partial knee replacement

[kim62]

At what point does an orthopedic surgeon come to a conclusion that a partial knee replacement is the only option? I had surgery for a torn meniscus on my left knee over a year and a half ago. Since then, the knee feels worse and is progressively getting worse. I have been on steroids, had injections, take a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, went through PT...and even continue to exercise the knee now. It is to the point where climbing stairs is near impossible and walking is becoming more painful as well as bending the leg.  I was told that "down the road" a partial knee replacement may be needed. The inside of my knee is basically rubbing bone-on-bone, whereas the outside is normal. The catch to all of this is, I cannot have an MRI done due to having an implanted defibrillator and my current orthopedic doc is prolonging a surgery due to an upcoming cardiac ablation... which could be within the next month... or up to 6 or more months. (This ablation can be scheduled at a later date) Should I  push the issue? Is there that big of an issue with having the surgery within "X" number of months of another  surgery? Being this physically restricted is causing weight gain which is just making the knee even worse.

[Michael L Gross, MD]

MRI is not necessary to make the decision for Partial Knee Replacement. You had arthroscopic surgery one year ago.  At that time the surgeon assesed the status of the lateral compartment and your ACL, two important factors in deciding whether you are a good candidate for partial versus total knee surgery. Other factors include age, weight, activity level, lifestyle, and of course, degree of symptoms and limitations.
As far as you medical condition, and which should be done first, that is a decision to be made by your surgeon and your cardiologist.

[kim62]

Thank you for the info... I am scheduled for knee replacement in 2 weeks.

[Michael L Gross, MD]

For most patients, Aspirin is stopped 3 weeks prior to surgery

[kim62]

I only take 81mg of asprin instead of blood thinners.

[LindaTX]

Kim, are you currently on blood-thinners?  I guess that could potentially interfere with your knee surgery.