Trikes and Knee Replacements
 

I am thinking about a total knee replacement. I own an Expedition, so it's pretty low to the ground. Getting up to a standing position after a TKR is a concern I have. Even though I'm 81, I'm thinking age will not have anything to do with it any more than it does now. So now it's not an issue. Are there any of you folks who have had a TKR and now ride a trike now please tell me of your experience? Thanks

Osteoarthritis when giving me trouble is helped with the accessibility aids the Utah Trikes sells for getting in and out of my trike.

Oh, I should also mention that I had TKR scheduled after 3 steroid shots in my left knee and also had one in the right when I went on Microlactin. It is not a cure but I have not had another shot in 14 months of riding. It is no cure but no I am riding every other day with out pain and loving life.

If you you can get on and off your Expedition now you'll have no problem once you have progressed far enough in your recovery.

My wife had a TKR a couple of years ago and had no problem riding her Catrike Trail. The key for her was excellent physical therapy and faithfully doing her exercise routine at home. And, in addition to her home exercises I set up an EZ-1 recumbent on a trainer. It took her a little over a week to make a full pedal revolution but after that she progressed rapidly.

Hopefully, just do your PT religiously to get your range-of-motion back after surgery. One guy in my club never got full range of motion, he had to get a crank shortener for that leg. Worst case, you'll have to get some help getting up and down - cane, handles, maybe a thicker seat pad???

I'm sorry to hear about your knee. I'm 70 and I ride a Greenspeed GT20 with the seat as low as it will go, and the the back all the way reclined. Over the years I have had both hips replaced and my left knee replaced about 4 years ago, all due to osteoarthritis. I have had no problems sitting down or getting out of the seat, although I use assist handles. I worked very hard at my physical therapy (which is critical) and I recovered full range of motion and I have been pain-free. Good luck with your surgery. I hope I am still riding at your age!