[rodie]

Thinking about having total knee replacement. Have met with dr. Duke's assistant so far. She is saying I need a total knee job, replacing with the Zimmer knee. Anyone out there had this done and if so, what has been your experience? Would you do it again? What should I be aware of before deciding to do it? Any knowledge about the Zimmer knee would be appreciated. Thanks for sharing.

[PaPaLarry]

Originally Posted by rodie

Thinking about having total knee replacement. Have met with dr. Duke's assistant so far. She is saying I need a total knee job, replacing with the Zimmer knee. Anyone out there had this done and if so, what has been your experience? Would you do it again? What should I be aware of before deciding to do it? Any knowledge about the Zimmer knee would be appreciated. Thanks for sharing.

Anytime Knee replacement comes up, first Doctor that is mentioned is Dr Duke. My honey had replacement two years ago with Dr Duke, and very happy. Matter of fact, she is having her other knee replaced (by Dr Duke) in June. Theres a picture from the news in his office, of either doing his 3000nth knee, or 6000nth knee. (couldnt remember which it was) Regardless, thats a lot of Knees. Seems like here in The Villages, people have "Kneeitis"!!!!!! Played golf with with guys who had it done by Dr Duke. I think you are making a good choice. Of course, there will always be some, who think different. All in all, he has a great reputation. Good Luck!!

[villages07]

Dr Duke does have a great reputation. I have had Dr Kerina do both of my total knee replacements and he, too, is great. They are the two best knee docs around, IMO, and each do 300+ knee replacements a year.

As to the Zimmer...can't address that specifically. Dr Kerina's method is to have a number of different prostheses in the OR and then he decides which is best for you once he opens up the knee, assesses your structure, condition, and factors in your age and lifestyle. These are my words not his so hope I am accurately reflecting his philosophy.

The doc knows a lot more about knees than I do, so I trust his judgement on what would work best.

[maureenod]

I had total knee replacement April 2nd in Boston. I attended a senimar on Maco robotic knee replacement in TV in February, which is a partial replacement. When I returned home I checked it out and I was not a canidate and needed a total. The total robotic is the Praxim Navigation Robot, 5 inch insision, no muscle cut. I did not experience any pain with the surgery and was on Vicodin. Had inhouse physical therepy for 2 weeks and out patient physical for 4 or 5 weeks, still in it. I am way ahead of my fellow PT patient, they had surgery weeks before me. The PT is no walk in the park, the only part that is painful for me is the flexing back. I would do some PT before surgery to strengthen the muscles and an exercise bike IMO is a must. It really loosens things up before PT. If you google Praxim Navigation Florida you can check it out. I know there is a Medical Center in Orlando that uses it. All the best.