Rheumatoid Arthritis (and its variants) :

Knee replacement types in RA vs. OA? - - Posted by hothsm (hothsm), 18 April 2003

Anybody have info on whether there is a type of knee replacement better for RA as opposed to OA?  Or if there is a difference as to the transplant procedure depending upon the type of arthritis?
Posted by Betty2002 (Betty2002), 16 June 2003

I am sure only a ortho. can answer the finer items of which repl is the best for which condition.   I have had OA since the 1970's and am now suspected of RA.  Had the left knee totally replaced 10/02 and it is going very well.  I have the Zimmers model and the joint was left lose due to my young age of late 40s!  HA!   I say it is going well....but then again what do I have to compare it to?  
   Even if I had RA or OA the replacement had to be done from an old gym class injury in early 70's.  Have had two major surgeries plus a small one to "clean it out"....
   NOt sure if this rely helps or hinders....but that has been my experience..

Betty in PA


Posted by enuff81020 (enuff81020), 1 August 2003

Hi,

It is my understanding that the type of knee chosen for a person having a tkr is determined by the damage that they have in their own knee--when it gets to the point that the knee needs to be replaced, the cause isn't the predominant issue--but getting a prosthetic that will allow the needed mobility for the individual within the confines of their body.

Good luck with it in any case--they can really give you back your life.

Hugs, Sylvia
Posted by Betty2002 (Betty2002), 1 August 2003

Sylvia:  What is your premise on knees?  Did you have a repl? or just problems w/this joint?
   I go to a RA specialist in late Sept. to see what may be connected to my falling apart.....literally!  Am now battling the wonderful Mortons Neuroma of the left foot and not looking forward to another surgery!  But, thank the Lord, they do such things to give us relief.

Hope all else going well...

Betty
Posted by enuff81020 (enuff81020), 1 August 2003

Hi Betty,

I'm recuperating from my second tkr a couple of weeks ago...

As I was in the OR--there was a consultant with boxes of knees (lol) to help my docs--and when all was said and done, my doc was a bit disappointed because he found damage to the pcl--and had to use a different type of knee in my right knee than he did in my left knee in December.

Knees are such complex joints--good luck with your rheumy...Sylvia
Posted by Betty2002 (Betty2002), 4 August 2003

Sylvia:  I am sorry to hear you going through another tkr so soon!   I was consulting with my dr. on a similar situation in June but he advised that I could lose knee extension....I know how brutal the first tour of duty was in p.t. and just adjusting.   I wish you nothing but the best and hope to hear good things on the p.t. side.
  Why did the dr. opt for another tkr?  I believe you to be similar in age of me(47)....or am I missing something in possible connection to RA or OA involvement?

Take care,,,

Betty in PA
Posted by enuff81020 (enuff81020), 6 August 2003

Hi Betty,

I currently have a diagnosis of oa in my knees--but my pcp and i believe that there is a lot more going on, the ra tests are coming out negative, but I have a lot of joints that are sore.  I have had surgery for oa related issues on my arm and foot as well as multiples on my knees.  My left knee had absolutely no cartilage left and the patella had worn a hole in my femur.  My right knee had had more procedures done to it because of locking up and loose bodies--there was a piece of cartilage left the size of a dime--and had damaged the pcl.  Walking has been a major ordeal for me the past three years and this has taken over my life.  TKR was the only option left--my ortho presented my case at a conferencea nd that was the concensus.

Given the fact that I am 47, nobody believes that this is oa without something else going on, but what the reality is seems to be pretty evasive.  My first tkr went relly well and the recovery was a lot different and manageable than this has been.  I'm definitely struggling now and am not too happy.  I am trying to be patient and ride this out.

Take care, Sylvia

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