From Constraints to Freedom: How Knee Replacement Revitalizes Your Active Life

For Dan Heinritz, a well-lived life eventually took a toll on his joints. An athlete in his younger years and a physical education instructor throughout his profession, Dan kept himself fit while also teaching high school pupils about healthy living.

In his youth, Dan participated in various contact sports, such as football, basketball, and baseball. As an educator, he developed a keen interest in adventure education. He guided students through activities like pole climbing, belaying, zip-lining, and ropes courses.

Like numerous educators, Dan took on additional work during summers and downtime. His side jobs as a painter and sports official further strained his joints. Eventually, it all accumulated as he began to experience increasing knee discomfort.

“It reached a stage where it was time to just get the surgery,” Dan states. “Why walk around on knees that are hurting you?”

Taking a Toll

An active couple, Dan and his spouse enjoy walking, biking, and traveling. Dan realized it was time to take action when his knee discomfort started to affect his ability to engage in beloved activities.

“It alters your life in terms of the exertion of things you do,” he comments.

To assist with the pain, Dan initially opted for cortisone injections, but eventually, they became ineffective. He underwent an osteotomy, a procedure that involves cutting the bone to realign and reshape the bones and joints.

At 70, Dan mentions that recovering from the osteotomy was incredibly painful. It also didn’t alleviate his symptoms in the long run. It was at this point he decided to proceed with his first of two knee replacement surgeries about five years ago.

The first operation was successful, but it’s not unusual for the second knee to begin suffering after replacing one knee. For Dan, this started occurring a few years after the initial surgery.

“When you have the first knee done, you also wear down the second one because you’re compensating,” he explains.

Access to Innovation

When it was time for Dan’s second knee replacement, he selected ThedaCare Medical Center-Orthopedic, Spine and Pain, where he also works part-time as a valet. He specifically looked for a surgeon who specialized in robotic-assisted surgery.

Having experienced robotic surgery with his first knee replacement and witnessing the positive outcomes that ensued, Dan sought it out again. When he met with ThedaCare Orthopedic Surgeon David Liebelt, he felt he had identified the right match.

Dr. Liebelt’s team helped Dan arrange his surgery for July 2023, just two weeks after his initial consultation. They also assisted in coordinating all necessary pre-surgery care.

“The staff he has is just extraordinary,” Dan remarks. “They were incredibly accommodating and supportive.”

“We take pride in seeing patients as quickly as we can and developing a treatment plan that suits the patient,” Dr. Liebelt states. “Their recovery hinges on that surgery being performed at their convenience, so we aim to get the procedure done when the patient requires it.”

Robotic-Assisted Surgery

Dan’s operation, with the help of the ROSA robotic knee system, surpassed his anticipations.

“It was precise and effective, and the recovery was swift,” Dan states. “Scarring was minimal because the incisions were much cleaner.”

Dr. Liebelt emphasizes that even during a robotic-assisted procedure, it is still the surgeon who carries out the surgery. ROSA utilizes a robotic arm and reference points taken throughout the operation to assist in ensuring accurate measurements and precise placement of the knee replacement components, whether metal or plastic.

“The robot is providing more data to surgeons to assist in executing a surgery they already perform,” Dr. Liebelt explains.

Recovery and Beyond

After his first knee replacement years ago, Dan spent the night in the hospital. Following his second procedure, he was discharged by noon on the same day.

His recovery from there progressed smoothly. After just four weeks, Dan felt significantly improved. He returned to work after six weeks.

“To me, that was truly impressive,” he remarks.

Dan credits his physical therapy team, some of whom were his former students, for assisting him in his recovery. They helped Dan regain the ability to drive and become more independent more quickly.

“They were fantastic,” he says. “They encouraged me without being overly demanding.”

Now, nearly 18 months after his second knee replacement, Dan has resumed his favorite activities. He and his wife walk daily and bike several times a week. They can effortlessly visit their three children and eight grandchildren. The couple recently traveled to Alaska and Glacier National Park, walking and hiking countless miles.

“It was a true test of one year out,” Dan reflects on the trip. “It was easy. I was prepared for it.”

Advice to Others

For those considering a knee replacement, Dan offers some insights.

“If you’re in severe discomfort, don’t procrastinate too long,” he advises. “I delayed much too long the first time. My leg wouldn’t even bend afterward.”

He encourages others to ask many questions if they have concerns and to remain active whenever possible. Recovery tends to be easier if you maintain physical fitness, he asserts.

“It genuinely made the process smoother, both pre and post-surgery,” he notes.

Dr. Liebelt expresses satisfaction in seeing Dan return to the activities he loves.

“The objectives of joint replacement are to restore function and alleviate pain,” he explains. “When a surgery is triumphant, and a patient engages in the activities that make them joyful, that’s the ultimate reward for a surgeon.”

Connect to outstanding orthopedic care.

Related