Too young for a knee replacement?
When I squat down, I often hear a velcro-like sound in my left knee. About ten years ago I was playing shortstop, shuttling backwards for a pop-up in the well between left field and short. The left fielder was also hauling butt for the ball, but she broke a cardinal rule in softball -- she didn't call me off. I never knew the train was coming until she slammed into my left knee. I ended up needing an ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) knee reconstruction and a meniscus trim.
I'm 40 now and ever-wondering if that velcro sound means I'll develop early osteoarthritis. Will I face major knee pain, but still be too young for a total knee replacement? I can't imagine giving up my active lifestyle. However this kind of surgery requires significant bone removal, putting younger patients at risk for more invasive surgery if the implant loosens or plain wears out later in life.
I'm encouraged to learn there are other surgical options. I just heard about ConforMIS, a company offering Patient-Specific Knee Implants. Their iForma, iUni, iDuo and iTotal implants can resurface just one knee compartment or all three. ConforMIS implants require less invasive surgery and preserve more bone and cartilage for future treatment options -- a real plus for the younger set. Their customized fit also helps minimize post-op pain and shorten recovery time. Cool.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
4-17-2008 @ 3:23PM
Vishaal said...
I sometimes get this velcrow sound in my knee when I squat too. WHAT IS THAT? SHOULD I BE CONCERNED??? i DON'T KNOW WHAT IT IS....
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4-17-2008 @ 3:34PM
Kristen said...
I get it too! I've tried making people listen, but everyone gets grossed out and just backs away saying, "Ewww!" I've never had a knee injury, so I wasn't super concerned, but I've certainly put plenty of wear on them. I'm glad I'm not the only one with crazy Crunchy Knee!
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4-17-2008 @ 4:00PM
Bev Sklar said...
Fellow knee-crunchers,
I'll ask my orthopedic what the velcro-like crunch could be and report back! I just assumed it was bad since it was only in my 'bad' knee.
Bev
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4-17-2008 @ 4:23PM
the goddess anna said...
My left knee needs to be replaced, as the bones are not fitted together correctly. The Navy released me from active duty so they would not have to deal with it, and I can't find anybody willing to replace my knee (it needs to be done). Their excuse: I'm too young (currently 25). I would nearly kill for a new knee, as I'm overweight but very limited as to what I can do (since I have bone scraping bone, it's frakking painful).
I wonder if this could be an option for me... although I still use the military for my health care, I might have to pay out-of-pocket. Still, this is interesting to hear about.
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4-18-2008 @ 5:27PM
TY said...
I got a total hip replacement when I was 12 years old. It's a hard thing to do, when you have to have it too young. They wanted me to wait, but I was immobile as is and didn't want to live my life in a wheelchair. Most people don't know I have it now, and I'm normal, expect for occasional pain. But I know that eventually one day I will be crippled. You can only have it done several times in a lifetime and when you get too young you where down your joints more. I've had mine for 10 years and was told I'll need another one within the next 5 years. So if I can only get it re-done 3 times in my lifetime and I have to get a new one every 15 years. By the time I'm 60, I'll be crippled. Anyway, 40 is not too young by far, but it will difficult.
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4-18-2008 @ 5:44PM
Bev Sklar said...
Ty,
Thank you for sharing your story. You were so young, my heart goes out to you. Maybe new technology will be developed to allow your subsequent hip replacement to last much, much longer. Wishing you all the best.
Bev