Cycling & Replacement knee operation

[John Mouatt]

After 55 years of cycling all over the place, my right knee has finally given out and I am going to have a total knee replacement operation - only option available if I want to hgave anything like a normal life in future.
Have any forum members, or family members had such an operation?
What was the outcome w.r.t their ability to continue cycling?
Did they have any problems?
Did they have to modify their bikes?

Any feedback will be appreciated

[Jonty]

John - unfortunately I can't help you but I would love to know how you get on in due course.
jonty

[John Mouatt]

Hi Jonty,

OK, will due in due course, but op not planned until Dec 10.

[7_lives_left]

Hi John
I have no direct experience of this, my joints are fine so far, touch wood.

I once wound up in a hospital ward where a guy in the bed opposite me was just recovering from a knee replacement op done a few days earlier. When he learned that I was a cyclist, he told me that prior to the op he did a little gentle cycling, but that was principally because he found it preferable to having to walk anywhere. You probably know this already of course.

My sister-in-law's mother had a knee replacement op a few years ago. However she is not a cyclist. She was quite active prior to the op (and I am guessing she may be slightly older than you), but has been less active post op. I believe the knee still gives her pain unfortunately and she told me that she regretted having it done.

Here's hoping that your operation works out better.

[Gearoidmuar]

I know a chap in Cork who's had two knee replacements and he doesn't have much problem cycling, apart from the fact that he's grossly overweight. He had some difficulty for a while getting sufficient flexion in one, but it's fine now.

[Phil_Lee]

I have a knee problem, and although I haven't had a replacement, some of my experience may be relevant.
To put it in perspective, I have a missing posterior cruciate ligament, which has caused general looseness in the joint, to the extent that I need to wear a permanent metal brace on my leg and use a walking stick. I'm not supposed to attempt walks of greater than 100 metres, and only that far on completely level ground.
If you are used to a low cadence, you may wish to lower your gearing, so you can spin faster and keep the load on the knee lower.
If you have limited mobility after the op, consider shorter cranks (or even just the one on that side), although you may need to increase the saddle height if you use shorter cranks, so you may need to re-examine your whole bike fit.
To use a crank shorter on one side than the other, you may need to add a spacer between shoe and pedal on the side with the longer crank, so that the foot position is the same at the bottom of the pedal stroke. Then the only difference will be that the knee on the side with the shorter crank will not need to flex as much fore & aft, nor rise as high. Both bars and saddle will need to be raised by the same amount as the reduction in the crank length to keep the fit the same.
Crank shorteners would be a good temporary solution
If you use SPDs, you may need to lower the release tension on that side.

Take it gently, and no mashing!

I know that my knee specialist (Mr Edwards, Addenbooke's) recommends cycling as an ideal exercise for those with many knee problems, both for maintaining mobility and post operative rehabilitation. It's low impact, doesn't risk twisting or jarring the joint, and can be as high or low resistance as you need, depending on gearing.

Good luck, and let us know how you get on.

[Steve Kish]

+1 for the 'don't really know but hope it goes well' vote.

Hopefully, part of the healing process may actually include a bit of cycling in moderation. Mr Edwards seems to have the right idea.

[Grandad]

One of our club members had a replacement knee shortly before he retired from work and has since done an alpine tour with camping equipment.

He puts his recovery down to faithfully keeping to the post op physiotherapy routine.

Good luck.

[Kirst]

He puts his recovery down to faithfully keeping to the post op physiotherapy routine.

Good luck.

This is really important. If you don't do the exercises, you'll never get full flexion back.