KNEE ARTHRITIS - Changing the forces through the joint :

osteotomy recommended - ?? for dr visit? - - Posted by mtmagpie (mtmagpie), 25 August 2003

Next week, I go back to visit my surgeon for my 4 weeks post-op visit. On July 31, he built me a new ACL [allograft]; stitched up the horizontal cleavage tear of my lateral meniscus; roughed up my femoral chondyle to spur new growth in the hole in the cartilage, and general debridement. Immediately post-op, he checked in on me, laying in bed, drugged up, smiled and said, well, we may need to do an osteotomy. You're badly knock-need and that could really help....

Well, I've been in shock, and a bit depressed, about the whole thing. Like all the rest of you, I have been strong and active and the idea that I have significant problems with my knee that will require more surgery, and perhaps lead to more problems, is deeply upsetting.

But, of course, I want to be able to keep up with my 2 and half year old son as he grows up. I need to be able to get into the mountains that I look at longinly each day out my window.

So, what questions should I consider? what things do I need to be asking my surgeon about osteotomies and whether it is right for me? I'm feeling overwhelmed dealing with ACL and meniscal repair recovery while caring for a toddler and working part time, and I don't know what I should be thinking about in terms of embracing or avoiding an osteotomy.

Any words of wisdom are greatly appreciated!
Posted by lam651 (lam651), 26 August 2003

AN osteotomy is a big surgery. A procedure called a uni-spacer that some doctors do may be an alternative. If you decide to have an osteotomy make sure the doctor is very experienced in this type of surgery. My OS does 150 to 200 osteotomys a year. Take care, Larry
Posted by karenk (karenk), 26 August 2003

Unispacer now have a 50% failure rate. My Dr. is replacing mine with a partial next week. I only know of a few people say their Unispacer is okay for them. Good luck. Karen
Posted by Dale_Allard (daley), 14 October 2003

hi

i am in a similar position.  i had an ACL recon in 93 had a crappy infection that left me with v stiff joint. i worked bloody hard to get it mobilised including 4 manipulations.  the arthritis in the joint is becoming increasinly more painful.  i ruptured my my ACL again last month and had the ACL removed!  i have just been informed that my options are TKR, fusion or Osteotomy.  

i have stayed positive for 10 years even when my world collaspsed around me when i could no longer particiapte in any sporting activities, lost my job and couldn't even carry my children upto bed.

now this!!!! have been told by my surgeon that osteotomies are quite routine and more importantly have a great success rate and are less painful than ACL recons.

keep smiling, i'm sure you won't let it beat you. i will fight my knee until i no longer have it.

good luck

Daley  
Posted by flossy72 (flossy72), 18 November 2004

Daley, know how you feel was told on tuesday that i have 3 options osteotomy, TKR or partial KR. owing to the fact that my cruciate ligament is stretched (3 replacement ACL's all failed), and a partial replacement relies on good cruciates my option is osteotomy or TKR. I am 32 and had to give up my job in April as a manager of a busy office. Went through a period of severe depression. I have been told that i have to fit my lifestyle around my leg and not the reverse. My leg has become a third person in me and my partners life. If we get invited somewhere ie bowling i always have to check with my leg if it is ok to go!!!!

Best Wishes

me (mandy) and my leg.
Posted by kath (kath), 19 November 2004

Hi...I too was given the recommendation of a TKR or osteotomy.  I then had a second opinion by an OS whose speciality is replacements...he didn't think I needed a TKR and recommended PKRs.  I had the procedure done on both knees on November 4th.  My OS told me after the surgery that on seeing the damage in my knees, an osteotomy would not have worked for me.  

Though it's been a challenge with both knees undergoing surgery at the same time, my recuperation will be shorter than if I had an osteotomy (one leg and then 6 months later, the second leg).  PKR will also buy time before a TKR is needed.

Not everyone is a candidate for partials...it depends on how and where your knee is damaged, but it's worth asking about.

kath
Posted by craiggers (craiggers), 19 January 2005

Hi,

See my response to Lizzie-UK.  I just had an HTO. 13 days out.

The only other option you have is a TKO.  Personally, I believe ONLY in natural Bone Grafts, the seem to work the best.  I have done a ton of research on this, and this is the way I went.

Keep your spirits up, and keep asking questions until you are ready, Ok

Internal or External Fixation, that is your choice....

You do need TIME for this operation...
And a reclining chair...LOL

Be well...

Craig

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