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Is Cartilage Implant In An Elderly Person Safe?

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Posted on Tue, 27 Sep 2016
Question: I AM 64 CAN I GET A CARTILEGE IMPLANT. MINE IS FADING AWAY AND MY ORTHO DR TELLS ME I NEED TWO KNEES REPLACES. I GO FOR SYNVIC SHOTS 2X A YEAR. THESE SEEM TO HELP.I AM GOING FOR MY SYNVIC SHOTS ON FRIDAY. I HAVE NO ENERGY TO WALK. ALSO MY BODY SWELLS. I USED TO TAKE WATER PILLS BUT DO NOT ANYMORE. WHEN I WENT FOR BLOOD WORK IT SHOWED I HAD A SLOW THYROID AND LOW IRON. DOCTOR SAID HE WOULD TREAT ME FOR THE THYROID IN 3 MONTHS ANOTHER DOCTOR FRIEND TOLD ME THAT I SHOULD BE TAKING THYROID PILLS. WHAT DO I DO TELL MY FAMILY PRACTICIONER THAT I NEED PILLS BECAUSE MY SEMI RETIRED DOCTOR FRIEND TOLD ME I NEED EM.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Prasanna Heijebu (5 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Thyroid medications are essential

Detailed Answer:
Hello, Sir

I can certainly understand your concern.

Cartilage implant can be a reasonable option in your case.This requirement should be cross verified with your orthopedic surgeon.
But nevertheless TKR( total knee replacement)can be an exceedingly a successful option in your case.

With regards to body swelling, its important to get an echocardiogram of the heart at the earliest to rule out heart failure.

At the same time, it is equally important to treat for your thyroid issues and low iron as well.

Hypothyroidism is known to cause excessive body weight.Thyroid hormones shall be replenished.

Likewise low iron can cause water retention so as hypothyroidism.

Successful treatment for anemia and hypothyroidism can dramatically improve your symptoms.

Water pills have to be continued only in cases of documented heart failure on echocardiogram.

Post your further queries if any.
Thank you.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Veerisetty Shyamkumar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Prasanna Heijebu (12 hours later)
what are the age requirements for cartilage implants? does one require medication after this procedure?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Prasanna Heijebu (19 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Younger patients benefit most

Detailed Answer:
Hello, Madam.

I can certainly understand your concern.

Most candidates for articular cartilage restoration are young adults with a single injury, or lesion.

Older patients, or those with many lesions in one joint, are less likely to benefit from the surgery.

Oral medications like Antibiotics may be required after this phase.

Post your further queries if any.

Thank you.
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Prasanna Heijebu

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2010

Answered : 1422 Questions

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Is Cartilage Implant In An Elderly Person Safe?

Brief Answer: Thyroid medications are essential Detailed Answer: Hello, Sir I can certainly understand your concern. Cartilage implant can be a reasonable option in your case.This requirement should be cross verified with your orthopedic surgeon. But nevertheless TKR( total knee replacement)can be an exceedingly a successful option in your case. With regards to body swelling, its important to get an echocardiogram of the heart at the earliest to rule out heart failure. At the same time, it is equally important to treat for your thyroid issues and low iron as well. Hypothyroidism is known to cause excessive body weight.Thyroid hormones shall be replenished. Likewise low iron can cause water retention so as hypothyroidism. Successful treatment for anemia and hypothyroidism can dramatically improve your symptoms. Water pills have to be continued only in cases of documented heart failure on echocardiogram. Post your further queries if any. Thank you.