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1. BigSteve - Member

   Having been on and off the bike for the last year due to a broken collar bone that refuses to heal, I have now seriously injured my knee whilst walking in Wales. It seems I have degenerative arthritis of both knees and right knee has gone completely. The doc is now talking about a knee replacement.

   So has anyone had a knee replacement? If so have you been able to resume cycling? And to what level - certainly no racing whippet but I do like XC - even if I can only get back to road riding I'll be happy.

   Posted 8 months ago #
2. keith2005motorcross - Member

   i know 2 people who have had knee replacements. both could not do mountain biking due to restriction in the joint cos of scar tissue but both do small amounts of roady type biking..anything that loads the joint like mountain biking isnt good for the new joint.. and you increase the risk of damaging the knee with fall offs and twisting.in short respect the repair and thing will be ok for a long time,,,

   Posted 8 months ago #
3. Surrounded By Zulus - Member

   Speak to the surgeon, there may be more suitable procedures for your activity level.

   Posted 8 months ago #
4. Renagade Marmalade - Member

   My Mum had a double knee replacement about 7 years ago and is back mountain biking and road riding although at 69 she aint as knaaaarly as she used to be. For her getting a sport sensitive specialists made the difference. One Doc told her she would probably not cycle again and a lady of her years should be taking it easy... another was adamant if she got the physio regime right afterwards she would be bike on the bike. She was like a woman possessed when it came to the physio and has just under 100% bend back in both knees and no restrictive movement from scar tissue... Speak to as many specialists as you can and good luck find a suitable solution.

   PS the knee replacements for her were totally necessary as she could hardly walk stairs before she had it done.

   Posted 8 months ago #
5. swamp_boy - Member

   My mum had both done in her 70s, one needed redoing but they both work fine now, 10 - 12 years on. One was done at Droitwich clinic which seems to specialise in mending broken footy players, so might be worth a look. Don't know about cost though, my mum was on insurance. link

   Posted 8 months ago #
6. DIS - Member

   Never had one myself, but i have seen plenty of people who have (I work as a physio). I have known people to continue running after a replacement with out problem (i personally would not recommend as it is thought to decrease the life of the replacement). So long as you gain enough bend and keep the muscle around the knee nice and strong then mountain biking (xc type) should be fine, full suspension might help to lesson force going through the knee.

   Definitely Speak to the surgeon and emphasize you are still very active, and what you need your knee to able to do to continue that activity. There are many techniques being tried that may delay a full replacement.

   In the mean time I suggest you start resistance training (if you don’t do already) to get your legs muscles as strong as possible.

   Posted 8 months ago #
7. BigSteve - Member

   Thanks for the replys everyone. I've been feeling really down about this but the fact that some are still riding has lifted me. My GP's pretty sure it will need a replacement. I've got full BUPA so just waiting for the appointment to come through so I can speak to a surgeon.

   I do know that walking is difficult at the moment - and sleep is nigh on impossible, even after taking tromodol (sp) at night.

   I just want it sorted and to be back on the bike and playing golf/badders. Actually I can live without the badders but golf/riding/and walking I can't.

   Posted 8 months ago #
8. valleydaddy - Member

   definitely research your surgeon and I can second the Droitwich clinic if it's not too far away, and is worth travelling too, they specialise in sports injuries both soft and bone treatments.

   You can get navigated knee procedures now that give brilliant outcomes in alignment - see here http://www.replacementkneesurgery.co.uk/

   and yes I work for Aesculap but not in the implant arena

   Posted 8 months ago #
9. BigSteve - Member

   Just an update - two weeks ago I had an arthoscopy and debribement as well as having a camera shoved in. Result - surgeon says I need a full replacement - bone on bone. However the pain has gone and I now have more flexability in the knee than I have for a couple of years. Stiches out today and told I can resume cycling - so out tomorrow for a gentle road bimble. Hopefully this will give me a couple of years before the knee is replaced. My badminton/squash days are over - just walking and cycling now.

   Posted 4 months ago #

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