[Roberta131]

I am 57 and I have had many many knee operations. My right knee is now so bad that I cannot walk or put any weight on it at all. I have been to two doctors(one for an emergency drain procedure) and the other because he is my physiatrist at Hospital for Special Surgery in New York. On Thursday I see my surgeon at Hospital for Special Surgery. All seem to agree that ultimately I need knee replacement surgery however, there is disagreement as to whether or not that is the appropriate protocol at the moment. My physiatrist wants to do an irrigation and injection of hyalauronic acid(if that is the correct spelling) sold under several brand names such Synfin. While this has a decent track record it is not so successful with knees like mine which are bone on bone.

At the moment I cannot play golf or do anything else for that matter and I am an extremely active person who works out five days a week. Has anyone had either of these procedures(injections and/or knee replacement)? I would love to hear comments on the experience of either of them and hoiw long it took to get back to golf and how much your game was impacted.

Thanks for any help you can provide.

Kind regards

Bob

[bassman1308]

Bob: My knee problems are probably different than yours but mine are also 'bone on bone'. Mostly because of arthritis. I had surgery scheduled in december 08 but my dr. wanted me to try low impact exercise, weights, stationary bicycle, streaching, etc. That seemed to help so in march, he gave me some kind of steriod shot in both knees. I still have disconfort but the pain is nowhere near what it was. I can actually walk downhill without a lot of sharp pain. Put off that surgery as long as possible. Good luck to you.

[firehead36]

Synfin, Synvisk, etc are ok depending on the extent of damage/arthritis that is in your knee. I had 5 injections last year as part of the "protocol" and it was a waste of time for me. My problem was a torn meniscus with apparent extensive arthritis that developed. However, my step-mother who is in her late 50's took the treatments for several years and swears by them.
I agree with the above poster who says to put off a total knee replacement as long as possible, but I also think that if you are having as much trouble as you say, then ask yourself how long you want to suffer before you get the problem fixed. Also know that total knee replacements dont last forever. The life expectancy on the "parts" is only 10-15 years....
Good luck and get well soon.

[Roberta131]

Thanks guys. I most certainly would like to avoid surgery if possible. I am hoping that we can try the injections as well as an exercise program. I am willing to give up the golf season if a prolonged effort and rest will give me a few years without surgery.

Kind regards

Bob

[sandwedge59]

Im in the same situation as you , to young for knee replacement and at least for me cortisone injection and a Ueflexxa {which is a synthetic version of Symvic} did not really help at all so im left with prescribed pain relief to function and hoping i can make it another 10 years with a knee that's basicly destroyed .... good luck , hopefully you'lle find something that works

[Check6]

I am coming to this party late and with a different perspective.

April 3, 2000, at age 55, I had bilateral total knee replacements(TKRs).

I was bone on bone and could not function in anything close to a normal manner. I had 48 degrees flex in the left knee and 65 in the right. I was so bow legged my friends joked about driving an old VW bug through my legs sideways.

I had gone through the steroid shots and finally the synvisk shots, all to no avail. My Orthopod agreed it was time even though I was a "young man".

The golf course saw me again 6 weeks post surgery . I was walking 9 holes in 8 weeks and I have not looked back.

At a little over 9 years I am still PAIN FREE. I had yearly X-rays for the next 5 years to check for bone density and/or other problems. I am now on a 2 year plan. My quality of life is that of a younger man and I have no limitations. I had stopped running and jogging because of the pain and still don't. However I can flat out ride a bike, swim and walk a golf course. By the way, I have over 120 degrees of flex in both knees

I don't mean to demean or defame anyone. If the quality of your life sucks and you have the means to fix it why would you not?

As a jock you already know about the rehab process. It will hurt if you do it right but not for as long as not doing anything.

You can reach me via PM if you would like to have an extended conversation.

[fly47]

I'm 61. Had the gamut of treatments. Arthroscopic in '06 followed by months of therapy, injections, cortisone and synvisc. Finally got tired of the bone on bone pain and went for the knee replacement. Played 18 holes 8 weeks after surgery and started walking and carrying my bag soon after. It felt great to walk and carry. Still have a little swelling and low level pain but only after walking. Went to S&T 2 years ago so I could continue playing with pain. This is a big factor for being able to play so soon. If you are in good shape and active , I say go for it!

[mkrolewski]

My wife did the total knee -- one knee, wait 6 weeks, then the other. She was out traveling cross country and standing all day in 4 weeks after the surgery.

She had no real complaints. The only observations from the operations are (1) get the legs and knees as strong as possible prior to surgery (2) follow any post-surgery recovery processes diligently. Even look if you can do more work.

Her only concern is kneeing is difficult. Her hobby is showing dogs and the normal way requires getting down on both knees. I am not sure what that official word is on that motion.


Another note, the surgery is good for 10-15 years. The current technology has a second surgery to replace the material between the metal parts which gives you another 10-15 years. I have not heard about a third surgery option. So it can be a long range solution.

Also find the best surgeon you can. The one that all the other doctors would go to. Even if you have to go out of town. Most likely this will be his only business. And make sure the hospital is very clean. My wife's surgeon would only use one hospital. He said the others were too dirty. This is in Seattle, WA.

[JimA81]

Ok heres my take as a 46 year old. I had a total knee replacement 3.5 months ago and I can tell you its one of the best things I have ever done for myself. Little history, I folded my left knee in half (the wrong way) about 26 years ago on a boat in Alaska. The last 6 yrs were tough. I tried many things from shots to PT you name it,the last 3yrs a really good knee brace and vicodin when needed, no over the counter chit would work any more.

I had a talk with the doc who suggested we do it after all the stuff we have tried, he originally when I was 40 wanted to wait till I was 50, but no way I was gonna make it another 4 years and stay sane and married with as grouchy as I had become on certain days, and I am not that person.

Anyway its been fantastic,still sore around the knee muscle wise but getting better. Went in on Tuesday out on Thursday back to work in 2 weeks. lots of exercise before and after,the before really made the recovery easier and faster!! Been golfing a few times with little or no pain and work and the home life has really improved. Not gonna lie to you, there was a lot of a pain to go through but I would do it again in a heart beat to be where I am today.

I say if your knee/knees are that bad get it done now! Hell you guys are 10 years older than me, why suffer any longer. Unless money is the issue I say get it done you wont regret it!!! I looked at the longevity of the knee as well, and I can live with 10 to 15 years PAIN FREE and they really even say it will go 20 if you live a easy life, no running or high impact sports. The way I look at it is this, where were they with knee surgery say 10 15 years ago compared to today? Now go 15/20 years into the future,geez they will probably have nano technology by then or just wave a magic wand over it. LOL

Long story short dont listen to your doc telling you to try this and try that, granted everybody is different and can tolerate different amounts of pain but the outcome will still be the same in the end, a new knee,enjoy your life now! I heard so many times from guys your age that waited to have it done the all said the same thing??

Why did I wait so long?
If you know anyone who has had it done just ask them, I would bet a new driver they would tell you the same thing!

Good luck to you with what ever you decide!! Jim

[ken11011]

I'm 59 and tore my meniscus tendon 8 months ago. My doctor suggested that I let it heal by it self. I wore many types of knee braces that gave some help. I ordered some knee supports from www.luxis.com and within weeks my knees are as good a new. Great product.

[Mac1025]

I had a torn meniscus repair performed 4 weeks ago. My knee is always stiff early in the morning. Currently doing exercises and chipping in the yard. Plan to play a couple of holes this week. Do you have any suggestions for me to follow? Your input would be appreciated.

[smith5606]

Had my right knee replaced two years ago at the age of 57. My only regret was that I didn't do it earlier. I limped along for too many years while I waited to get "old enough" to have it replaced. IMHO, your old enough to have it replaced when it needs to be replaced. The only real issue is the inability to kneel as someone previously mentioned. Makes reading putts kind of difficult. Small price to pay, though.

[Sanders27]

I am a DPT student (3rd year) and I have seen plenty of TKR patients in my rotations. From s/p surgery in the hospital through the entire rehab process. Every patient that I have ever dealt with in the past 2+ years has had extremely good results, including those that are much older than yourself. Your rate of success with a TKR is ultimately dependent on your pain threshold and the amount of pain you are in. If you did have the surgery, there would be no more damage that could be done post-op while in therapy. The quicker you can push through the pain, control the inflammation and increase your range of motion, the better off you will be.

As a side note there is some new technology coming out by a company called RS Medical that has created a type of electrical stimulation that claims to rebuild cartilage (ie: reverse the effect of OA). However, I have not personally seen this device, but do know that it is expensive in the $2500+ range and research has indicated that it takes 4+ months to show results...

I think the decision should be your own and sometimes you have to be your own advocate. From my limited experience, patients who waited to long have actually done worse than those who had it done immediately. The reason is your pre-op condition. If you are stronger and have more range of motion prior to surgery, you will have a better result. This is a fact well researched. However, on the down side it will only last 10-15 years, so you will have to have another one or two done (hopefully two to three But with new technology, who knows by the time it comes around for a second one they might just be able to resurface the material instead of another full replacement.

If you are interested, I can provide you with the pre-op strengthening protocol that is issued by our hospital (a very good level 1 hospital) that can be used just as a strengthening program, regardless of surgery. If you need any specifics about the process, feel free to ask as I know our primary doctors get alittle busy sometimes

GOOD LUCK!

[lebanontngolfer]

For you guys who have had one or both knees replaced, did you find any adverse effects to your golf game? Any issues with changes to your spine or hip tilt/angle? Do you find walking to be accessible again as a norm or just occasionally?

I'm facing dual knee replacement in the future and I'm only holding off because of the fear of ruining my golf game. Right now I'm still playing well even though both knees are complete bone-on-bone; my ortho says he doesn't know how I can do it, but I don't have any pain unless I'm walking up and down hills.

[smith5606]

lebanontngolfer, on May 27 2009, 08:59 PM, said:

For you guys who have had one or both knees replaced, did you find any adverse effects to your golf game? Any issues with changes to your spine or hip tilt/angle? Do you find walking to be accessible again as a norm or just occasionally?

I'm facing dual knee replacement in the future and I'm only holding off because of the fear of ruining my golf game. Right now I'm still playing well even though both knees are complete bone-on-bone; my ortho says he doesn't know how I can do it, but I don't have any pain unless I'm walking up and down hills.

On the contrary, my game has greatly improved since the TK. If nothing else, I am able to practice longer so my putting and short game are much better. I have had a little problem unlearning some bad habits like not getting on to then off of my right side. I am able to walk all I want now (except for a little issue with neuropathy - but that is another story, I guess). I have even carried 18 on a time or two but generally I use my Sun Mountain cart. Good luck with your surgery.