Dora Said:

Would a doctor not consider knee replacement surgery if your young?

We Answered:

I would say, like anything, it would depend on your doctor. Of course, this almost goes without saying, since he or she may not specialize in this area, may not believe in it, or whatever. You can always get a second opinion, or third or fourth, if you are concerned.

Things may have changed recently (in medicine) and a lot depends on the damage you did to your knee, but my information may help some. About 10 years ago, I was injured and was taken from the workforce. My "accident" was not an accident exactly, but intentional by another person, but the injury was a lot like yours. We had the options of letting it heal on its own or trying to rebuild my knee. Unlike many who are injured, I was lucky enough to have the very best inside my knee. There was never any question in my mind that he could do the work, so I trusted his opinion. What he told me, however, was that it would not be wise to replace it. The work he did would only last a relatively "short" time in the life of a man (or woman), and would only need to be replaced after so many years. After this, it would last for another period, and need replacement again, because the materials could not last like what our natural bones and "other" parts do. No matter how good the surgeon is, the materials are only so advanced. As he explained, this was not just my problem, but that of anyone who had to have a replacement done.

So, yes, your doctor could decide that it is not worth the effort. However, s/he really should let you decide, and offer his or her advice, not just leave you hanging. Along this line, there are other options that may work for you. Depending on the damage to your cartilage, they may be able to "trim" the tear off, leaving a fairly clean surface that will not tear more. They may be able to use a medicine that can ease the pain, either injected into the site or taken orally for a time. Also, correct physical therapy can work to ease the pain greatly. All of these have been approved in the US, as far as I know. Overseas, there are other options that can work, from acupuncture to surgery options, that the US does not approve for whatever reason. There are also things that you can do to try and help, such as herbal medicines and even "witchcraft" type things that do more mentally than physically. Before you laugh at this, the so-called "faith healers" who travel around in tents and practice the laying on of hands, a Christian idea, work under this heading. Sometimes it is the mental aspect of the pain that gets us more than the actual injury. I could explain, but it really gets off of the subject here.

It takes time for a bad injury to heal. Two years is nothing, really. It has been 10 for me, and I still have days where I can barely walk. Other days, I can go full force at TKD and only have a slight burning feeling from overuse. However, with each kick, I realize that I could do even more damage to what is left of my knee. I walk slower, drive an automatic, rest often, and generally act like the old man that I am, except when I need to risk it. If you play sports, check and see what you can do to reduce the risk of doing more damage to your knee, and weigh the risks.

No matter what you do, you will usually have to learn to live with pain. If not your knee, growing older brings it own pains are your body ages and doesn't do what it used to do. Staying in shape, something I'm guilty of not doing, is a big help. If you are like me, prescription drugs are not something you like, herbal or exercise may help. Otherwise, learning to live with it is the only other thing I know to do. As a friend of mine say once, the pain lets me know I'm still alive. :)

Charlotte Said:

Knee Cartilage Damage? P.E? Doctor?

We Answered:

Please don't run, unless you see the doctor and he give you a prescription for oxycotin, the only thing that will work.

Chad Said:

Just putting this out there...Knee replacement surgery?

We Answered:

Hi there. I hear ya. I am 27 and in need of a replacement as well. I have had 16 knee surgeries starting at age 12. I am currently recovering from surgery that I had 13 days ago. My advice to you would to do some research on a procedure called Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation (ACI). Basically, your own cartilage cells are removed from your knee is one procedure and a few weeks later they are implanted in the areas that are missing cartilage and the cells grow into hard, healthy cartilage. It is a very involved procedure with a long recovery time and involves opening up the knee, but if you are a candidate, it could buy you some time or perhaps eliminate your need for a replacement. I had this procedure myself 2 1/2 years ago, and I also work for the biotech company that developed this procedure. Not many orthopedists are training in this procedure and therefore they cannot offer it to their patients as an option for treatment. ACI is also known as Carticel. Visit www.carticel.com to get more information on the procedure, which actually involves 2 surgeries. I would explain it to you, but this would be so long. The website is great. You can also search for a surgeon in your area who is trained to do the procedure. I have a friend who had almost her entire knee transplanted with new cartilage and 10 years later, she is still doing well and no longer needs a knee replacement. She has a small child and although it is difficult, if you have a good support system of friends and family, it is doable. Feel free to e-mail me to chat some more. Good luck to you!

Nora Said:

Should I have surgery a third time on my knee for a Total Replacement?

We Answered:

I've had 4 knee surgeries. ACL on both, torn cartilage on both. I have the same problems as you. My Dr. explained with both my ACL surgeries, that you are not going to make a full comeback. If your knee is a 10 before the injury, you're super lucky to end up with an 8.
There are a lot of options though, before knee replacement. Try injections, serious PT, or even if there's reason, another minor surgery to clean things up...
BTW, how old are you?

Tracy Said:

At what point do you choose to have knee replacement surgery?

We Answered:

You have knee pain that keeps you awake, or awakens you, at night.

You have knee pain which limits activities necessary to go about your daily routine (such as getting up from a chair or climbing stairs).

You have knee pain that limits activities that give you pleasure (such as walking for exercise, traveling or shopping.).

You have tried other treatments for a reasonable period of time, and you still have persistent knee pain.

You and your doctor must consider many other factors prior to surgery, including age, overall health, and bone density.

But the list above will give you an idea when you should begin to consider knee replacement surgery.

Marjorie Said:

would a doctor not consider knee replacement surgery if your young?

We Answered:

He sounds like a t*sser. If you have an injury and it doesnt show on the MRI that DOESNT mean youre fine - it means it didnt show up or he didnt see it. If it isnt getting better then you need some sort of treatment.

I had a damaged tendon it took 2 years to heal, with regular ultrasound treatment. What finally made a difference was I started taking MSM - a product I knew about because my Vet was using it! You could also try Glucosamine and Chondroitin.
None of this is expensive. Your doctor should also refer you for physiotherapy - if not go to asports injuries clinic they seem to be the experts in this kind of problem.

No, dont even think about a replacement. For now they are really not very good, and last only about ten years. You cant kneel on them. Every time it needs replacing its a problem both for the surgeon and also infection etc..