 2 weeks. It was smooth sailing after that. I love my new knees. My surgeon was shocked as to how bad my knees actually were once he got in there. For me the pain was worth it. I suffered many years. This was the best thing I have done for myself. I wish everyone else got these results.

[@scottxiong5844]

I am in my 30s and my knee hurts already. Watching this lets me feel insightful if I ever need to get this operation. Thank you.

[@fernosan]

Guaranteed you'll need a replacement when you get older. The inflammation slowly degenerates the tissues until you can't take it anymore. I'm same age as you and after a trekking of 5 days my knee is not the same, it has been 7 years now

[@patrickwhite2941]

4 words. Knees Over Toes Guy. Get Started today.

[@fernosan]

@@patrickwhite2941 nice!!!!! thank you!

[@paintedwings74]

Don't let age be the defining factor. Unlike what he said in this video, it's not necessary to wait until you're older; if the joint is thrashed, it's thrashed, if the pain is keeping you from a functional life, that's the point at which surgery is warranted. If you can't live your life, your health can and probably will go downhill. I get rather irate at doctors who refuse to help people who are overweight, telling them to go home and lose the weight before they get the knee replacements. If you're in so much pain that you can't walk, how are you supposed to lose weight? And people who are losing muscle tone and experiencing increased inflammatory chemicals in their body while they "tough it out" are not going to bounce back as quickly as they would if they went in earlier. Since your knee hurts now, get in to see a sports-med doctor and get some physical therapy. They'll get a good idea of what's causing the pain, and give you the techniques to keep your knee going longer. But when life catches up to our joints, we don't live in the 1800's or even the 1990's; knee replacements at age 42 saved my life, and they're expected to last a lifetime, at most needing a minor surgery to clear scar tissue or replace the plastic meniscus. If I'd had them replaced at 40 when I first asked for them, I wouldn't now be trying to fix the fact that I gained weight because I could barely walk, for no damned reason but out-dated and unprofessional biases from the surgeon.

[@extrastuff9463]

​@@paintedwings74 Totally agree, I've only gone through a total hip replacement for which seems the recovery process seems a lot less involved at the age of 37. In my case I got to the point that walking was just barely possible and riding a bicycle was somehow still doable too. But walking was discomfortable and limited at best and painful after 200 meters requiring some rest. Getting up out of a chair and ready to move took 5-10 minutes by the time the delayed surgery finally happened (covid burden on hospital staff kept me more or less stuck in the house for a few months until the surgery could happen). In hindsight I should've gone in earlier, but somehow I was under the impression the muscles were the problem. A prior issue years before with the same movement and not enough use resulted in those muscles in the left leg being not all that functional. I didn't gain much weight or anything, but I did have a normal right leg and a very skinny upper left leg after letting it drag on too long. Post surgery it took 9 months of regular walks, bicycle rides and physiotherapy/gym 3 times per week to get them close in both appearance and strength. The left leg is still a bit weaker but not all that much except for the muscles involved in lifting it up which is still kinda pathetic. If I had been less stubborn the ankylosing spondylitis would've been diagnosed earlier, perhaps more appropriate physiotherapy exercises to keep the hip more functional until the total hip replacement and certainly less painful months during which quality of life was bad. The whole post surgery recovery procedure seems less troublesome for a hip replacement though, I went from discomfort at best and pain whenever walking on it to feeling a slight discomfort from tugging at the wound while the staples were in there. The only really bad pain post surgery were the hamstrings a few weeks in for maybe two weeks when they experienced a normal range of motion again. Sitting down on a chair right on top of them after a decent walk/particular exercises wasn't pleasant.

[@SheXyShellyMarie]

It freaking hurts like no other. I’ve had 20 surgeries and scores of procedures. NOTHING flattened me like this knee replacement. Had to stay in the hospital for 5 days after. I’ve had 3 level fusions hurt less. The good part is that I am at a 0-130 degree bend, at just over 3 months. PS. I would like to add that my situation was pretty bad. I had a torn meniscus, broken cartilage, arthritis in all chambers, bone on bone, and a bone spur. I limped on it for a year before I finally went to the doc. It was so swollen that it was 3 times the size as my other leg. Some people have it a little easier. Plus the tourniquet killed me hard. Best thing is to 1. Have help 2. Have a lift chair for the toilet 3. Have good walkers 4. Ice machine 5. Shower chair with handles. Handles are your friends. 6. Hottub

[@lorileeolmsted3869]

Hot tub? I wasn’t aware that things had changed THAT much in the last decade! I had been told absolutely NO hot tubs for 6 months after joint replacement surgery.

[@SheXyShellyMarie]

@@lorileeolmsted3869 Mmmm. Maybe some people cannot? It helped me but I didn’t go in until after my wound was fully healed. I didn’t stay in long at first, less than 15-20 min. Both my Ortho and Pain Docs said it would be fine.

[@gqqggq7127]

3 month 130 degrees is amazing! How did your physio/rehab regimen look like for getting the range of motion back?

[@SheXyShellyMarie]

@@gqqggq7127 All I did was ride a bike and used a slide while in recovering. Although I can bend over 130+, I’m still having quite a bit of pain that just started. I’m now 5 months out. Woke up pretty miserable today.

[@Aaron-zl5gq]

My dad just got his knee replaced and the amount of pain he went through for weeks was insane

[@lovinitall6639]

Same, I had my left done 4 days ago. The pain is off the charts.

[@Harley-kv4fd]

How are you now? ​@@lovinitall6639

[@marywilegus5509]

My knee surgery was four years ago, and the pain was beyond horrible. I've been told before I have high pain tolerance, but the knee was not the case. I swore I would never have the other knee done but will have my right knee done next year. You have to weigh the physical confront I'm doing now versus having surgery. I'm 81 and in great health otherwise.

[@richardsparks9904]

I had a knee replacement two years ago. I stopped the serious pain killers within a week and was successful with OTC pain medicine. For two months before the surgery I performed the post op physical therapy using KZbin videos (thanks Bob and Brad!) I had 100° mobility the afternoon after the surgery. I’m getting the other knee replaced this year and are hoping for a similar experience.

[@sarcasticallyrearranged]

Is "Bob and Brad" their channel name?

[@THE-id1by]

I did the post surgery therapy 4-6 weeks before surgery too. It was no joke but the post operative healing went amazingly well. No one told me to do it, I just thought it might prepare my knee and surrounding muscles for surgery since the pain had made the muscles atrophy. Glad I did it

[@dawnjimenez3443]

I had a knee replacement 2 years ago it didn’t work out and I’m still in heavy painkillers

[@richardsparks9904]

@@sarcasticallyrearranged Bob & Brad is the KZbin channel name.

[@richardsparks9904]

Second knee was replaced on May 1, 2023. Even better results than two years ago. 106° freedom of movement at first out patient therapy. I give a lot of credit to exercising before the surgery and my surgeon.

[@lauriemathews7974]

My knee replacement was far more painful than I ever thought it would be. I wasn't able to start actually going to the PT/Rehab center until almost 2 months after surgery as I had to wear a brace on the operative leg due to a ligament repair at the time of the knee replacement. Then I had to wait for an open appointment for PT. I went to PT for around 6 months as I requested it due to having unlimited PT on my insurance. Its been a year and 4 months since my surgery and I'm having stability issues with the knee so im back at PT. If this doesn't help, then I may have to have surgery on my knee to see if anything is loose. Im not sure about surgery again. I'll wait and see. I love the content of this channel. I watch when I can!!!

[@pawpaw0673]

I was 13 weeks plus.

[@casamia6655]

Your complications greatly contributed to your prognosis. Waiting that long for PT put you in a complicated state.

[@devinthomas4866]

you clearly had a complication in surgery

[@bonniemenard1225]

​@@pawpaw067322:50 😮

[@amyhineline916]

This was very interesting, thank you. I had both knees replaced in 2020. Some years earlier, a supervisor of mine had hers replaced and she struggled so much, mostly due to be extremely overweight. I determined that mine was going to go better, so I put in a lot of work before and after my surgeries, even losing weight. My surgeries went very well, and my rehab after was a piece of cake. I had no choice in having them done, but I worked hard for a good outcome and I got it. I can't kneel, and riding a standard bike is uncomfortable, but overall I am very pleased.

[@joy4noyze]

That is so good that you worked to get that weight off I had total hip replacement on my right hip and the doctor encouraged me to lose weight and I lost the weight because I want that hip replacement surgery so badly I start changing my eating habits not eating past 6 o’clock in the evening and stayed away from the sugars in the high carbs. You did a great job and it does make a big difference. If you’re overweight and having these type of surgeries, it’s gonna be more Painful, I have to have a knee replacement surgery so that’s why I’m on this platform checking out all the comments and so far yours is pretty decent and makes a whole lotta sense about losing weight before the surgery. Thank you.

[@scotsmanofnewengland7713]

Just had a TKR four days ago and was walking as soon as I get out of bed. My knee is numb but very little pain now. My biggest advice is do the exercises before and after and don’t be afraid for they don’t hurt but they will if you don’t do them they will afterwards. Stay on time on taking your medications. Get a pill box because you will be taking different meds at the same time and this pill box makes it easier so you don’t get confused. I am using a Cold Therapy Machine and a Compression Sleeves Unit. I was able to walk without a walker or cane 2 days after the operation and feeling better everyday.

[@patriciamays8244]

I had no problem rehabing my total knee replacement. However it's still my most painful knee to this day 7 years later. Yes it needed to be done. I out the surgery off 7 years and completely lost all ability to use it. It dragged behind me for a few years. I'm trying hard not to damage my other knee.

[@scotsmanofnewengland7713]

@@patriciamays8244 Sorry to hear you still have some pain. I use “ Icy Hot” on my knee after a long day of walking. It helps and let’s me sleep longer. Good luck and keep the Faith.

[@janetwhitten3945]

My late mother had total knee replacements within a year. Here in Northern Ireland they do them under spinal anaesthesia. She recovered really well and has full range of movement in both. She was convinced that the recovery was so good because she followed all her physiotherapy to the letter.

[@michaelswinehart7350]

And your mother was absolutely right. I'm getting ready to have my second knee replaced and also my right hip. I love hearing the positive joint replacement stories such as your mother. Tell her i give her a big smile and a " thumbs up " for positive thumbs up postop story !!!!😀👍

[@wendull811]

My grandmother had a hip total hip replacment and never did the rehab. She had to walk like a penguin and was always in pain because she did not rehab it correctly.

[@janetwhitten3945]

@@wendull811 I think the physio and rehab are nearly as important as the operation itself

[@sarcasticallyrearranged]

My mother had a knee replacement and was obviously in excruciating pain. My father refused to give her pain medication from believing the fear mongering, so my mom struggled with any physical therapy and to this day is in pain. I believe that she would have been much better had the pain been controlled and she had properly done PT.

[@janetwhitten3945]

@@sarcasticallyrearranged totally agree The physio had told my mum that the pain meds were important as she wouldn’t been able to do the exercises if she Was in pain. I gave her them regularly For the first couple of weeks and then we went day by day

[@allisonknox8648]

15 weeks post op, from total knee replacement. I am only 49 and been waiting for years for my op. It’s changed my life, until this op the pain has been horrific and within days my knee feels amazing. Up walking within a couple of days and it’s getting better all the time. Most people I know who have had this have seen significant improvement in life quality.

[@paintedwings74]

Yeah, his advice to wait longer is out-dated. Walking around on thrashed knees, avoiding activity because it's so painful, has a great deal of impact on health, and makes waiting for surgery a net-negative. Getting back on our feet and walking again means we can continue to live an active life, and the replacements they have these days are not something that fails under normal circumstances.

[@deefaye2743]

You are right about the therapy….. I did therapy twice a day for three months. My surgery was done at the VA and they did an excellent job. My Surgeon gave me the Press Fit implants. The implants grows to the bones, no screws or fillers. I am extremely happy with my range of motion and 100% pain free…

[@firestorm755]

Fascinating from the perspective of potentially undergoing this in a few years time. I've seen my father go through both knees replaced at age 87 and he is good now.

[@pamjb77]

I had both knees replaced 8 weeks apart in 2017. Sure there was pain, especially during PT. But overall it was less painful than the years prior to surgery, walking around on two bone-on-bone knees. I was so happy to have the surgeries and the opportunity to get on with my life with (mostly) pain free knees.

[@coffeebeforemascara]

I'm so glad to hear this.... I'm counting the days until my schedule left TKR is done. 😊

[@kirstenkk6493]

I had the exact same situation. Both knees done 8 weeks apart in 2020. Very little pain. Didn't even take the hydrocpdone that was prescribed. I took Tramadol and Naproxen. I was walking normal within 3 weeks. I had the robotic assisted surgery and now 3 years later I have no regrets.

[@rdhtemt]

Need both tkr done. They want me to wait until I'm 50 (currently 46) but I'm bone on bone now, and work 10 hour shifts on concrete. I'm nervous but also can't wait. Planning on next year, hopefully.

[@milkman1944]

I enjoyed this informative video and you are correct, it is a brutal procedure. I had a bilateral knee replacement in 2014 at age 70 and am really glad I had both replaced at the same time. I have talked to several people that had one replaced and said they'd never get the other knee replaced because it is so painful, exactly why I wanted both replaced and only go through the recovery once. It sure made my hip replacement seem like a piece of cake.

[@chattycathy801]

Agree with you completely! I never would have went back for the second one. TKR is hard, period. Why would anyone go through it twice if once will surfice? I had BTKR & was back to work in 12 weeks.

[@LangKatharine]

My surgeon called hip replacement "orthopedic surgery light". That certainly was the case for me- after my THR I felt discomfort, never pain. But after my knee was replaced, WOW!! Pain pain and more pain!!

[@jackienelson-ns6nn]

I had a knee replacement almost a year ago and I'm still in tremendous amount of pain and ROM is absolutely unbelievable.starting back with physical therapy today

[@cutbaitkenny]

I had a knee replacement a couple years ago. I was on pain medication at the time so the medication they used to put me under was gone when I awoke, I can tell you for a fact the pain when I awoke was unlike anything I ever experienced before. The had trouble getting pain medication into my portal because I was so tensed up. Thank goodness for pain medicine.

[@angelamaro2714]

I’ve worked on many knee replacement surgeries as a surgical tech and it still amazes me all the instrumentation that goes into this

[@donfilkins298]

Are knee replacements mostly successful?

[@Janeway1269]

I read an AARP article that said 1 in 100-200 people actually die from this. That seems like quite a lot and we never hear about it. 1 in 2,000 get their colons punctured during a colonoscopy, and I do know someone it happened to. So why aren't we hearing more about the mortality and morbidity issues with TKRs?

[@ScrewYouGuys.]

This is such a great informative video. You're teaching professionals on the non-clinical side too! I'm a surgical coder and a visual learner. This helps me to understand and visualize when I'm reading operative reports. Thanks!!

[@Grmstrs4evr]

I started my knee journey with breast cancer treatment. I had to wait six years before I was cleared for surgery and I was in a wheelchair. I had bilateral in 2014 at 55 years old. In 2016, I was told that my knees were on recall and I had to wait for them to fail before they could be revised. In 2019 I had my left revised and in 2020 I had my right revised, they also found an infection that was from my original surgery 6 years and 2 months earlier. Yes, I have had both knees replaced two times.

[@bc-guy852]

What a brilliant job on an uncomfortable subject. Thank you for your professionalism and thoroughness. Being an active senior with RA and years of abuse as a Letter Carrier, (stairs with mailbags are a beast!) I may have this in my future. While the description of the 'most painful procedure' was daunting - I would rather be prepared. Some of the comments about preparatory workouts and the importance of rehab make a lot of sense. Thank you!

[@stephaniep4590]

Thank you for your service!! My mom has 35 years as a letter carrier. She’s trying to make it to 62 (in one year) before retiring, and is fighting severe OA and will get a replacement upon retirement. I just sent this video to her 😂 My dad just retired with 40 years as a carrier and made it out somehow relatively unscathed (no significant arthritis).

[@toyotaecw]

KZbin: bans scary thoughts Also KZbin: guy holding cadaver’s knee 100% saturates in formaldehyde is 100% legit.

[@ronjones-6977]

I made it 32 years as a carrier and retired on my 56th birthday. I never had any knee problems until I started playing disc golf competitively again after 20 years off. Enjoy your life as you live it. Sometimes you can work your whole life and wear your body out and not have the ability to enjoy your retirement.

[@matthewtomaszewski3269]

I’m a retired physical therapist who treated a couple of hundred knee replacement patients in the hospital, home care and outpatient clinics. Properly performed and rehabilitated, it is a very successful surgery (I’m playing tennis tomorrow with a friend who had one several years ago). The single most important factor in a successful outcome is the skill of the surgeon. If it fits good, it works good. Do your due diligence in choosing your surgeon, ideally someone who does a hundred or more a year.

[@kajinsautumn9833]

Agreed! My wonderful surgeon actually had his knee done a year before mine so he knew exactly what to expect and he was honest. But the fact that he was back doing surgeries again was inspiring. He retired this January.

[@kyrab7914]

Love the metric of 100+ a year. It's so hard to even assess how you would gauge how good a Dr is for the average person. I would also ask how successful those outcomes have been as well. While understanding there are a LOT of factors that influence that, and look at the whole picture.

[@judypasqualone3819]

I’m three weeks out of a partial knee replacement. Yes it’s painful but manageable. Physical therapy three times a week plus home therapy on off days I do myself. Thankfully my doctor is what you suggest. A seasoned surgeon raved about by his patients who does a lot of these..and is also on the team of orthopedic doctors for a MLB team. It takes patience and time to heal. Physical therapy is vital…so is ice. Keep moving as often as possible too. I’m a 73 year old woman. I only did two weeks pre op physical therapy but I’d suggest it for at least a month prior. Physical body condition is important..good muscle tone..but I’m afraid I could have been in better shape. I think that helps recovery.

[@bria2596]

I absolutely agree. Find a gifted surgeon with a great track record and I recommend finding one who is using the robotic to help ensure excellent placement of the prosthesis.

[@villagesteader3552]

Had total replacement 2 years ago on my left knee, scheduled to have total replacement on right knee on March 27th. My first was a breeze. Here’s to hoping the other goes as smoothly!

[@kimberlykhabeer7933]

The tourniquet pain afterwards was worse than the pain coming from the actual knee surgery….and this my second knee replacement. I don’t remember being in so much pain and having to rely on the the pain meds as much.

[@GuadalupeELuna]

I can relate my pain seems to be worse at 8 weeks then what is was at 4 WEEKS. I'm where im suppose to b except with the pain level

[@buffybrown1619]

I’m happy for the folks that didn’t have extreme pain after knee surgery. You are indeed fortunate. I’ve had three knee surgeries: a patella alignment, arthroscopic surgery, total knee replacement. The first two were on the right knee and necessitated the TKR on the left (because the left had to pick up the slack for the right). All of my procedures were extremely painful but the funny thing is that as time goes by, the memory of pain dissipates. I think the key is to have a plan and support system in place. Oh, and you’ll set off metal detectors at every search point. I visited DC and every building has security and every place I had to explain the knees. They can see it and know what it is but you’ll still get a second or third look. I would never suggest a person avoid knee surgery if they need it, but please be prepared for any contingency. You might be lucky with little pain, or like me, with absolute agony. In the end, the surgery is totally worth it. Just be prepared.

[@badasshiker9637]

I have 2 bionic knees and 1 bionic hip. I've been through the same metal detector numerous times and one time it will go off and the next time it won't.

[@deniseblades41]

Iv'e had five knee operations , one revision and one re revision, not in agony but bloody painful to say the least, cant walk far but can sleep at night which is a bonus, never free from the threat of it getting infected again, next op will be a legoftomy haha, got to laugh , Dennis

[@tiffinhappy9744]

I agree. H ad both knees replaced. Not fun but glad I did it. Did not get both at same time

[@jgsmile1331]

Thanks for your wisdom. I appreciate it.

[@56jetman]

I'm 66 and had my right knee replaced manually 6 years ago and my left robotically in August. This is in addition to having both hips replaced in April and June. I think the outcome is at least partially determined by how dedicated you are to post-operative physical therapy, which I was. Both of my knee surgeries went extremely well and I was virtually pain-free after 4-6 weeks of physical therapy 2-3 times a week (plus the home exercises I did between PT visits). I didn't even need narcotics for more than a few days after the surgeries. Surprisingly, the manual replacement rehabbed a little quicker than the robotic one but I have full range of motion in both. I returned to work as a FedEx driver in less than 6 weeks after the first replacement and the other was done after I retired. I can walk for miles and I ski several times a week and both knees feel completely natural - I really don't even think about them, or the hips either. About the only lingering side effect is some permanent numbness in the area around the scar on the right leg. Overall I guess I'm pretty lucky because my cousin had hers done a year ago and she is still having days when she's in a lot of pain.

[@yanickcastel5521]

Which hospital and doctors name

[@taylorm.8545]

This was very interesting! I work with a company that does robotic TKA cases and my job is making the 3D models of the bones from CT scans then fitting the implants on the models. This was interesting to get more into the nitty gritty of the surgery! 😁

[@nickyalison5848]

Wow I thought they make "a few sizes fits all" so it's comforting for me to think each patient gets their own personally 3D modelled joint! If I understand correctly 🎉

[@taylorm.8545]

@@nickyalison5848 hi! The replacement joint is made in specific sizes, it's the models of the patient's bones that are custom.

[@theDeadliestPants]

This was a great video. I'm an orthopedic RN. When patients ask me why their knee replacement hurts so much, I always explain that they basically just had part of their knee cut away and put back together and for some reason they are always surprised. But at least they understand why they hurt! (our surgeons use tourniquets) I wish I could point patients to this, especially regarding the physical therapy!

[@billiezimmerman2092]

That tourniquet pain is the worst ! I’m 6 days out and my thigh is finally getting better. This surgery was 1000x worse than rotator cuff surgery

[@nurshark10]

Bilateral knee replacements are the absolute best thing I have ever done for myself. I did 8 months of Physical Therapy but it was SO worth it. Thank you for your amazing explanation of the procedure. I’m sending this video to my orthopedic surgeon group. I think EVERY patient having this procedure should watch this video. I hope they will implement the video into the pre op planning. Great video!! Thank you!

[@phyllissalcido1846]

I agree.

[@joanmarolt2660]

8 months? I did 10 sessions for each knee, 2 a week for 5 weeks.

[@arthurmiddleton6810]

I just had both my knees done at the same time this past November I'm 58 and it was the best thing I could have done I was going up and down the stairs by the third week after surgery and walking without any walker or cane. But I am a rare example the one thing I did do was I talked to a therapist friend who helped me prepare for surgery with exercise and stretching which I did for three months before surgery. It made a world of difference in my recovery.

[@joanmarolt2660]

I did put on my knees when they first bothered me and was able to put off my replacements for 6-7 years. I also did my stretches again for a number of weeks before the surgeries.

[@philbarrett2878]

I had a hip replacement September 22, a TKR Nov 14/23 . I'm 53 , the hip was like getting a tooth pulled, I felt better in 10 days but the knee was like I got my head ripped off. So much pain for 2 weeks. It's now 4 weeks post op and just gave up my walker and use a cane. I have 105° bending and finally starting to feel better. Next year the other knee .

[@Irish-Triplet]

My husband underwent total knee replacement 3 months ago. His surgeon performed perfectly and my husband healed perfectly. He never needed prescription strength pain medication and was very diligent in doing rehab exercises 4 times daily, plus attending rehab visits. A month out, he was walking with a cane, never a limp, ever.

[@pbriga3659]

Great video. Just one thing: It's actually quite the opposite the osteophytes are not created in an attempt to "push" the tibia away but actually to achieve arthrodesis (fusion). Nature tries to relieve inflammation and pain through fusion. The same exact thing happens in the spine naturally or surgically with fusions, which tipically relieve pain. I'm an Italian orthopaedic surgery resident. I hope I was clear. 👍

[@sarcasticallyrearranged]

I was told that a spinal fusion didn't relieve the pain, but a nerve ablation is what helped.

[@thomasphilyaw8593]

I'm 57 and had 2 full knee replacements about 3 years ago. Best thing I've ever done. I've been pain free for the first time since I first hurt my knees in 1985. Rehab is no joke, but it will make or break how you live the rest of your life. I went to rehab like it was a competition that I HAD to win every time. I now have 130* of movement in both knees and can do anything but run. Not allowed by the doctors

[@joanmarolt2660]

Mine were both done robot assisted in outpatient surgery center, June and September 2021...94 days apart. I was 67 and recovery was harder for the first because the other knee needed to be replaced, so it was really hurting. After the second surgery I recovered quickly... walking without assistance in 4 days, driving 6 days after.

[@martincolvill5453]

My knee replacements were the most painful surgeries i ever experienced. I had them done in 2008. Im so glad i had it done. It was worth it.

[@johnd.9]

My dad had two total knee replacements, and was fine, even before I became a pharmacist, I remember talking to a surgeon about knee replacement surgery. It has really evolved and changed over the many years. I would like to suggest a topic of retinal reattachment surgery. Two weeks after the cataract surgery on my left eye, my retina started to detach so badly they had to do the most extensive surgery. I now have a band on my eye that gives me a slight bloodshot look all the time. The same happened in my right eye but a few years later. It wasn't as bad but since I had the band surgery previously in my left eye, they went with the same surgery in the right eye. I still have 20/20 vision now and do not have to wear glasses except polarized sunglasses

[@cellgrrl]

Did you have laser surgery? I had a retinal tear while going through the vitreous detachment process. I went straight from the office chair into the surgical chair and spent about 45 minutes getting one serious light show. I would love to see more in depth information on retina detachments.

[@ohh_manda]

Same thing happened to my mom. Cataract surgery then ended up with a total retinal detachment. She had two surgeries after with oil filling. 😫

[@erikziak1249]

Interesting. Glad to read that you still have 20/20 vision.

[@ebonyjackson8497]

So cool to read your story about your eyes. I had both my eyes done over 30 years ago (I'll only be 40 this year) so you can guess how that all went. I might be scared of doing Lasik even though it may take me out of my glasses.

[@cellgrrl]

@@ebonyjackson8497 I have had life-long eye issues. My experience is not to do anything elective. My retina laser surgery was absolutely necessary else I would have lost vision in that eye. Once an eye has been through a trauma, leave it alone. I even decided not to use eyelash thickener treatments because I do not want any more eye issues. Besides if it can change the color of your eyes permanently, what else does it do?

[@badersocify]

I’m 8 weeks out from tkr and it truly is the most painful surgery I’ve ever had

[@jandramardges3368]

Pure Hell on both knees and limited pain management. Both hips much much less pain. I think they have improved the pain management today…my knees are seven years old, hips are five years old.

[@freddyortiz5625]

I agree. I had spinal fusion & that was not as painful as total knee replacement

[@bonniethornton992]

I would rather have hip replacement

[@annaknitowski8673]

More painful than childbirth

[@ricardoramos2468]

It is, I am on my fifth week from my bilateral TKR, the first three weeks were the worst, but everybody is telling me that I am doing great with my recovery process according to their experience and expectations.

[@jal-ov1xq]

Hello. Had TKR in February 2022 on my left knee. A biker cyst developed a few months later, followed by all neuropathy symptoms in my foot. It's hard to describe the pain, and discomfort I experience on a daily basis. Based on my research, only .03 % to 1.8% of patients experience problems after surgery. The knee itself is doing fine, except for the clicking sound it makes when I walk. The neuropathy has totally impacted my lifestyle in was I wasn't prepared for. It has totally changed my lifestyle and ability to perform multiple tasks.

[@indybun64570]

My poor dad. He had knee replacement surgery within the past few years and he said the recovery is terribly frustrating

[@sharonmansfield3053]

I had TKR May 2022. Would I do it again, no. I’d look for more options, wear a brace for one when I’m most active. The pain is absolutely excruciating and nobody explains it that way because nobody would have it done. Plus the fact pain and stiffness will always be there. Great video, I like all your videos! Thank you.

[@beansrgd]

I agree: If the surgeons EVER showed a single video no one would have it done. I’ve told everyone that. I particularly notice that men seem to get better and faster outcomes. Most women still suffer even doing all the homework. To this day, 6 years later if I don’t do routine and additional moditifed variations of PT at home - I will have to brace up . I am throughout the day stretching every opportunity and working the PT assignments. Only because of being familiar with PT I can do all this at home. If the at home was minimal, I wouldn’t care. But wherever I go I tread carefully so not to fall. 6 years later scared of a sidewalk and it’s height- stairs ???? Only short ones. Yes im happy im alive but I have to work so hard just to get through the day. Age 58 now. Definitely NOT doing the other. I’d end win a wheelchair. That’s my experience. I used to be very active with biking walking anything - my doctor literally told me after surgery you may have issues with biking - I do and I don’t ride even locally. My active hobbies are limited to a point where it’s not worth getting dressed for the activity.

[@casamia6655]

How long did you wait from operating room to first day of PT and was PT consistent?

[@davehayter312]

Wow! Very informative! I just had a TKR on my right knee on 1/4/23. I'm 3 weeks post-op and things are finally starting to feel a lot better. I asked my surgeon beforehand if this was going to be a robotic surgery and he said HE IS the robot!! In other words I had a manual surgery. That first week or so post-op is no picnic!! Serious pain and swelling and tenderness. But, it all has finally subsided to much more manageable levels. I am taking my PT seriously and already have 110 degrees of flexion. I'm walking without any assistance and I see the light at the end of the tunnel! A few months from now I have to go through it all again for my left knee! At least I know now what to expect. Again, thank you so much for this video! Awesome stuff. I'm a subscriber.

[@billagnor5844]

Thank you for making this video. I have already replaced both of my hip joints that went very well. My knees are now getting much worse and I am considering the knees being replaced. Your video was excellent and very easy to understand. I am an 82 year old engineer that has been very impressed with your teaching video.Thank you so much. Bill Agnor

[@melissa-Ann]

I was told that I needed total replacement and this is a LOT to take in. Appreciative that you put these videos as they are informative. Keep up the GREAT work!!

[@beepbop6697]

If you are in pain and can barely walk: then just get the surgery scheduled and done. If you aren't in pain, then do not get the surgery done until you actually need it done (don't go by MRIs, go by how you feel).

[@Ryan-mm1oj]

I got a knee arthroscopy 3 weeks ago as I have a hypermobile lateral meniscus which has now been stitched in place and I'm 18. Super interesting to learn about this, glad my procedure was much simpler.

[@kellyalsaleh3032]

I’m about to have an arthroscopy for my meniscus. Apparently it’s badly worn out. I found out I’m hypermobile two years ago after seeing a physiotherapist for recurring backlock (doctors were confused because their standard test is touching your toes. My normal is palms on the floor and so touching my toes is manageable if my lower back is inflamed. Anyway, sadly, physiotherapist told me not to do yoga if I’m hypermobile because my joints are too lax and I’ll get injured 😟 How was your recovery after the arthroscopic surgery? I think I’ll need a brace, maybe a suit of armour because I lack awareness of bending too far or twisting weirdly. 🧐

[@bishoprafaeldejesus7381]

I thoroughly enjoy your videos. I have always been interested in our anatomy. I have a sister that went through a total knee replacement and has had a rough time recovering. At times I thought she was exaggerating the intensity of her pain. After this video I now understand the complexity involved and the resultant pain. You guys are incredible and I have have learned so much about our magnificent body! Keep up your tremendous an educational work!

[@NaughtyAelf]

This came across my feed just as both knees started hurting 24/7. Like, to the point of waking me up from a sound sleep hurting. Thank you for providing this information. It's something to think about.

[@patrailriders6284]

They gave my dad a video of the surgery to watch before he had his done, and my jaw dropped as the doctor took about 150 full body-weight swings with a big ol hammer to pound the prosthesis into a guys femur. Still sends a shiver down my spine.

[@edwardpinnix249]

I had a full knee replacement. It was very painful, but worth it to be able to function normally again.

[@rubatoguy]

Great video and it gave me information on questions to ask my surgeon. One thing I would like to point out that is different at our hospital from what you said is that they do the knee replacements under local anesthesia using a spinal block, and it is an outpatient procedure with patients sent home the day of surgery. They also use a medication pump that places pain meds into the joint directly when you are sent home.

[@mikehipditch735]

Excellent explanation. I just had a total knee replacement 15 days ago. I now realize the importance of movement and scar tissue reduction. Thanks.

[@srobinson157]

This is the ABSOLUTE best description on this subject that I have ever seen... GREAT JOB !!!

[@13danad]

My mom needs knee replacement surgery, so I sent her a link to this video. It’s very helpful in understanding what happens during surgery.

[@jasoncrozier4766]

Wow, this video was both interesting and frightening at the same time. I didn’t know how intrusive it was and how involved the procedure. Luckily I have good knees so far.

[@clintonturner5545]

Me to. My wife has two bad knees. She is 75, and not getting new ones.

[@Ratlins9]

Fantastic video, so well explained. Having included the anatomical model as well as diagrams, made for an easy to understand medical procedure. Thank you for producing a stellar and educational video.

[@deborahortwine5283]

I had to have bilateral replacements. Just seeing how thick that patella is made me realize how much damage was done. The surgeon said both of my patella’s were paper thin. I had both of them done six weeks apart because I put in hard work to get them functioning as they should. It’s great walking around with no pain. I was bone on bone for years before they would finally do it, and I had war away so much of my bones in the knee joint.

[@dianamajchrzak5855]

I have two friends. One had knee replacement without too much problem. She went to a rehab facility and was very pleased. My second friend had a polar opposite experience. She is in constant pain and wants to have it done again! We are all in are 70’s. I’m holding out. Original knee equipment still working well for me and I am trying to keep it that way. What a great video. You explained everything intelligently. Thank you.

[@phyllismalone9550]

I had my first knee replacement in my late 50’s. Great range of motion and I’m totally satisfied with it. Now I’m scheduled to have my other knee replaced at age 73 and hope I recover as completely. This video was very informative. I tell all who go through replacement surgery to do all the PT they can, at facility, at home, keep moving!

[@mrlaw711]

Very good. I asked as the pre-op training class if I was going to receive robotic resurfacing and neither the nurses or the Dr's knew what I was talking about. That's the Phx VA for you.

[@marcmotley5927]

Great video, I’m 51 , I need both knees replaced. I will be doing a total left knee in 12 day’s, I will most definitely keep you posted on PAIN!!! Etc.

[@sonyajohnson8284]

How are you doing ?

[@marcmotley5927]

I’m doing, the big issue is my IT band is tight and since surgery, I did PT for 5 months 3 day’s at week. Pain was no joke maybe first 2 weeks, then level goes down but went up after certain positions pending on time without movement pain meds did help me work with pain.My discomfort was sleeping the nerves had it own mind. Right now it aches. I’ve developed different health issues, vertigo , it’s resolved now, Covid, and had fistula surgery still healing, and now Covid again right now. Thank for asking

[@souravbrahma1395]

Yeah my mom had met the same fate as she had problems bending her knee..So we had consulted an orthopeadic surgeon & he recommended that we should go for a replacement surgery..An organic fibre cartilage would be tied at either ends..In the meantime we had gone for a second opinion & luckily she turned out to be an angel in disguise..She told that we shouldn't go for it..Coz with age it's quite normal & that women tend to loose calcium & are prone to decay..She advised us that we should continue with medication & along with some physiotherapy should be done..Thanks to her that within 2 months she was able to walk & in fact bent her knees & sit on the ground ...

[@lisaanderson135]

I am 48 and had both of my knees replaced. The first one was done 2 years ago and the second last June. My surgeon did an amazing job and I was lucky enough to have him for both surgeries. He used a nerve block on each leg that helped with the pain for the first 24 hours. Even though I am young, I am so glad I had them done!

[@ScenicSwanLakeinLibertyNY]

This is probably the best TKR video I've seen. I had TKR surgery on March 22, 2024. This video helps me understand what happened and ill share this with others!

[@paulbfields8284]

I’m facing this on one knee this October. My brother has both done same day 18 years ago..was back on golf course 5 weeks post op. 18 years later says he’s still a new man. Has shot his age at least once each year since surgery 18 years ago. That a pretty good story. Friend of mine had both done last year 5 months apart told me it’s necessary and excruciating… he says attitude is imperative and Patience is prayed for constantly. I’m not looking forward to this. I’m not heavy and I’m 67 now.. will 68 at surgery. It’s gotta be this year.. and I must go back to work as a tool maker so I’m expecting a lot I know. Eating pain will be my middle two names. You are all so helpful and this video is the best NO BS one I’ve seen yet.

[@shoshana7412]

Omg! What a great explanation. I had a total knee replacement so it was good to see and understand the procedure. My procedure was a total success and it was indeed the best thing I ever did. Yes the recovery was very painful but I was very active so I recovered within 2 months and never had any problems. It’s now almost 5 years and I’m grateful for my surgeon. Thank you.

[@danamartin8286]

I'm getting this surgery soon. This has really helped me understand what it is and what to expect. Keep up the great work!

[@mallard206]

Just had full bilateral knee surgery almost 4 months ago. Life changing for the better. The recovery was no joke but doable. Out walking and driving 9 days out!

[@mariefc8504]

Good to hear! I'm having a TKR in 3 weeks. I'm looking forward to it and dreading it at the same time. I had an ACL done on this knee in '90 and have been delaying the inevitable. My knees are trashed, I'll have the second TKR done within a year after the first.

[@mallard206]

You'll do great! Just remember two things: ice is your friend and never ever skip PT and do just what they say to do, not more not less.@@mariefc8504

[@AbsitInvidea]

I'm not sure if it's possible to actually 'enjoy' a video like this if this procedure is in your near future, but it is always a welcome thing to understand better how the process works. Being in the dark is not a comfortable situation, unless you are trying to get some sleep. This video will help motivate me to lose all of my extra weight and develop more strength in the muscles that support knee health. Better late than never. And yes, I'm fairly certain that extra weight contributed greatly to my torn medial meniscus. Hopefully I can avoid knee replacement before I buy the farm. I plan to soon try PRP.