Metal Knees!

[hogen-deifar]

Well, here's a question that I hadn't really thought too much about. Despite being 38 years old I've actually had both knees totally replaced due to arthritis. From a movement perspective I'm fine, just can't kneel down on them for too long, or on hard floors (Finless, before you pass comment, cushions help!?!?!) However when walking or diving etc you wouldn't know I'd had them done. From a fitness point of view I'm fitter now (and nearly 4 stone lighter) than I was in my 20's because of having them done.

My question is this:- Is there an issue with diving with my titanium knees from the bends perspective, or any other perspective come to think of it, that I should be aware of or be cautious of? I did get the "ok" from my GP before qualifying before you ask!?!?

Thanks

[SoggyFox]

Not really in the same category and to be honest it never crossed my mind, but i have 2 8" metal plates in my arm from a bad break many years ago. I'd never even thought about it till you posed the question. Can't see it being a major problem, I'm sure theres more than a few divers with metal plates.

I was always upset as a kid that i could never set the metal detectors off in the airport.

[hogen-deifar]

Originally Posted by SoggyFox

I was always upset as a kid that i could never set the metal detectors off in the airport.

Aparently my consultant said that titanium doesn't set the bells a-ringing! But surely if that was the case wouldn't the *baddies* of this world make weapons out or titanium??? Not been abroad since having them done so not tried it out but that's gonna be a tough one to explain IF I did set the alarms off?!?

I was told when I qualified that I'd probably not be able to feel the *fizz* at the beginning of DS but I have other normal joints so not to worry!?!?! Great being told that when you're just learning, eh?!?

[And]

Originally Posted by hogen-deifar

My question is this:- Is there an issue with diving with my titanium knees from the bends perspective, or any other perspective come to think of it, that I should be aware of or be cautious of? I did get the "ok" from my GP before qualifying before you ask!?!?

Thanks

You might not want to use 100% o2 for deco

[Pigpen]

My Missus had a hip replacement a few years ago (I think that is titanium) and she doesn't set alarms off.
Forgot to add, she dives as well with no probs so far.

[turbanator]

I'd guess that you might be more prone to bending around any scarring as a result of the op than actually in the joint itself.

r
Paul

[Fiona]

I have titanium plates in both my knees and I can't kneel down either

I really suffured during a recent O2 course. You are obviously better than me because I struggle to walk distances, but apart from that I don't see how diving can effect them and no they don't set off the airport sensors

[hogen-deifar]

The walking thing is new to me! Before having them done I struggled walking around a supermarket! But now I can walk for hours, literally!

Thanks for your answers! Hopefully I won't ever encounter problems with them!

[nigelH]

Originally Posted by hogen-deifar

My question is this:- Is there an issue with diving with my titanium knees from the bends perspective, or any other perspective come to think of it, that I should be aware of or be cautious of?

Hey my 'acting' son-in-law is waiting to have his done. We hope it should get him off the shed load of pain killers he's taking.

I would reason that it's not a problem. Fixed reduced blood supply to damaged tissues is not a problem it is variable blood supply that is the DCI danger.

I have a titanium spring carefully placed in my heart and I get a lot of diving medical grief over that but not because it's titanium.

[up 4 it]

What is the life expectancy of the knee joints?

My brother needs it doing, but at 41 they told him he was too young as they would only last abot 10 years. He's in a lot of pain with them and really needs something doing.

Steve