Bonnie Story
Celebrating 50 years of marriage is quite a milestone these days, but for Bonnie Story, her 50 year marriage to Joe was not the only special occasion in 2007. Story, 67, had suffered with knee pain for years, but 2007 was, for her, the year for "pain-free living".
"My knees began to bother me in 2005. My right knee pain became so debilitating that I had to use a motorized cart to shop for groceries."
Bonnie did not hesitate to make an appointment with an orthopedic surgeon. "I wanted to see what the problem was, but after my diagnosis [Osteoarthritis] I was still upset; I sought a second opinion."
The diagnosis was the same. Both surgeons had recommended that she have a total replacement for her right knee.
"I wasn't sure what to expect [regarding the total joint surgery], but I was hopeful."
Bonnie had her total knee surgery on September 12, 2005. Following surgery and her postoperative physical therapy, Bonnie recalls, "I had a minor issue with kneeling to scrub my floors but I was still able to bowl, which I loved to do. Besides, my husband does a wonderful job [scrubbing the floors]."
In 2007, Bonnie's left knee began to ache. By March, she could no longer walk a long distance or bowl and by May she was told she needed a knee replacement.
"I had tried to postpone surgery until next May by using more conservative treatment options, but cortisone treatment relief lasted me only 6 weeks."
After her examination, Bonnie's orthopedic surgeon suggested the Oxford® Partial Knee for her replacement. The Oxford® Partial Knee implant is designed to repair only one side of the knee (the medial side), making it much smaller than a total knee implant. Some advantages of the Oxford® partial knee replacement are that it removes 75% less bone and cartilage, is less painful, enables a more rapid recovery, and provides more natural motion when compared to a total knee replacement.1-3
"My doctor explained its benefits and it sounded like the solution for me. I was tired of dealing with the pain and limited activity. I was ready for the surgery, but had apprehension due to my first experience."
Bonnie had her partial knee replacement on August 31, 2007.
"After completing my three-week physical therapy, I had 120 degrees of flexion in my left knee. The surgeon was pleased with the progress made and I was thrilled to return to a normal lifestyle."
In December, Bonnie and Joe Story celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in Yuma, Arizona. Her family surprised them with an Anniversary Party in their honor.
Bonnie laughs, "Well, I was surprised, but my husband was in on it!"
The decision to have joint replacement surgery can be intimidating. If you have questions regarding the Oxford® Partial Knee, please speak with an orthopedic surgeon or search for an Oxford® Knee trained surgeon in your area.
Click here for patient risk information.
This article is meant solely as a human interest story and is not meant to constitute medical advice. Individual results may vary. Surgery involves potential risks and requires recovery time. The life of any joint replacement will depend on your age, weight, activity level, and other factors. Only an orthopedic surgeon can determine if surgery is right for you.
Not all patients are candidates for partial knee replacement. Only your orthopedic surgeon can tell you if you are a candidate for joint replacement surgery, and if so, which implant is right for your specific needs. You should discuss your condition and treatment options with your surgeon. The Oxford® Meniscal Partial Knee is intended for use in individuals with osteoarthritis or avascular necrosis limited to the medial compartment of the knee and is intended to be implanted with bone cement. Potential risks include, but are not limited to, loosening, dislocation, fracture, wear, and infection, any of which can require surgery. For additional information on the Oxford® Knee, including risks and warnings, talk to your surgeon and visit Biomet.com.
The persons named in this article have consented to be named and have given Biomet, Inc. the exclusive right to use their personal and medical information for educational purposes.
1 Data on file at Biomet. Note: bench test results do not necessarily indicate clinical performance.
2. Murray, DW. "Mobile bearing Unicompartmental knee replacement. "Orthopedics. 2005:28:985-987
3 Deshmukh, RV, Scott, RD. "Unicompartmental knee Arthoplasty:long-term results." Clinical Orthopedics and Related Research. 2001; 392-278
