Devon Campbell, a 60-year-old diesel truck mechanic, had chronic knee pain. He worried that it would eventually impact his long-term ability to do his job, which requires him to be able to lift and bend as he repairs the trucks he works on.
That concern led him to schedule an appointment with Jason A. Walters, M.D., an orthopedic surgeon with Broward Health, whom he had seen years ago. After Devon described his symptoms, updated imaging tests found severe osteoarthritis in his knees.
Osteoarthritis is a degenerate joint disease caused by wear and tear that typically worsens over time. It is the most common form of arthritis, and Devon’s condition had progressed to the point that he was a candidate for total knee replacement surgery.
“Total knee replacement is an option for patients with severe arthritis that is painful to the point that it’s debilitating and makes daily activities like walking or climbing stairs a challenge,” said Dr. Walters.
Devon acknowledged hearing negative comments about knee replacement from others. While that was concerning, he didn’t want to lose his mobility. Weighing all that with the confidence and trust he had in his surgeon, he had the procedure on his left knee in August 2023 at Broward Health Imperial Point.
“During the procedure, we replaced damaged areas of cartilage and bone with metal and plastic implants so Devon could move without pain again,” said Dr. Walters.
“After the surgery, I was just amazed at how well everything went,” recalled Devon. “I expected to experience a lot more pain. But I had my surgery on a Wednesday and by Friday I was ready to get therapy started. Everything from the recovery to the physical therapy went smoothly.”
Dr. Walters said it’s important to follow your doctor's instructions after surgery. Under the guidance of a physical therapist, total knee replacement patients receive medicine to manage their pain and most start light knee exercises within hours post-surgery. Typically, patients resume their normal activities of daily living within three to six weeks.
When asked about how the experience made him feel, Devon said it made him feel powerful and 20 years younger.
His message to others experiencing knee pain is not to ignore it or avoid treatment.
“Please take it seriously,” said Devon, who expects to have the osteoarthritis surgery on his right knee sometime down the road. “Dr. Walters was right when he said it was going to be okay. The care I received from Broward Health was impressive. Top of the line.”
Learn More About Orthopedic Services at Broward Health
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