Knee surgery helps arthritis patient walk without pain
Sandra Godard has battled cancer and fibromyalgia. She’s no stranger to challenging health issues. But when she started experiencing recurrent knee pain, that’s when her quality of life quickly diminished.
“The pain in my knee felt like the skin was ripping from the inside, every time I put weight on it,” Godard said.
She battled the pain for four years and finally had to file for early Medicare disability since her job required her to be on her feet all day.
Then she was referred to Thad Dean, DO, an orthopedic surgeon at UNT Health Science Center.
As a result of the rapid progression of knee arthritis that had robbed her of the ability to walk without a cane, Dr. Dean told her she needed knee-replacement surgery.
“She had exhausted nonoperative and less invasive measures,” he said. “Because of her rapidly progressive arthritis, she required a larger reconstruction than a common knee replacement would achieve.”
Said Godard: “Dr. Dean took the time to explain the surgery in a way I could understand. He made me feel at ease and told me what he was going to do to help me.”
Dr. Dean is proud of his patient. “Ms. Godard’s desire to get well and her commitment to rehabilitation made her procedure a great success,” he said. “She recovered more quickly than I could have imagined. It’s a blessing to be able to help such a pleasant, hard-working person return to a happy, productive life.”
Since her surgery, Godard is feeling more like her old self.
“I couldn’t imagine the surgery and recovery going any smoother than it did,” she said. “I am so thankful to Dr. Dean, and I recommend him to anyone who needs a knee replacement. I have complete confidence in him.”
To make an appointment with Dr. Dean, or any UNTHSC orthopaedic physician, call 817-735-DOCS (3627).
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