100% Better After Bilateral Knee Replacement

by Walt Schroeder

Bilateral total knee replacement (BTKR)...

Is The X10 Knee Recovery System something for you? Let the decision making begin...

Is it time? One knee at a time or BOTH (Bilateral)? How long will recovery take? But what about me? Who will help me and how much help will I need and for how long? Recovery at home or at a nursing facility? Out-patient physical therapy, home therapy or is something else available?

These are just a few questions that came to mind as I contemplated knee replacements.

How it all started for me.

First climbing stairs, and then going back down, became more and more of a challenge. Stairs become something for me to avoid. One step at a time both up and down. Embarrassing to say the least.

Secondly sitting too long also became more and more of a problem. Not justt the sitting, but getting back up again. Soon going out to eat or going to unfamiliar surroundings with unknown sitting arrangements caused undo concern.

Third, just going to the store became more and more of a challenge because of the constant knee pain. It all became an unwelcome game of where to find next place to sit down. I worried constantly if any seating would even be available if needed.

Finally standing for short periods without something to lean on became a challenge. Even short walks to and from the car were worrisome and overly concerning for me.

TIME for ACTION before quality of life declines any further.

I had experienced this knee pain for some time, perhaps five (5) years or more, but it was becoming worse and worse. I did have one hip replaced several years earlier, and with input from my Brother-In-Law who is an orthopedic surgeon, discovered that anterior surgery method. This method was what he had used for years which then lead me to Dr. Michael Lamson who did the anterior method at Sauk Prairie Hospital in Sauk Prairie, WI. The results were outstanding and I was back to my old self in a couple of weeks.

Because of the outstanding results of the hip surgery why not go in the same direction with the knees? I made an appointment with Dr. Lamson to verify what we already knew... both knees were worn out and needed to be replaced. Then again back to my trusted orthopedic Brother-In-Law. As we talked he said if he were having both knees replaced he’d do them both at the same time or bilateral replacement. I had done some research on this prior to our talk so was at least familiar with the procedure. I then had another appointment with my doctor, and he agreed that bilateral replacement would be a good option for me and agreed to do so. He told me to think about it and let him know if I would go with one or two knees.

Discovery Time.

So now more research and hand wringing. What to do, what to do.  During this research on bi-lateral vs single replacement I also came across the X10 Knee Recovery System.  Read up on it and became very excited.  At that time X10 was not yet covering Wisconsin, but I’ll contact them anyway.  Mary Elliott from X10 called me back and we started taking about my situation, and the bilateral replacement which my doctor agreed to do. Additional information and discussions followed. I also supplied the info about the X10 to my doctor.  He and the physical therapists looked over the info and said that the X10 would be ...

Knee Replacement Revision. Dr. Carl Freeman had 21 knee surgeries prior to gettting a total knee replacement revision and finally getting it right. He describes his recovery with the X10 here.

A Knee Replacement Revision

written by Dr. Carl Freeman

I am in the midst of recovering from my 21st knee surgery. Below is what I have learned, what I wished I had known, and what I recommend you do.

Full disclosure: I have worked with the team at X10 Therapy for more than five years as the Director of Research. I study the data that we obtain from our patients, looking for patterns and trends in the recoveries of X10 patients.

My Knee Story Starts in the Fifth Grade

In 1960 I was in the fifth grade when I dislocated my left knee playing football. In middle school and high school, my knees dislocated frequently; the doctor did tendon extensions on both knees in 1967 but extended them too far, adding pressure on my knee caps, and causing them to wear away. In 1968 both knee caps were removed.

Between 1968 and 1983, I had numerous cartilage trims, meniscus repairs etc.  In 1983 I slipped on the ice putting the right knee through the quadriceps tendon, pulling ligaments out of the bone and severing an artery. It took two surgeries to put it back together. In 2011 I had two total knee replacements. Between 1983 and 2011, I had manipulations under anesthesia, cartilage trims, and other repairs.

For my knee replacements, I chose the surgeon who did these smaller repairs (a mistake). The surgeon chose to use implants for patients who had knee caps. I didn’t have knee caps and my left leg was unstable; in 2015, I went to a different surgeon for a revision of my left leg. The knee revision was a disaster. The surgeon added space between the bones so that the joint line was an inch and half thick, instead of half an inch. The two components of the new knee were rotated in opposite directions putting my knee about 1 inch out of perpendicular, stretching the ligaments, causing immense pain and instability with every step. I complained from my first visit to my last and was told simply to exercise. I exercised religiously, but the knee was so painful and unstable that I could not stand for more than a minute or two. On July 18th 2018 I had my 21st knee surgery.

This is what I have learned:

* The most important decision is, “Who is doing the surgery”. Patients with exceptional surgeons quickly regain range of motion have about a 1% chance of needing a manipulation under anesthesia (MUA). These surgeons typically do hundreds of knee replacements a year. Less qualified surgeons typically have MUA rates of 4-15%, and do fewer than 100 knee replacements per year.

* The state of your leg is in before surgery is crucial. The average patient has gone down in strength and range of motion for over eight years before getting a knee replacement. It is essential to do pre-habilitation exercises. Prehab could come in the form of outpatient physical therapy or the X10 in your home. Outpatient physical therapy involves going to a clinic for eight weeks; less than half the patients comply. In contrast, X10 Therapy is used in-house for prehab (over 90% compliance) and is more efficient: as little as three weeks of therapy has proven efficacious. This is what I did.

* After surgery you have got to move; the nurses will get you up and walking the day of surgery, but within a day or so, you will be home—then what do you do? You either move the joint or you lose your range of motion and muscle strength.

A Knee Replacement Revision

written by Dr. Carl Freeman

I am in the midst of recovering from my 21st knee surgery. Below is what I have learned, what I wished I had known, and what I recommend you do.

Full disclosure: I have worked with the team at X10 Therapy for more than five years as the Director of Research. I study the data that we obtain from our patients, looking for patterns and trends in the recoveries of X10 patients.

My Knee Story Starts in the Fifth Grade

In 1960 I was in the fifth grade when I dislocated my left knee playing football. In middle school and high school, my knees dislocated frequently; the doctor did tendon extensions on both knees in 1967 but extended them too far, adding pressure on my knee caps, and causing them to wear away. In 1968 both knee caps were removed.

Between 1968 and 1983, I had numerous cartilage trims, meniscus repairs etc.  In 1983 I slipped on the ice putting the right knee through the quadriceps tendon, pulling ligaments out of the bone and severing an artery. It took two surgeries to put it back together. In 2011 I had two total knee replacements. Between 1983 and 2011, I had manipulations under anesthesia, cartilage trims, and other repairs.

For my knee replacements, I chose the surgeon who did these smaller repairs (a mistake). The surgeon chose to use implants for patients who had knee caps. I didn’t have knee caps and my left leg was unstable; in 2015, I went to a different surgeon for a revision of my left leg. The knee revision was a disaster. The surgeon added space between the bones so that the joint line was an inch and half thick, instead of half an inch. The two components of the new knee were rotated in opposite directions putting my knee about 1 inch out of perpendicular, stretching the ligaments, causing immense pain and instability with every step. I complained from my first visit to my last and was told simply to exercise. I exercised religiously, but the knee was so painful and unstable that I could not stand for more than a minute or two. On July 18th 2018 I had my 21st knee surgery.

This is what I have learned:

* The most important decision is, “Who is doing the surgery”. Patients with exceptional surgeons quickly regain range of motion have about a 1% chance of needing a manipulation under anesthesia (MUA). These surgeons typically do hundreds of knee replacements a year. Less qualified surgeons typically have MUA rates of 4-15%, and do fewer than 100 knee replacements per year.

* The state of your leg is in before surgery is crucial. The average patient has gone down in strength and range of motion for over eight years before getting a knee replacement. It is essential to do pre-habilitation exercises. Prehab could come in the form of outpatient physical therapy or the X10 in your home. Outpatient physical therapy involves going to a clinic for eight weeks; less than half the patients comply. In contrast, X10 Therapy is used in-house for prehab (over 90% compliance) and is more efficient: as little as three weeks of therapy has proven efficacious. This is what I did.

* After surgery you have got to move; the nurses will get you up and walking the day of surgery, but within a day or so, you will be home—then what do you do? You either move the joint or you lose your range of motion and muscle strength.

Sandra's Story: One Knee Replacement at a Time by Dr. Mark Karadsheh

written by Sandra Kirsch

My name is Sandra, and I had a total knee replacement first on my left knee and then on my right knee a few months later.

In my late 40's I was involved in a car accident that severely damaged my right knee. I was told to hold out as long as possible as new prostheses and better techniques were in the horizon for total knee replacements.

"I knew in my heart I had to do something"

For the past fifteen years, I have tried countless approaches to avoid the surgery. This past year was the final turning point for me. My left knee which I called my "go to knee" had started to fail. I was waking up every 2-3 hours at night with unbearable pain in the left knee.

I could no longer walk more than 10 minutes and needed to rest. My love for exercising became extremely limited. I could no longer stand and cook, play on the ground with my granddaughters or enjoy any traveling experiences.

The quality of my life was diminishing in front of me.  My ‘moment of truth’ had arrived.  I am thrilled I was able to wait until 63 years of age before having my first total knee replacement in early summer.

My first order was to research and find the right surgeon for me. I took this order very seriously and saw four doctors before making my decision. Not everyone thinks alike and it was interesting but confusing to hear differences of opinion. I learned something new and was better informed from each office visit.

I found Dr. Mark Karadsheh to be the best choice for me. He is highly approachable, progressive and really listened when I asked questions. He explained why he was not in favor of not doing two knees at the same time. I wanted to move on as quickly as possible but so grateful I did one knee at a time. I really needed the support of the opposite knee for a strong recovery. I waited three months between my first and second surgeries. Although I am younger and healthy I could not imagine doing a bilateral surgery.

Dr. Karadsheh is all about the patient getting the best result possible.  He explained the benefit of using the X10 machine for pre-surgery and rehabbing the knee. I love finding ways to get the best results possible, and welcomed the opportunity to use the machine. The machine was delivered to my home three weeks before my first surgery and was returned to my home before the second surgery. It is also very helpful that I have an X10 coach that I could call if any questions arise. I love using the machine and tracking my progress before and after both surgeries. I have found the X10 to be fun, easy to use, and allows me to work day or night to speed up my recovery time. It has especially helped in regaining my extension/flexion in a very short period of time. I returned to 0/130 after my first surgery in two weeks! Three weeks after my second surgery I am at 0/122. The second surgery was harder because I had more swelling and pain, but my family and friends still marvel at how quickly I am progressing.

You must be invested in your recovery if you want a great outcome. The surgeon has done his part and the ball is in the patient’s court for the final outcome. The tools are all there for success. I am grateful that the X10 was available at this time of my life as it was not available fifteen years ago.

Sandra's Story: One Knee Replacement at a Time by Dr. Mark Karadsheh

written by Sandra Kirsch

My name is Sandra, and I had a total knee replacement first on my left knee and then on my right knee a few months later.

In my late 40's I was involved in a car accident that severely damaged my right knee. I was told to hold out as long as possible as new prostheses and better techniques were in the horizon for total knee replacements.

"I knew in my heart I had to do something"

For the past fifteen years, I have tried countless approaches to avoid the surgery. This past year was the final turning point for me. My left knee which I called my "go to knee" had started to fail. I was waking up every 2-3 hours at night with unbearable pain in the left knee.

I could no longer walk more than 10 minutes and needed to rest. My love for exercising became extremely limited. I could no longer stand and cook, play on the ground with my granddaughters or enjoy any traveling experiences.

The quality of my life was diminishing in front of me.  My ‘moment of truth’ had arrived.  I am thrilled I was able to wait until 63 years of age before having my first total knee replacement in early summer.

My first order was to research and find the right surgeon for me. I took this order very seriously and saw four doctors before making my decision. Not everyone thinks alike and it was interesting but confusing to hear differences of opinion. I learned something new and was better informed from each office visit.

I found Dr. Mark Karadsheh to be the best choice for me. He is highly approachable, progressive and really listened when I asked questions. He explained why he was not in favor of not doing two knees at the same time. I wanted to move on as quickly as possible but so grateful I did one knee at a time. I really needed the support of the opposite knee for a strong recovery. I waited three months between my first and second surgeries. Although I am younger and healthy I could not imagine doing a bilateral surgery.

Dr. Karadsheh is all about the patient getting the best result possible.  He explained the benefit of using the X10 machine for pre-surgery and rehabbing the knee. I love finding ways to get the best results possible, and welcomed the opportunity to use the machine. The machine was delivered to my home three weeks before my first surgery and was returned to my home before the second surgery. It is also very helpful that I have an X10 coach that I could call if any questions arise. I love using the machine and tracking my progress before and after both surgeries. I have found the X10 to be fun, easy to use, and allows me to work day or night to speed up my recovery time. It has especially helped in regaining my extension/flexion in a very short period of time. I returned to 0/130 after my first surgery in two weeks! Three weeks after my second surgery I am at 0/122. The second surgery was harder because I had more swelling and pain, but my family and friends still marvel at how quickly I am progressing.

You must be invested in your recovery if you want a great outcome. The surgeon has done his part and the ball is in the patient’s court for the final outcome. The tools are all there for success. I am grateful that the X10 was available at this time of my life as it was not available fifteen years ago.

Joseph Salama, MD specializes in general orthopedic surgery, which includes treatment of fractures, arthritis, disorders of bones, joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments, reconstructive surgery and arthroscopic surgery.

Podcast - The Bee's Knees

Stories of knee recovery, therapy and life after surgery.

Dr. Joseph Salama, Orthopedic Surgeon

A Brief Interview

Joseph Salama, MD specializes in general orthopedic surgery, which includes treatment of fractures, arthritis, disorders of bones, joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments, reconstructive surgery and arthroscopic surgery. His special areas of interest are total knee and hip replacement, arthroscopic knee surgery, sports injuries, and work related injuries.

Dr. Salama was educated at Wayne State University, receiving a Bachelor of Arts in 1971. He then attended Wayne State University School of Medicine where he graduated with a medical degree in 1975. He interned at Sinai Hospital in Detroit and was trained in orthopedic surgery at Mt. Carmel Mercy Hospital. Dr. Salama is a member of the Michigan Orthopedic Society and is board Certified by the American Board of Orthopedic Surgeons. He is a fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons.

Dr. Salama is the current President of the Medical Staff at Providence Park Hospital in Southfield, Michigan where he is an active attending surgeon in Orthopedic Surgery.

Many patients of Dr. Joseph Salama have been prescribed the X10 for their replacement recovery.

Birmingham Integrowth Orthopedics

This practice is dedicated to providing quality surgical and non-surgical orthopaedic care for the communites of the surrounding area. At Birmingham Integrowth Orthopedics the primary goal is to provide you with premier healthcare services in a friendly and pleasant environment. Please browse their website to become acquainted with our practice, our physicians, and our services.

Podcast - The Bee's Knees

Stories of knee recovery, therapy and life after surgery.

Dr. Joseph Salama, Orthopedic Surgeon

A Brief Interview

Joseph Salama, MD specializes in general orthopedic surgery, which includes treatment of fractures, arthritis, disorders of bones, joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments, reconstructive surgery and arthroscopic surgery. His special areas of interest are total knee and hip replacement, arthroscopic knee surgery, sports injuries, and work related injuries.

Dr. Salama was educated at Wayne State University, receiving a Bachelor of Arts in 1971. He then attended Wayne State University School of Medicine where he graduated with a medical degree in 1975. He interned at Sinai Hospital in Detroit and was trained in orthopedic surgery at Mt. Carmel Mercy Hospital. Dr. Salama is a member of the Michigan Orthopedic Society and is board Certified by the American Board of Orthopedic Surgeons. He is a fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons.

Dr. Salama is the current President of the Medical Staff at Providence Park Hospital in Southfield, Michigan where he is an active attending surgeon in Orthopedic Surgery.

Many patients of Dr. Joseph Salama have been prescribed the X10 for their replacement recovery.

Birmingham Integrowth Orthopedics

This practice is dedicated to providing quality surgical and non-surgical orthopaedic care for the communites of the surrounding area. At Birmingham Integrowth Orthopedics the primary goal is to provide you with premier healthcare services in a friendly and pleasant environment. Please browse their website to become acquainted with our practice, our physicians, and our services.

I did a lot of research beforehand trying to look into therapy, what's the best thing for somebody my age, and what was going to be able to get me back to being able to officiate. I came across the X10 when I was online looking for the best ways to rehab bilateral total knee replacement.