Hear What Patients Have To Say / Patient Success Stories
Nick Spinnato
In his earlier years, Nick Spinnato partook in activities that required him to be on his feet. "I have always enjoyed music; I have played percussion professionally since I was a teenager." In addition to his busy practice and performance schedule, Nick had time to fit in a series of sporting activity including baseball, football, tennis, racquetball and golf.
After Nick began his teaching career in 1958, he started to notice a dull ache in his joints. "Between the music and teaching, I was on my feet all the time. By the early 1960's, my joint pain was really bothering me."
For years, Nick approached the pain with a "grin and bear it" attitude. "I just dealt with the pain but then I had to back off." In 1965, he took an administrative position within his field. "I didn't have to be on my feet as much." However, the pain did not cease, and just the slightest activity such as walking or climbing stairs became a problem.
Nick incorporated cortisone shots into his regular routine. By 1990, he decided to make an appointment with an orthopedic surgeon. His surgeon suggested knee replacement but Nick chose medication as his treatment option. "Instead of joint replacement, I decided to stick with medication."
It wasn't until 2005 that Nick became serious about confronting his knee pain. After a series of treatments with no avail, Nick could no longer take the agonizing pain.
"I used the internet to research everything on knee surgery. I was particularly interested in the pros and cons of doing one knee versus both at the same time. I decided that I wanted both done at the same time and searched for a surgeon that was willing to do them."
After extensive research and a few bouts of apprehension, Nick chose to see another orthopedic surgeon. In October of 2006, Nick and his surgeon decided he was a candidate for bilateral total knee replacement. "After talking with my surgeon, I was determined to do everything possible to make the surgery and my recovery the best it could be. I was prepared to do whatever it took to make it successful."
Six weeks after his surgery, Nick was invited by his surgeon to participate in the local Arthritis Foundation Walk. He and his teammates, "The Jammin' Joints", walked a mile and won a friendly competition amongst the other participants.
When asked about his experience, Nick replies, "I am very glad I did it. I have become a model for some individuals in my golfing group. My experience has helped them make to make the decision [to consult with an orthopedic surgeon]."
This article is meant solely as a human interest story and is not meant to constitute medical advice.
While the patient in this story is a true joint replacement recipient, his results are not necessarily typical, indicative, or representative of all joint replacement patients. Joint replacements have been used successfully in achieving restored mobility to many patients. However, as with any implanted device, there are factors affecting performance which ultimately result in variable outcomes, including levels of mobility and pain. These factors include, but are not limited to, the patient’s pre and post-operative health conditions, weight, activity level, and adherence to instructions regarding the use of the affected joint. Due to these variables, it is not possible to predict specific results or patient satisfaction. For additional information regarding joint replacement, refer to the patient risk information located at the top of this page and talk to your orthopedic surgeon.
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.
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