what will life be like after a Knee fusion?

Question:

19 yr old with avasuclar necrosis in left knee. very advanced. w/tibial plateau fracture. cant get a totaly knee because knee MAY be infected (couldnt find cause). so I need a knee fusion (my knee will be stuck straight at 20 degrees) Caused by steriod treatment during leukemia treatment. want to know if i can drive, sit, walk (with or without a limp) etc. Will be attending college once surgery is completed so surgery is very important as well as the outcome.

Answers:
I had a tibia fracture along with a bone tumor in my tibia so I can relate to your situation and choices.

I am assuming your leukemia is in remission?

Why don't you stick it out for a few months until it can be determined whether or not the knee is infected. A total knee replacement would be a much better outcome than a fused knee. With a fused knee you will be able to do everything listed above but of course with a limp and you will probably have some arthritis develop.

If your current care is being supervised by a local orthopedist, before having the fusion, I'd suggest you get a second evaluation by a bone tumor specialist at a big teaching hospital. For me, finding the correct (super talented) surgeon was the key to my having a successful outcome. I wouldn't be in a big hurry to have the fusion because you will be living for a long time with the results of your decisions.

Even if they do the fusion, wouldn't you need a total knee replacement in the future? good luck

Other Answers:
Hi,,,,, i feel for you.... i had my knee worked on a few years ago,, and it still hurts sometimes...... (I felt the hurricanes coming last year) no kidding.....i had a limp for a few months also.....

Good luck and hang in there,,,,,,

You can walk with a stiff knee and a limp, driving may be possible if the car is adapted to your needs. I see no reason you cannot attend school.

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what will life be like after a Knee fusion?

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