Golf Doctor
(orthopaedics)
It May Not Help... But it Couldn't
Hurt!
Michael Leighton, M.D.
Dear Golf Doctor:
I am 65 and shoot in the low 80's. I've been told by an
orthopaedist that I need a knee replacement. I've heard from friends
that they don't last, the rehab is brutal, and I'll never be the
same. Are they right, and if so, are there other options?
&endash;Bob Spevak, Boca Raton
Dear Bob:
Use magnets. They cure everything from arthritis to
prostatitis. That would be too easy if that were the answer, but
frankly, try them. In fact, try anything that might be suggested as
long as it isn't obviously harmful to you. What I mean is, you don't
need a total knee replacement until you realize that you do. You have
to be convinced in your own mind that you've exhausted all of the
other options. If Aunt Sadie from the old country swears that rubbing
chicken fat on the extremity gets rid of rheumatism, go for it
&endash; no harm done. Who knows, the placebo effect is 10 to 30
percent. If it buys you time and your pain level isn't quite there,
try it. Knee replacement is big surgery and big rehab. If you don't
appreciate that going in and you aren't in the state of mind where
your pain is SO severe, then it is difficult making the process seem
worthwhile. Ask someone who has had the severe pain before and now
has a nearly pain-free existence.
How long does a knee replacement last? Many factors are
involved. The patient demand (activity level, weight, occupation),
surgical technique, and concomitant medical conditions, all play a
major role in the longevity of a prosthesis. Recently at the national
orthopaedic surgeons meeting, long term (12 to 20 years) results of
total knee replacement were presented. If the patient was still
alive, 97% of total knee replacements were still in place at 12
years, 95% at 15 years, and 90% at 20 years. What that means is that
the "typical" 65-year-old that has a well-done total knee by a
technically proficient orthopaedic surgeon has a 19 in 20 chance of
still having that knee at age 80! I'd like to see you make 95% of
your four-footers!
In terms of non-operative treatment, here are a few hot things.
If you haven't heard of Cosamin by now, you aren't spending enough
time by the pool. This chondroitin sulfate/glucosamine compound is
supposed to arrest the progression of osteoarthritis in the joint.
Remember that arthritis is the progressive loss and degeneration of
cartilage on the end of the bone. These compounds are part of the
Michael Leighton, M.D. is an avid golfer who specializes in
orthopaedic surgery and sports medicine. He can be reached at
Atlantis Orthopaedics, 561-967-4400 or by e-mail at
KNEESURG@aol.com
