MY FATHER HAD A KNEE REPLACED FOR THE SECOND TIME 5 WEEKS AGO. THIS WEEKEND HE SHATTERED BOTH BONES IN THE LOWER PART OF THIS LEG WHILE JUST STEPPING ONE FOOT DOWN OFF A DOCK. IT IS SO BAD THAT THE DOCTORS DO NOT KNOW IF IT CAN EVEN BE FIXED. THE DOCTOR SAID THIS IS FAIRLY COMMON WITH A SECOND REPLACEMENT. NOBODY MENSIONED THIS POSSIBILITY BEFORE THE SECOND SURGERY. HAS ANYBODY EVER HEARD OF THIS?

-- LINDA ENGELMEIER (LINDAE@HYPROPUMPS.COM), August 20, 2002

Answers

Fractures following total knee replacement is fortunately not a common occurrence. Usually weight bearing is protected by a walker or cane following surgery until range of motion and strength have been regained. Repair of fractures around prostheses can be challenging, but usually can be achieved.

-- Errol Bennet, M.D. (dross2@jhmi.edu), October 28, 2002.