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Is there a surgical option for my fused knee?
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Bone and Orthopedic Conditions
Question #24334
135 days ago
284

Is there a surgical option for my fused knee?

Client_be730c

Hello I must be so lucky if you check my message out I am a 28 year girl who’s been suffering from a straight leg. My knee joint damaged after an accident and they fused my knee and now it’s been 7 years that i couldn’t bend my knee I just want to know is there any possibility of a surgery for my leg ? I can send you my hospital datas and radiology

How would you describe the pain in your knee?:

- No pain

Have you undergone any treatments or therapies for your knee since the fusion?:

- Yes, physical therapy

What is your current level of mobility?:

- Completely immobile
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Doctors' responses

Hello

Yes — there may be a surgical option, but it depends on how your knee was fused and the condition of the joint and surrounding tissues.

In some cases, a knee fusion (arthrodesis) can be converted to a total knee replacement, even years later.

This is complex surgery, done only in specialized orthopedic centers, and requires:

Good bone quality Intact nerves and blood supply Functional muscles (especially quadriceps) No active infection

What to know honestly:

The goal is usually limited bending and better function, not a “normal” knee Complication risk is higher than routine knee replacement Recovery and rehab are long and demanding

If conversion isn’t possible, options are limited, but a specialist can still assess alignment, limb length, and function.

Next step: consult an orthopedic surgeon who specializes in complex knee reconstruction. Your radiology reports and operative notes are essential — you can share them for guidance.

I know this is emotionally heavy. After 7 years, it’s still reasonable to seek answers — and you’re not wrong to hope.

Take care Thank You

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Hello dear As per clinical history arthrodesis ( fusion of leg joint ) was done to avoid mobility. Now total knee replacement therapy can be done which has Good prognosis Improves mobility long standing and stable There may be requirement of following tests for confirmation Esr CBC X ray knee joint Knee USG Crp Serum ferritin Please share the result with orthopedic surgeon for better clarity and for safety please donot take any medication without consulting the concerned physician Hopefully you recover soon Regards

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Hello I’m really sorry to hear about your situation. It sounds challenging to deal with a fused knee for so long. There are surgical options that might be considered for knee fusion, such as knee replacement or osteotomy, depending on your specific condition and overall health.

If you can share your hospital data and radiology reports, I can help you understand the next steps or what to discuss with your doctor. Please go ahead and send the information!

Thank you

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When a knee joint is surgically fused (knee arthrodesis), the bones are intentionally joined together so the knee cannot bend. This is usually done after severe trauma, infection, or failed surgeries to provide stability and remove pain. Since you now have no pain but complete stiffness, this is typical after fusion.

The good news is that surgery may still be possible, but it depends on several factors.

There are two main possibilities doctors consider:

1. Conversion of knee fusion to total knee replacement (TKR) Some specialized orthopedic surgeons can convert a fused knee into an artificial knee joint. This can: • restore some bending (usually 60–90° or more) • improve walking and sitting • improve quality of life

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Knee fusion, while effective for pain management, does limit mobility. Considering surgical options to regain function like bending your knee can indeed be explored. One such option is a knee arthroplasty or total knee replacement, where the fused knee is reconstructed to regain some movement. The surgery involves replacing the damaged structures of your knee with artificial components. However, transitioning from a fused knee to a mobile one can be complex, given that the muscle strength, ligament condition, and overall joint health have likely declined due to disuse over the years. There are several considerations to address, including evaluating your bone quality, examining for potential complications, and making sure there are no infections or other contraindications. Recovery and rehabilitation are critical components to improving outcomes. Participate in a focused rehabilitation program to strengthen the muscles around the knee pre- and post-operatively, under guidance from a physiotherapist. Consulting with an orthopedic surgeon who specializes in complex knee revisions is important here. They can offer a personalized assessment, discuss risks versus benefits, and determine the suitability of this surgical approach given your specific situation. Also, given your young age, weighing the longevity of any implanted materials to avoid multiple future replacements is significant. While surgery may offer improved mobility, commitment to lengthy rehabilitation and realistic expectations for movement limitations are key for a successful outcome.

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If your knee was surgically fused (knee arthrodesis) after severe joint damage, it is expected that you cannot bend it — fusion permanently joins the bones to eliminate movement, usually done when the joint cannot be reconstructed.

In some cases, conversion from knee fusion to total knee replacement (TKR) is technically possible, but it is a complex procedure with higher risks (infection, nerve injury, stiffness) and depends on factors like bone quality, muscle condition, previous infection history, and soft tissue status after 7 years.

You should consult an experienced Orthopedic surgeon specializing in complex knee reconstruction or revision surgery for detailed evaluation (X-rays, CT scan, clinical exam) to determine whether surgical conversion is feasible and safe in your specific case.

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