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Yes folks I’m asking for more advice. Mom’s right kneecap has shifted and the pain is so bad she can hardly walk anymore. Knee replacement surgery is not an option at this point. Tylenol does help but she now has liver problems from that! Can anyone recommend a knee brace that might stabilize her knee or another suggestion? Thank you so much for answers to previous questions.

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Purchase an adjustable knee brace with velcro.Get her a walker.Call her doctor they may have mobile transport with a lift to help her in and out of the van.She really needs to see a doctor.
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Wheat85: She needs to be evaluated by an orthopedist posthaste.
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Please consult a doctor. Did this just happen? Go to a hospital. A dislocated kneecap must be returned into position. Then an appropriate stabilizing brace will be prescribed.

I wear a neoprene brace with metal stays and hinges (to prevent lateral motion and hyperextension) with two Velcro straps. Your mother will likely need something similar, AFTER a doctor has relocated her knee cap into its track.
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Mom needs to see an orthopedist,
if she hasn’t already.
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You don't give much info about your Mom, (age, whether she has cognitive/memory impairment or not) but I would start with requesting a cortisone shot which is covered by Medicare (1 per year).

If that doesn't work, she can have a gel injection (but not sure if this is covered by Medicare yet or not). This worked great for my Mom and she had it done in her late 80s.

Last resort that she may be a candidate for is a nerve ablation. Minimally invasive procedure, not sure it is covered by Medicare, very low risk/side effects.

If your Mom's healthcare clinic has a pain clinic, I would work through that team. There is a physical cost to be paid for taking ibuprofen or acetaminiphen daily...
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igloo572 Mar 4, 2024
Ok I just went through this. Just got the last of 3 part Eufflexxa injections. Done by the orthopedic surgeon who did its out patient day surgery clean up end of 2019. Apparently it’s the go to gel nowadays for knees.

Seems all insurance- including Medicare- require preauthorization for Euflexxa. And it is what your wrote on getting a cortisone/ steroid as a start / first attempt. Got that along with various X-ray of my knee (plus they had old images as well) right after Xmas to submit for preauthorization. Now we are still on hubs employer sponsored health Insurance (thankfully!), and Euflexxa has each of 3 injections at $1500 and my copay was $96. The MD costs covered by our plan, & would be a Part B cost for Medicare HOWEVER the Euflexxa itself is a drug. As a drug, it is on our pharmacy benefit formulary. And that seems to be the issue for Medicare as not all Part D Medicare drug plans have it on their list of drugs covered. So it would be $4,500 plus what the MD and xray copays are for your health insurance policy otherwise.

So far my pain is way down. & fwiw most insurance plans are going to cover the physician & xray costs as it’s way cheaper and less risk than doing surgery. It’s it’s “drug” costs that the crapshoot on Euflexxa coverage.
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Advil can be ysed for the pain.
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I think asking a doctor about a knee brace first, with otstoperos they can be so frail I'd be worried without asking a doctor

Wondering if physical therapy and option?

Good luck and best wishes
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Geaton777 Mar 4, 2024
Yes, PT strengthens the muscles around the knee cap and thus stabilizes it, but is didn't work for me, nothing did since I have osteoarthritis, and recently had a total replacement. I even did PRP (not covered by insurance) to no avail.
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There are many types of braces.
The best thing to do would be consult with her ortho and they can fit her with the correct brace and the right size.
It will probably be covered with her insurance as durable medical equipment.
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Doctor must order this.
Physical therapy must fit this.
See the doctor.
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