As a passionate runner and cyclist, 65-year-old Mary Black has always pushed her body to the limit. But over the years, her desire to stay active came with physical setbacks. From multiple hip fractures to a degenerative knee (osteoarthritis), Mary faced one challenge after another.
However, with the help of OrthoIndy’s team of specialists, she recovered from her injuries and is back to living the active lifestyle she loves.
Overcoming multiple injuries
Mary’s journey with OrthoIndy began between 2009 and 2011 when she suffered three different breaks near her hip joint due to her active lifestyle. Each time, she turned to orthopedic surgeon Dr. Michael Thieken for surgery. His expertise and care gave her the confidence to get back to doing what she loved.
In 2012, Mary tore her rotator cuff. She again sought out Dr. Thieken, who successfully repaired the injury. By this time, Mary realized she needed to adjust her training regimen. Even with her limitations, she remained committed to staying active.
Five years later, in 2017, Mary experienced another setback – a meniscus tear in her left knee. She visited OrthoIndy at Ascension St. Vincent Indianapolis, where she was coincidentally referred to Dr. Thieken for treatment. After surgery and therapy, Mary returned to running, but her knee pain persisted.
To manage her discomfort, she tried cortisone injections and, later, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections with orthopedic surgeon Dr. Jonathan Shook. The PRP treatments provided significant relief for three years but eventually lost their effectiveness. By 2023, Mary found herself “hobble running” due to the worsening pain in her left knee.
“I couldn’t stand the pain and knew I would need further treatment if I wanted to return to my active lifestyle,” said Mary.
Diagnosis and Knee Replacement
At this point, Dr. Shook referred Mary to total joint replacement surgeon Dr. Philip Huang. As an avid runner himself, Dr. Huang understood Mary’s passion for staying fit and was determined to help her stay active.
Dr. Huang diagnosed Mary with a degenerative knee, which was exacerbated by her torn meniscus and the presence of bone spurs. He determined that a total knee replacement was necessary to alleviate her pain and restore her mobility.
Mary wasn’t surprised by the diagnosis. She had been experiencing significant pain for some time and was ready to take the next step. Her ultimate goal was to get back to running and cycling without constant discomfort, and she knew this surgery could help her live pain-free.
After scheduling the knee replacement surgery, Dr. Huang outlined a recovery plan that included close monitoring, physical therapy and follow-up appointments to ensure proper healing.
Back to an active lifestyle
Mary’s knee replacement surgery was a success. She spent one day in the hospital for observation and pain management before beginning her recovery journey.
Following surgery, Mary completed a month of physical therapy, which helped her regain strength and mobility. With consistent follow-ups, Dr. Huang monitored her progress and ensured that her recovery stayed on track.
“From pre-surgery consultations to post-surgery follow-ups, the care and attention I received made all the difference,” said Mary.
Today, Mary is feeling great and has returned to the activities she loves most. The knee replacement has allowed her to continue pursuing her passion for movement without the pain that once held her back.
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Learn more about how OrthoIndy can help you get back to what you love doing most here.
