UKH

Hello, I was wondering if anyone on here has any experience climbing after full knee replacement surgery?

I've been struggling for years now with my knees and now its developed in severe arthritis and bone damage caused initially by massage trauma to the knees. I'm only 45 which is a kicker,  I've had extensive talks with a private surgeon who's a specialist in this surgery and he's confident I can resume sport climbing, cycling etc without issue, but I'm interested if other people have had this done and their experience. 

At this stage I need the surgery no matter what as nothing else can be done.  

Wayne

Like many on here, I suspect, I have had both a full knee replacement and a full hip replacement. Recovery from the knee op. was quite slow and painful - it was almost two years before I felt the full benefit, but, once I did, it was great. I was about 60 when it was done and for the last five years have been able to climb no worse than I was before (sadly no better either). The hip replacement was very easy by comparison and I was able to climb carefully just three weeks after the op.. The main issue with the knee was regaining good flexibility/bend, but it just required consistent effort and exercise. Both operations were done by the NHS and every aspect of treatment and care was excellent.

Like you I had reached a point where I felt I had no alternative, even for everyday living, but the outcome was much better than I was led to expect by the surgeon. It most definitely does not need to be the end of all the fun.

Good luck if/when you have it done!

John.

No personal experience, but I do have two friends that both have TKRs. Both are climbing again reasonably hard (though one only seconds/top ropes, but that's his choice as he doesn't want to fall) and the other one skis as well). The only thing they both say is that they have a slightly restricted range of motion (bending the knee). They were probably both early 50s when operated.

I've only experienced hand surgery, but I recall my surgeon saying that his job was about 1/3 of the work and the patient puts in the other 2/3 of the work in recovery / physio, etc. Best of luck with it.

I think that what you bring to the op in terms of existing musculature and strength is also important. The stronger your leg is, the better the recovery. I guess some exercises will be beyond you now but try and do whatever you can before the op to get as strong as possible. It may be worth getting some advice on what’s practical from a physio beforehand. 

Thread on Mountain Project :   https://www.mountainproject.com/forum/topic/107580619/knee-replacement

Thanks everyone for the replys. I think even though I need the surgery I just wanted a bit more piece of mind that I could get back to climbing again, bit more piece of mind if you will. It's all very encouraging so thanks.

I had a osteochondral allograft to solve a serious knee injury. This has been wonderfully successful after taking several years to bed in and settle down.

I think such things are only promoted for injury related knee damage and not degeneration. And at the time nobody was really doing it in the UK and I had it done in California. Not sure how much that has changed since.

I got the feeling that UK surgeons were keen to use the techniques they knew and were confident in regardless of it they were the best option.

My alternative was a knee replacement and I was very keen to avoid that being only in my mid thirties at the time.