KNEE ARTHRITIS - Total Knee Replacement :
TKR at 49 - - Posted by travis50 (travis50), 7 March 2004
I am 49 and been told that the only option left to me is TKR of my right knee. Can anyone give me any advice or pointers. Like, will I still be able to cycle afterwards.
Trav
Posted by Tee_Jay (Tee_Jay), 8 March 2004
Travis,
I had TKR to both legs in September 03. I was told at the time that any and all forms of exercise and recreation would be possible in time. The only proviso was that high impact exercise would reduce the life of the joint. So that's me off the squash court while rugby, football and running are also a thing of the past!
But I have been out cycling and suffered no ill effect; of course this depends on the amount of bend you achieve with the joint and also the style of cycling you want to do (mountain bike racing or BMX stunt riding may cause problems!)
The best advice I can give you is to exercise hard every day after the op. You will have a little pain in the muscles and tendons, plus pain at the back of the knee caused by tightening of the cruciate ligament, but prevail or your knee may stiffen and you will only get limited bend/movement.
I pushed my knees to the pain limit for bending (straight leg extensions came fairly easy) and I still do 6 months post op, but I get over 125 degree bend which is pretty much as far as a replacement will go (I think).
I hope the op goes OK.
TeeJay
Posted by Jan_L. (Jan_L.), 10 March 2004
Hi Trav,
I had a TKR done this past December. I went with the Oxinium knee replacement, which I would suggest you consider. I posted some info on it, on "young and need a TKR".
The only drawback is the cost. But if it lasts twice as long as the regular implants then the insurance company would save money. I just got a copy of the hospital bill and they are billing my insurance company close to $9,600 for just the part, which is a lot more than most implants. I am waiting to see if my insurance company will pay for it.
The web site for the Oxinium knee is www.strongasanox.com
My doctor agreed with me if he neeed a knee this is the one he would want put in his leg, it's a shame that the company is charging so much for it that most people can't afford to get it.
good luck!
Jan
Posted by travis50 (travis50), 10 March 2004
Hi Jan, and TeeJay,
Thanks for your replies. I have visited strongasanox.com, and have printed it off for my OS to have a look at. But, living in the UK it may not be available over here yet. Unless anyone knows different.
Regs
Trav
Posted by Trev (Trev), 13 March 2004
Hi Trav,
I'm in a similar situation, left knee shot and the right one starting to go.
I've been told that I will need a TKR, but not at my age (43).
I'm also in the U.K so am watching with interest at how you get on.
It seems that we are lacking compared to the U.S.A.
Good luck
Trev.
Posted by Jan_L. (Jan_L.), 21 March 2004
Hello all,
For those of you considering getting an Oxinium knee replacement, I want to let you know that my insurance company paid for the implant in full, without even asking a single question. The implant alone cost around $9,600.
Posted by Rhonda_K (Rhonda_K), 2 September 2004
HI,
i am 49 and just had a TKR on my left knee 5 wks ago.
Doing good but its harder than I thought it would be. Have bouts of depression but its getting better am walking with a cane now PT says I am doing good but seems like it should be bending more by now. I am up to 86 on the CPM don't know how good that is but was only on 30 when I came home from the hospital was in there 7 days had a rough start at first with pain control the first 24 hrs morphine pump wasn't working right so when i did get pain under control had alot of depression. They say that isn't unusual. I am doing better will get the other one done before the end of the year because have met all my deductibles on insurance for this year. Have to try to save somewhere this TKR cost around $52,000.00. Good Luck to every one 
Updated Fri Jan 9 2009