Question about Doctors performing Knee Replacements

[SIRE1]

I think I'm due for a knee replacement and would like some input from the TOTV community as to a doctor they would recommend. I've looked at previous threads but they are very old and I wonder if the recommendations are still applicable.

The 3 names in those old post were John Williams (here in The Villages), Vuong Nquyen (Orlando), and James Duke (Ocala).

Also, I've heard that you can't get down on your knees after a knee replacement. Since this would result in a knee replacement in both knees, I'm wondering if any of you have had problems with this situation. Seems like there is always an occasion when I've got to get on at least one knee to do something. Because I've currently only got one of the knees replaced, it hasn't been a problem but I'm concerned about this as well. Any input you can offer will really be appreciated.

[vinricci]

After much research my wife chose Dr. Nguyen. Much quicker recovery.

[kstew43]

I used Nguyen in Orlando to do both my knees last year. The one done in January 19 is to this date 11 months and feels absolutly perfect.

I had my second done in June 19, and at my last office visit which was Dec, 6 months, I was feeling very sore, still. I also happened to see the x-rays and discovered that he had missed a bone fragment, about the size of my big fingernail.....!!!!!

The PA said and I quote.... "It Happens"..... "and that there is nothing we can do for it now"....and the worse thing that it will do is effect my ability to bend as much as it would have.

Now because I know this information... my mind is playing tricks on me....and my knee is regressing.....

Not saying this couldn't happen to any MD, but just thought I would let you know my experience.

[Pinball wizard]

I used Dr. Karina at Unova (lady lake). He did both of my knees, one partial, one full. Very short recovery time and I'm back playing softball!

[coffeebean]

I used Nguyen in Orlando to do both my knees last year. The one done in January 19 is to this date 11 months and feels absolutly perfect.

I had my second done in June 19, and at my last office visit which was Dec, 6 months, I was feeling very sore, still. I also happened to see the x-rays and discovered that he had missed a bone fragment, about the size of my big fingernail.....!!!!!

The PA said and I quote.... "It Happens"..... "and that there is nothing we can do for it now"....and the worse thing that it will do is effect my ability to bend as much as it would have.

Now because I know this information... my mind is playing tricks on me....and my knee is regressing.....

Not saying this couldn't happen to any MD, but just thought I would let you know my experience.

Have you seen the doctor since you found out there is a bone fragment in there that should not be there? Can you even see the doctor or you see only the PA?

[SIRE1]

What have you all been told about kneeling? Is that something I'm going to have to avoid? Or are you able to get down on a knee?

[LuvtheVillages]

I had my left knee replaced several years ago by a doctor at Villages Health Specialty. Two months ago I had my right knee replaced by Dr Duke. I very much prefer Dr Duke.

Healing is going very well. My mobility is great. Staff is wonderful and caring. No bits left behind.

Some prefer Dr Nguyen because of the quick recovery time. He uses a unique, non-standard approach. He says his non-standard approach involves not having to cut muscles. I say that I am ok with a slightly longer recovery as long as the end result is great. My doctors say that they do not cut any muscles. I was up and walking with a walker the evening after surgery. Why is Dr Nguyen the only doctor to use this approach and the rest of the medical world uses the standard approach?

As far as kneeling - I don't even want to try it yet. Dr Duke re-used my own capela (knee cap) and added some cushioning behind it. Maybe after healing is further along? For sure I will never kneel on my left knee, not even on a soft cushion.

[Polar Bear]

Great results with Dr. Duke here.

I hear good things about Dr. Nguyen. I’m sure he is very good. But I can’t imagine recovery time could be much quicker than I had with Dr. Duke. I was walking a bit before I left the hospital and getting back to my activities in between one and two weeks, depending on the activity.

Whichever doctor you choose, do the therapy they recommend! I’m a firm believer it can make all the difference regarding successful joint replacement surgery.

[SIRE1]

For those of you who used Dr. Duke, just out of curiosity, what hospital did your surgery?

[JoInTV]

My husband has had Dr. Nguyen replace both of his knees. The first one was in May of 2018. The other one was the end of September of last year. He wouldn't use anyone else. As far as kneeling, the doctor gave the OK after 6 months. He just went for his 3 month follow up on the second knee and everything is great. He was able to play golf (full swing) after 7 to 8 weeks in each instance. At 6 weeks, he was back to doing all of his own yard work. He walks 3 to 4 miles any day he isn't golfing. Just be prepared to do ALL of the PT and at-home exercises that are prescribed. His surgery was early morning both times and actually had some PT later that same afternoon. Before going home the next day, he had to attend a PT boot camp as well as walk completely around the unit's floor. He never had to even use a walker once he was home for the first knee, and only for a day or two for the second one. But he was very diligent in doing all of the exercises. Don't think you're being a he-man by not taking the pain meds either. If you don't take the meds, you are not able to do the exercises and you just screw yourself up. Remember that you will only get out of it what you put into it! Good luck!!

[Breeze729]

I had Williams do mine three years ago and I would not recommend him or his staff. My knee is still much larger than the other one due to all the scar tissue left behind. Just remember on any given day even the best makes a mistake. The side process that Nguyen uses I'm told is his patent, and anyone wanting to use that must pay him to do so. If that is fact I do not know.
I have special knee pads that I use that are air filled and they allow me to get down on my right knee. I'm not aggressive about it and I do not look forward to having to do so but have found a way that it works.
Good luck with whomever you decide on, and has been mentioned do not miss a day of exercise. Force the knee to bend and that hurts but you have to get through it.

[LuvtheVillages]

For those of you who used Dr. Duke, just out of curiosity, what hospital did your surgery?

Dr Duke operates at West Marion Community Hospital. It is in Ocala, just west of I-75. It has a wing dedicated to hip and knee replacements.

[big guy]

I think I'm due for a knee replacement and would like some input from the TOTV community as to a doctor they would recommend. I've looked at previous threads but they are very old and I wonder if the recommendations are still applicable.

The 3 names in those old post were John Williams (here in The Villages), Vuong Nquyen (Orlando), and James Duke (Ocala).

Also, I've heard that you can't get down on your knees after a knee replacement. Since this would result in a knee replacement in both knees, I'm wondering if any of you have had problems with this situation. Seems like there is always an occasion when I've got to get on at least one knee to do something. Because I've currently only got one of the knees replaced, it hasn't been a problem but I'm concerned about this as well. Any input you can offer will really be appreciated.

I had Dr Duke do my left knee and Dr Nguyen did the right. The left knee was the worst but the recovery was long and I took a lot of pain meds, although I can't say anything bad about Dr Duke. Dr Nguyen's side I recuperated fairly rapidly and took very little medication. I walked sooner and more after Dr Nguyen's surgery. Now I am having problems with my left knee and I may have to have more surgery (it's been 8 years). But Dr Nguyen's right side is still good. And they both told me to stay off my knees, but, no one will have to tell you because it will hurt to kneel.

[Torena722]

I had Dr Steve Nguyen in Orlando. He Developed his own procedure. He goes in from the side, And had almost full range of motion after surgery as I lost some extension to the knee prior to the surgery and had PT to regain it. I walking immediately, two days with pain killers. I can kneel on it, and go up and down stairs easily. I play pickleball and golf. No pain. His staff was great.

[Lilfoxy]

My husband used Dr David Ethier, in The Villages, last year. Great experience. Total knee replacement, and scar is on the side of his knee, not the top of kneecap.

[Chloe Girl]

I had a hip and a knee replaced by Dr Messiah and am very pleased. He also does not cut muscles and the recovery time is very short. He only has office hours in The Villages on Wednesdays and the hospitals that he practices at are a bit of a drive from here but I think it's worth it.

[wirenail444]

:):bigbow:I think I'm due for a knee replacement and would like some input from the TOTV community as to a doctor they would recommend. I've looked at previous threads but they are very old and I wonder if the recommendations are still applicable.

The 3 names in those old post were John Williams (here in The Villages), Vuong Nquyen (Orlando), and James Duke (Ocala).

Also, I've heard that you can't get down on your knees after a knee replacement. Since this would result in a knee replacement in both knees, I'm wondering if any of you have had problems with this situation. Seems like there is always an occasion when I've got to get on at least one knee to do something. Because I've currently only got one of the knees replaced, it hasn't been a problem but I'm concerned about this as well. Any input you can offer will really be appreciated.

[Lyn Wagner]

Dr perry in eustis. You will be on your feet and walking in no time. On YouTube look up muscle sparing knee surgery. You will be amazed. I have personally experienced this. At least get an opinion from dr perry. You wont be sorry. Best wishes.

[Debbraham]

I think I'm due for a knee replacement and would like some input from the TOTV community as to a doctor they would recommend. I've looked at previous threads but they are very old and I wonder if the recommendations are still applicable.

The 3 names in those old post were John Williams (here in The Villages), Vuong Nquyen (Orlando), and James Duke (Ocala).

Also, I've heard that you can't get down on your knees after a knee replacement. Since this would result in a knee replacement in both knees, I'm wondering if any of you have had problems with this situation. Seems like there is always an occasion when I've got to get on at least one knee to do something. Because I've currently only got one of the knees replaced, it hasn't been a problem but I'm concerned about this as well. Any input you can offer will really be appreciated.

Dr Nguyen did both my knees 4 years ago. Excellent results...surgery at 7am, home by 1pm for lunch and walked down the street and back at 4pm. Back to golfing in about 6-8 weeks and pickleball in about 4 months. I can get down on my knees on a cushiony pad during exercise classes. Doing the surgery from the side of the knee was instrumental in the quick recovery. It is nice to have someone at home to help but you can walk to fix meals etc from day one! Good luck!

[traveler9]

Love Dr John Williams. He did both of my knees at once. Also did my husbands hips and 1 knee. If you put a pillow under your knee you can get down on your knees. I have done it.

[Joseph66]

Had surgery with dr James Duke 5 years ago he is the best if knee is real bad can do anything has seen everything ,fell on it 2 years ago was at 2 home in Massachusetts drs look at X-ray all knee work still in tack like what they saw no one here could have done that? Side cut less invasive faster recovery but can’t be done on all knees people say there dr was great but ,knee probably was that bad ,when other doctors are impressed that’s the one you want!

[KathyW]

Dr Nguyen did my right knee. His PAs encouraged me to kneel every daily since it helps with stretching. I can kneel on a pad, but I don't like to do it for a long period of time.

[Ronlynch@comcast.net]

Dr. Timothy van de Leur, The Orthopaedic Institute Lady Lake (and Ocala) Home - The Orthopaedic Institute - Improving Lives Everyday For Over 30 Years (http://www.toihealth.com) 352.633.7222 He has replaced over 25 knees and hips in my neighborhood alone and folks that need a second always go back to Dr. Tim. I had a left knee replacement in June and am 100% doing pickleball, biking 15 miles per day and other activities. I am also a CPR / AED Instructor and on my knees for at least half the class .. no problem. I would certainly recommend that you visit Dr. Tim. BTW the OI is a complete one stop shop including X-Rays and Rehab.

[gigberk]

I used Dr Messieh. While it's not the same feeling, I can crawl on both knees. The replaced knee works wonderfully. He uses the lateral method like Dr Ngyuan (sic) and the shorter, less painful recovery was wonderful. I did my own therapy and was back golfing 18 in 8 weeks. I have full motion, no pain and can move in any direction. He's a single practitioner with a great staff. If I need any ortho hip, knee or shoulder surgery, he's my go-to doctor.

[joanb]

I have had both knees replaced by Dr. Nguyen in Orlando and I highly recommend him. I was back teaching my aerobic dance class 5 weeks after the first one, and 3 weeks after the second one.

[DonnaNi4os]

I have had 7 knee surgeries and both knees replaced. It is difficult for me to kneel, especially on the knee that has had a total of 6 surgeries. I have an appointment with Dr Messiah for a possible hip replacement. I’ve heard great things about him and he was referred by a neighbor. My surgeon that did my prior surgeries is in NJ and he researched Dr Messieh and said he was who I should go to in FL. Good luck to you. You will be happy you have replaced your knees but it is a painful recovery. Work hard at rehabilitating your knees and you will be successful. I wish you the best whomever you go to.

[SIRE1]

Thank you to all your advice. With all the suggestions, I guess now all I have to do is pick one and call for an appointment.

For those of you that have recommended Dr. Duke in Ocala I have one more question. I've heard that you meet with the PA first and they try to do a number of things before they schedule surgery. This seems like it may be a long time before my first appointment and the surgery. Since I am a Seasonal resident here in The Villages, I think I may need to speed the process so I am good to travel in May. Did you find there was a long delay from your first visit?

[Carla B]

It's a long time to schedule Dr. Nguyen between the first appt. and surgery. Had first appt. in September and first available surgery date was February 14.

[sterlingcnslts]

I have had both knees replaced in the last 2 years. The First by Dr. Duke, the surgery went well and I was back to normal (their term) activities in a little over a month. However now after 2 years I still have pain in the nerves from the surgery. After discussing this at every appointment (always with the PA or nurse-never the Doctor)) and being told each time that it would just take longer (up to a year) they told me at my 1 year follow up that it would probably never get any better. Dr Messieh in Winter Haven did my 2nd knee and I was playing golf after 2 weeks (Yes 2) and to this day have had no pain in the knee. Without going into too much detail, the side option from dr messieh was less painful, recovery was quick and somewhat pain free. More importantly to me was seeing the Doctor and having him address my concerns and take action at every visit. Hope this helps.

[Annie66]

I had my left knee replaced several years ago by a doctor at Villages Health Specialty. Two months ago I had my right knee replaced by Dr Duke. I very much prefer Dr Duke.

Healing is going very well. My mobility is great. Staff is wonderful and caring. No bits left behind.

Some prefer Dr Nguyen because of the quick recovery time. He uses a unique, non-standard approach. He says his non-standard approach involves not having to cut muscles. I say that I am ok with a slightly longer recovery as long as the end result is great. My doctors say that they do not cut any muscles. I was up and walking with a walker the evening after surgery. Why is Dr Nguyen the only doctor to use this approach and the rest of the medical world uses the standard approach?

As far as kneeling - I don't even want to try it yet. Dr Duke re-used my own capela (knee cap) and added some cushioning behind it. Maybe after healing is further along? For sure I will never kneel on my left knee, not even on a soft cushion.

My wife had her knee surgery performed by Dr. John Williams at TVRH. She experienced great results. Hers and our quality of life improved dramatically.

On the day prior to her surgery, we discussed the standard versus non-standard procedure. Dr. Williams uses the standard procedure which has a longer recovery period. Dr. Williams did say that about 30% of his knee surgeries are to repair previous surgeries, with a large portion being repairs following the non-standard method. He explained that the surgical entry from the side greatly limited the visibility on the inside area of the knee. If the prosthesis isn't perfectly aligned, a 2nd surgery will most likely be required because the patient will experience chronic pain. The prosthesis never "wears in". You either get it repaired or live with the pain for the remainder of your life.

As for kneeling, my wife is limited in the amount of kneeling she can perform. I believe it comes as one of those outcomes for this type of surgery.

[kstew43]

they allow the PA only after surgery, but i might just demand that at 12 months.

[big guy]

I had my left knee replaced several years ago by a doctor at Villages Health Specialty. Two months ago I had my right knee replaced by Dr Duke. I very much prefer Dr Duke.

Healing is going very well. My mobility is great. Staff is wonderful and caring. No bits left behind.

Some prefer Dr Nguyen because of the quick recovery time. He uses a unique, non-standard approach. He says his non-standard approach involves not having to cut muscles. I say that I am ok with a slightly longer recovery as long as the end result is great. My doctors say that they do not cut any muscles. I was up and walking with a walker the evening after surgery. Why is Dr Nguyen the only doctor to use this approach and the rest of the medical world uses the standard approach?

As far as kneeling - I don't even want to try it yet. Dr Duke re-used my own capela (knee cap) and added some cushioning behind it. Maybe after healing is further along? For sure I will never kneel on my left knee, not even on a soft cushion.

Dr Nguyen is not the only doctor around to use the side approach. There are others.

[big guy]

Marion Hosp on 200 in Ocala, only.

[RonGee]

I have had both knees replaced, 6 and 5 years ago. Kneeling is still “uncomfortable “

[Wrhobson]

I think I'm due for a knee replacement and would like some input from the TOTV community as to a doctor they would recommend. I've looked at previous threads but they are very old and I wonder if the recommendations are still applicable.

The 3 names in those old post were John Williams (here in The Villages), Vuong Nquyen (Orlando), and James Duke (Ocala).

Also, I've heard that you can't get down on your knees after a knee replacement. Since this would result in a knee replacement in both knees, I'm wondering if any of you have had problems with this situation. Seems like there is always an occasion when I've got to get on at least one knee to do something. Because I've currently only got one of the knees replaced, it hasn't been a problem but I'm concerned about this as well. Any input you can offer will really be appreciated.

My wife had her's done by Dr. Mesiah and was quite happy.He has offices in The Villages and perfroms the surgery at both Davenport and Celebration.

[Peggy Weaver]

I have been referred to Dr. Nguyen in Orlando. He does lateral knee replacement in which the incision is made from the side instead of across the top of the knee. This is suppose to cause less pain and a quicker recovery.

[hadlock2]

West Marion in Ocala

[SIRE1]

There have been a number of recommendations for a doctor with 2 different spellings - Dr Messiah and Dr. Mesiah. I assume they are the same person. But when I Google those names I come up with 2 different doctors.

One is Dr. Michael S. Messieh who appears to have an office on 441 here in The Villages, and the other is Dr. Samuel Messieh who has an office in Winter Haven. I know a few of the post who recommended this doctor indicated the surgery is quite a distance away, so I'm not sure which, if any, of these are the doctors you are recommending. Could you help me out? I hate to keep asking questions but this is obviously an important choice to make, and I really appreciate the help you all can give to me.

[SIRE1]

There have been a number of recommendations for a doctor with 2 different spellings - Dr Messiah and Dr. Mesiah. I assume they are the same person. But when I Google those names I come up with 2 different doctors.

One is Dr. Michael S. Messieh who appears to have an office on 441 here in The Villages, and the other is Dr. Samuel Messieh who has an office in Winter Haven. I know a few of the post who recommended this doctor indicated the surgery is quite a distance away, so I'm not sure which, if any, of these are the doctors you are recommending. Could you help me out? I hate to keep asking questions but this is obviously an important choice to make, and I really appreciate the help you all can give to me.

Any replies to this question????

[bagboy]

Any replies to this question????

They are referring to Michael Messieh.

[SIRE1]

Thanks for the reply. I couldn't tell and wanted to get the correct doctor. He had a lot of recommendations. Thanks to everyone for your input.

[Quixote]

My wife had her's done by Dr. Mesiah and was quite happy.He has offices in The Villages and perfroms the surgery at both Davenport and Celebration.

My wife interviews potential physicians no less effectively—and intensely—than a serious Human Resources officer would. She met with the two surgeons who seem to be doing the most knee replacements in the Villages area—and rejected both—feeling they were addressing solely her knees and not the unique needs that every individual patient has. This is not to imply that she felt they were less than competent; rather it’s more a bedside manner issue, for lack of a better way to say it.

In the end she also used orthopedic surgeon Michael Messieh, who operated at South Lake Hospital in Clermont. It was a toss-up which knee to do first. As it turned out, the result was so perfect that she’s never felt the need to do the other knee—and it’s been about six years now. She also feels spending some time at a rehab, where she had physical therapy SEVEN days a week, helped considerably in her rate of healing. The last phone number we have for Dr Messieh is 407-592-1921.