The patello-femoral joint :

Need bilateral TTT - - Posted by TamiT (TamiT), 14 January 2005

Hello
This is my first post.  I was glad to come across this site and see the wealth of info being shared.  It is nice to know what others have experienced.  I have had a 25 year history of subluxations and dislocations.  The last episode several months ago happened to both knees at once.  I am just getting back to walking on my own, but the progress has been slow.  I am just thankful that progress has been made.  I went to see my surgeon today and he wants to move forward with TTT.  I am not too keen on getting them both at the same time, as my OS is considering.  I have decided (finally) to move forward with the surgery, but still have to set a date.  In the mean time, I will just con't with PT.  Will welcome any words of wisdom.
Thanks
Tami
Posted by mike_bknee (mike_bknee), 14 January 2005

First off, I would want an explanation how you would function the first couple months .  I had bilateral TTTs recommended to me (along with patellalectomies) a year ago from the first OS I saw, but I couldn't put it together in my mind how to just live day to day without someone waiting on me hand and foot.  I would assume NWB during this time.  It does sound like TTTs might be more the answer for you than for me though.
Posted by Helena (Helena KTF), 14 January 2005

Bilateral scopes yes, bilateral TKRs yes, but bilateral TTT's?? I would say NO! FOr me recovery was easy but as my quad was zero the minute after surgery and the fact I was PWB for 3 weeks I would say NO. There is no way on earth how I can think I would manage having both knees done at the same time I would suggest you have the worst knee done first and then the other one like 6 months later.

Good luck.
Posted by bajalady (bajalady), 14 January 2005

Like Helena said, pick the worst knee and go with it first. No way I can even imagine doing this surgery on both knees at once. I think the previous poster Helena has her post-op pictures available to look at including x-ray. If she still has them on file (click on her profile) you'll get an idea of what we're talking about. It is nothing like a scope.  Many on this site have done it and come out well, but ONLY ONE KNEE at a time.

Take care, Callie
Posted by mhsflute07 (mhsflute07), 14 January 2005

While I've not had any surgery yet, I would definitely do one knee at a time. That is what my OS told me I would have to do.
~Erin~
Posted by TamiT (TamiT), 14 January 2005

Thanks Mike, Helena, Callie and Erin.  I totally agree...especially what I went through dislocating both knees at once!!!  I slipped on a hardwood floor.  Nothing exciting.  I was bed ridden for almost 2 months.  I don't want to get to that stage again.  I think (perhaps) one of the OS concern is that I may do more damage recovering if I need to rely on the better of my 2 legs.  I think I would rather take my chances.  The OS offered to do the scope now and then the TTT at a later date, but he felt that since the TTT would correct the malalignment, I should do one procedure in stead of two.  
Thanks again.
Tami
Posted by Helena (Helena KTF), 15 January 2005

Why doens't he propose to do the scope and if necessary do the TTT rightaway? Why go through 2 procedures if you can have them both done in 1 time? Unless the hospital needs to order screws who are not available rightaway... is always the case in ours Last week they had to postphone a THR because the company X didn't deliver the hip on time

Helena
Posted by TamiT (TamiT), 15 January 2005

Hi Helena,
You pose a good point.  I will have to call and ask.  I never thought that they may not have the hardware!!!    there is always more to the story............

I hope you don't mind a few questions.  A part of me wants to go forward with the procedue, but at the same time I was told 25 years ago I needed it done.  I have done well, outside of the last year. I know a big part of the progression is because of "massive" weight gain.  It is very hard to loose, being so inactive.
Are you glad you had the TTT done.  Is there anything you wish you had known before doing it.  
Thanks for the input again.  

Tami

Posted by bajalady (bajalady), 15 January 2005

TamiT,

I thought a scope was done as a part of the TTT. First (on me and all I have seen like me) the scope is used as much as it can be for the soft tissue release and cleaning things up. Then the TTT is done through a second incision down the tibia. There are two procedures but they are done while you are "out" one right after the other.  

This might be what your OS is talking about. There is no reason "that I know of" to do a scope  then a TTT later when the OS says you need the big TTT done to correct your problem.

But keep in mind all I say is based on my experience and what I've been told by OS's and the PT's I know personally.

Callie

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