5 weeks post TKR

[Nightfly]

I just had my left knee replaced as it was bone on bone filled with bone spurs. I am only 43 and this was due to sports. What I notice now is that my new left knee has made my left leg longer. My left thigh feels like an old mans. I want to go to the gym and just squat the bar. ROM will be limited but I need to get away from these PT exercises and do something fun but safe. Does having a leg longer cause any problems? I have searched threads but I have not seen anyone with this kind of surgery. What precautions should I take as well advice for me going forward?

[Tom Campitelli]

What I notice now is that my new left knee has made my left leg longer. My left thigh feels like an old mans.

Hmmm... That is interesting. I haven't trained enough people with knee replacements to know if this is a normal consequence of knee replacement.

I want to go to the gym and just squat the bar. ROM will be limited but I need to get away from these PT exercises and do something fun but safe. Does having a leg longer cause any problems?

It does. Fortunately, it is probably easily correctable. Get two pieces of scrap plywood, one at 1/2" thick and one at 3/4" thick. Cut them into 10"x12" squares. These are shims that you can put under the shorter leg to even you out. Fairly common thing, actually.

What precautions should I take as well advice for me going forward?

The normal stuff. Be careful. Work toward full ROM before increasing load. Squat with good form. I recommend finding a Starting Strength Coach, too. Have them help you along the way. This is something where another pair of eyes coupled with useful cues will help you.

[Nightfly]

Well since there is bone on bone with my other knee the new knee is not collapsed. I think I gained some height. Yeah, I'll make a trip to the lumber yard today.

[Bekah Cygan]

Leg length discrepancy is common status post knee replacement, but chances are that it will still change a bit until you are 1 year out from surgery...probably becoming less over this time as you continue to heal. I would agree that you should continue to work on ROM before loading the new joint. 5 weeks is still pretty recent from surgery...find a coach to help you through this process.

[Nightfly]

I started over on the program and it felt ok. I am not hitting the depth but I think that I can focus on my form. It was just 135 on my back but is is way more rewarding than doing quad sets. For insurance purposes I plan on havingthe other knee done in December.

[Tom Campitelli]

Establish the range of motion before adding weight.