Kickas.org Forums Treatments, Drugs and Alternatives Surgery TKR buckles

I am at my wits end trying to find answers to my problem . I had a TKR Dec. 2004, and a revision Aug.2005 to replace the knee cap. The joint is wonderful, the knee cap is great, I just have no control. It buckles all the time, somedays with every step. I have rehabed for over a year now thinking it is just weak, but nothing has worked. My surgeon has no idea why, my rheumy says it's the AS, I don't understand what that would have anything to do with it. I'm tired, I don't want to walk anymore . I need the other knee done but I'm affraid the same thing will happen to that one. Has anyone had this problem? Does anyone have any ideas what may be causing this. I need to get on with this miserable life but can't until someone can come up with an answer and solution. I have been on line for months trying to find research on AS and TKR but there isn't any. I'm tired of surgeries I've had 7 knee surgeries (3 in the last year) and back surgery. I don't want anymore
I'm mad, confused, and beaten down. I don't like feeling like this. Through 30 plus years of AS I have always been the strong, "I can get through anything" person. always lifting up others in tough times. I just don't have the strength to fight anymore.

Have you tried for 2nd and 3rd opinions from a different medical facility?

Do you have a knee brace?

I don't know much about TKR's but after a google search on "total knee replacement buckles", (and your right, not much came up except alot of ad sites) But one of the sites said knee buckling or "instability' can be a problem after multiple surgeries. Rheumatoid Arthritis came up alot after the search too. Maybe searching TKR and RA will get you better info??

I can't imagine going through just 1 surgery, you are a tough cookie! Take care.

I'm glad someone actually read this post, not that anyone would have an answer. I saw my Orthopedist last week again. He is really not sure what is causing this thing to buckle. It could be scar tissue raising it's ugly head again, thanks to AS. He removed alot during the revision he did in Aug. and now there is alot more. Or it could be the new knee cap not tracking right which throws the whole extensor mech. off or a multitude of other factors or a combination of any. He started talking about surgical options and I pretty much lost it from there. He set me up with an appointment with another Orthopod that specilizes in problem replacements. I will talk to that doc on the 28th and then back to my doc the following week. I'm pretty much looking at my 3rd. surgery on this knee this year and still have the 2nd one on the other knee in the past year and a half, but can't do that until we get this replacement working.
I have been researching this on line for a year now and have probably close to 50 articles on the subject. I don't know why there aren't anymore out there about AS and TKR as there is only one. I just want this nightmere to be over. I thought that this time last year I would be running around with two good knees. Oh well I'm rambling. Sorry
Cindy

No sorries necessary. I am the master rambler

Good luck with your surgery appointments.




For research, have you heard of Pubmed.com ( Pubmed.com )

Mostly you get the artical abstracts. But sometimes full text.

I've been on PubMed so much this past year they should make be an honorary member and give me full articles for free.

gidday i just read your post and though i am no use in answering your questions ,i agree with peacepiper that you are incredibly brave to have faced so many surgeries and i can understand why you are feeling like you are.why can,t they pinpoint why it is buckling?Seems odd to me,maybe a totally new specialist's opinion? ..i can see your frustration,,so sorry i cant help but try to keep your spirits up and keep fighting....jude2

Thanks so much for your support which comes at a perfect time for me as I have been to another surgeon for a second opinion this week and feel even more confused and depressed. I went with a great attitude that maybe this guy that specializes in problem TKR would shed some like on the subject and came out in tears and haven't slept now for 3 days. By the time I came out I felt humiliated and beaten down again. Oh yes, it was obvious to him there is a problem with this knee and surgery is the only answer maybe even to the point of replacing the whole knee again with another prothesis. It was the way he conducted his exam that upset me. I felt like a freak because I couldn't do some of the simple tests he asked because of the AS and the other knee. Sorry, there was so much to this that I better stop here, it's too long and you don't need to hear this stuff. You were so kind to respond to this post thanks
Cindy

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Sorry, there was so much to this that I better stop here, it's too long and you don't need to hear this stuff.

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Speaking for all the AS'ers, we DO need to hear all of it. I've been surfing so long and have been to many forums on the net. Kickas has an unbelievable compassion response, so keep on posting and tell us everything(except your credit card number) if you think it might help you or someone else. But don't feel pressured.
BTW- with your physio background, you're an asset to KickAS.

Thanks,
I guess I feel there are so many other people here that need help more than I do. I guess I should have posted on the main page as there aren't many who need to read about TKR. I'm now so beaten down over this that I can't pull myself out of it, very alone. Depression has never been a part of my life I don't know how to get out of this dark hole anymore. I just want it all to be over.

Hey there,

First post i read this morning. Just keep on posting my friend. You are far from alone here on Kickas.