The patello-femoral joint :
S/P Fulkerson TTT - - Posted by soldierpond (soldierpond), 6 January 2004
I had my 6 week post op check today and got a "clean bill of health" Really, after many years of knee pain and a few arthroscopies and a lateral release ( my last scope resulted in a septic knee and 8 wks of IV antibiotics!)I am soooooo happy. 
The Fulkerson is Major surgery no questions about that but I had spinal anesthesia with a femoral nerve block for post operative pain and only required oral analgesics. I am still using NSAIDS but it is great. I was supposed to be totally NWB for all 6 weeks, that was the hard part my knee felt so much better after 2 weeks I wanted to walk. I am so happy no more brace formal PT starts tomorrow and I have been released to go back to work without restrictions (I work as an RN in a busy emerg. dept 12 hour shifts) LIFE IS GOOD! 
Posted by Kimby (Kimby), 23 January 2004
Good for you, Soldier - I am enjoying the benefits of a well done TTT myself. I didn't have any formal therapy, but that's another story - have had knee problems since my early teens (am 36 now) and am looking forward to having my other leg done too!
Am glad you have returned to work. I think that's helped me gain some quad strength, you know, getting back to work (was off for about 10-12 weeks - I drive A LOT at work which was why I ended up off for so long) - so I wish you all the best!
Kim
Posted by Holly (Holly), 12 February 2004
Hi guys!
Finally scheduled my Fulkerson's after a second consult with my OS this morning...the big day is March 10th. I first discovered these boards after my first meeting with my OS a couple of weeks ago when he advised I have the Fulkerson's, but didn't tell me nearly enough about what it was all about, what to expect, how to prepare, etc. After a 2nd opinion with another OS to confirm the necessity of the procedure (I've had 5 surgeries so far, after getting run over by a car 5 years ago and I really love my OS - he's just not much of a talker), I'm still wondering about only 2 things and maybe you guys can give me an opinion:
1. My OS says he will have me at least partially weight-bearing nearly immediately after the surgery. This scares me because I have read all kinds of articles in medical journals (as well as postings here on the boards) indicating that the most common post-operative problem with these osteotomies is tibial fractures from attempting weight bearing too soon!
2. My OS plans to do this procedure on an out-patient basis, operating in the morning and discharging me that evening. I will then have to return to his office (1/2 hour away from my home) the following morning to have the drain removed and, if I'm still in significant pain, driving another 1/2 hour to the hospital to have another femoral nerve block given, then driving 1 hr. home again. My insurance would cover an overnight stay...should I insist? It seems a lot of hauling and schlepping when it doesn't seem necessary from any point of view, doesn't it?
Thanks for your input. I'm an old pro at surgeries and not particularly concerned about this one as far as pain, physical therapy rehab, etc. - but at nearly 50 yrs old, I just want to be sure I get all my ducks in a row, if you know what I mean.
Congrats on a successful recovery from your surgery and best of luck on the other leg!
Holly
Posted by soldierpond (soldierpond), 12 February 2004
a couple of hints
1. dont plan on same day surgery. you will have pain and should plan on an overnight stay this will give you pain control and for your os's convienience his post op visit. I never had a drain so i dont know why he needs to pull a drain. also, a femoral nerve block can be dosed with meds that have long acting analgesics so i would ask you anesthesia provider. it is soooooooooooooooooo worth the procedure. again, my life is getting back to normal.
good luck and keep in touch
andrea
Updated Thu Apr 29 2010
