Alright. The count down has started. Monday morning I have surgery to replace my right knee ACL.
I had the choice to have my doctor carve up a part of my own body or put a tendon from a cadaver in my knee.
If it comes from me, the benefit is that I know where the part came from. But I greatly extend my rehab time.
If it comes from a cadaver of a generous person, the benefit is that I recover faster. But there is always a very small chance for complications.
I’m going with "Dead Knee Walking" (cadaver). I’m told that in about 12 weeks, my body will replace the donor tendon with all-natural-Tim.
Have you had any similar experiences? Any thoughts on the subject?
I read a book about this once…what was it called? Oh yeah, FRANKENSTEIN!
Wow it doesn’t seem possible that it is time for surgery. Shorter rehab time is definitely the benefit of a cadaver..and an excellent benefit indeed! Remember ice/elevation and quad sets after surgery!! Let me know when you are ready for Blue Valley PT and I will call them to hook you up!! We will be in prayer for you.
Tim – My dad (who is 71 years old) had cadaver bone placed in his left ankle a few months ago and he’s doing fine. The surgeon used the cadaver bone to fuse the joint because the previous “total ankle” replacement didn’t work out. Anyway, Dad’s doing great and gaining more strength in the ankle each day.
Anyway, from what I’ve recently had explained to me from a surgical ortho nurse, there is no need for any anti-rejection meds because the cadaver bone is radiated/zapped and is depleated of anything your body would try to reject. So that’s a good thing — less meds!
Don’t fret about it. It’s a gift that the surgeon will mold and form to fit your need!
My Dad says, “As long as they keep makin’ spare parts, I’ll be alright!”
Brad — “Frankenstein.” I’ve been called worse things. 🙂
Kelly — I’ll let you know.
Ruth — Thanks for the encouragement!
Better late than never I suppose! I had an ACL with a cadaver patellar tendon graft. I also had another surgery in conjunction with it! You will go through this with flying colors and your surgeon is awesome and a Christian to boot! Isn’t God awesome how he orchestrates things? The only thing you need is Blue Valley Physical Therapy! They are wonderful! I rehabed there!