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creeping death User is Offline

Big Ring
Posts:244

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05/06/2008 2:20 PM
I want to know if anybody on here knows of a cyclist that has had knee replacement. I could be looking at one around the end of next year. cycling is a good activity after knee replacement, but I don't want to cruise around on some bike path. I would still like to do some racing road or MTB. My Ol' pal Frank has had hip replacement and he races on occasions and puts in a bunch of miles. Any info?

Rowbear

Big Ring
Posts:378

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Lexington, KY

05/06/2008 3:13 PM
the directing attorney at the law firm I work for has had both knees replaced at the same time back in the winter, he walks around better than before now. I don't think he rides a bike though so it probably wouldn't help that much to ask him about it.

creeping death User is Offline

Big Ring
Posts:244

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05/06/2008 3:46 PM
Thanks Rowbear. How old of a guy is he? Plus how long did they say his knees would last?

ricdix

Little Ring
Posts:52

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05/06/2008 4:22 PM
My father-in-law was an active cyclist for many years. His doctor recommended cycling to help extend the life of his poor knees. He logged thousands of miles back in the day. According to his doctor cycling helped to postpone his replacement surgery nearly 15 years, during which time technology greatly improved. He eventually had to stop riding and finally had one knee replaced last winter. He's worked his new knee on the trainer but probably will never ride like he used to. Not because of his knee but because he's now in his 60's and has other interest. He plans to have the other knee done next winter. I know that didn't answer your question but its all I got. Good luck.

Rowbear

Big Ring
Posts:378

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Lexington, KY

05/06/2008 8:30 PM
he's probably in his late 40s early 50s I don't know how long they'll last

chuck_clark User is Offline

Big Ring
Posts:299

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Louisville

05/06/2008 9:48 PM
General recommendation is to put off the knee replacement as long as possible. I don't know your age, but I'm thinking you're a fairly young guy. Also, there are several newer options that have are tending to have better outcomes with more mobility, strength, etc. and just may last longer. I would encourage you to get a second and maybe third opinion. I would also advise you to go an urban area to see an Ortho where there is a tendancy toward specialization rather than being a jack of all trades. I know there are a couple of decent practices in Lexington and Cincinnati Sports Medicine comes to mind up north. Louisville has several. Lastly, whatever you do, make sure your PT is vigorous and focused and even painful if your primary symptom is stiffness and decreased range of motion. I think I saw that you were going somewhere. There are also several stretching "splints" if you will that can help with this. Lastly, I agree that cycling is wonderful for the knees. I've seen people rehab their supposedly awful knees with cycling and go from barely able to walk to being extremely active in multiple pursuits by cycling. Will a total knee replacement be OK with cycling? I've known more active people with a hip replacement (Floyd Landis anyone) who do extremely well. I do know the "partial" knee replacements, Oxford knees, etc. (for your googling pleasure) tend to produce a tighter (good thing) knee for a few reasons. So, bottom line, don't jump the gun, work as hard as possible on your rehab including cycling unless there is some reason you can't and research your options including MD and surgical choices.

creeping death User is Offline

Big Ring
Posts:244

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05/07/2008 7:50 PM
Thanks Chuck. I forgot about you being here for some details. I'm going to Peter Hester at Lexington Clinic. I really like him, very thorough and never rushes in and back out. Getting a Knee Replacement is just something that might have to be done as a last resort. I was just wondering what to expect in the worse case scenario. I can still work and ride with slight discomfort due to the knee not wanting to bend at the top of the pedal stroke. Some days it's stiffer than others.

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