Knee Replacement Allows Grandmother to Compete in Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games

Jane Armstrong, 50, isn’t your typical grandmother. Jane’s the oldest member of the Australian cycling team competing in the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games. The journey to Paralympic cycling for Jane came as a result of knee joint disease.

The number of cycling medals Jane has received is only surpassed by the number of surgical procedures she has undergone to address the joint disease in her right knee. Having suffered from calcium pyrophosphate crystal disease, a condition that leads to joint inflammation and destruction, the disease in Jane’s knee joint progressed swiftly.

“My rheumatologist explained that my orthopaedic surgeon wouldn’t want me to undergo knee replacement surgery because of my young age. He said this might change if I got to the point that I was on heavy pain medication and using crutches. Two years later, I reminded my doctor of this conversation when I came into his office on crutches and on the highest level of pain medication allowed.”

Jane’s 3 children noticed how her knee pain impacted her life. “I’ve always been a very active person. I really enjoyed playing physical games with my kids. I’ve also got a huge sense of humor. My kids knew something was up when I couldn’t make light of the pain anymore.”

Jane consulted an orthopaedic surgeon in Perth, Australia, and he agreed that it was time for total knee surgery. Jane had a knee replacement in 1999. Jane’s surgeon chose the LCS^® Complete™ Knee System from DePuy Orthopaedics, Inc. The LCS Knee is a mobile bearing knee, which is unique in that it is designed to accommodate regular movement while minimizing implant wear, when compared to traditional knee replacements.¹

Since 1977, more than 400,000 LCS Knees have been implanted in the U.S. and internationally. Long-term clinical success has been demonstrated, with more than 97% of implants still in use at 20 years in some studies.^2,3

Jane’s surgery went well. She worked very hard at rehabilitation. “The physical therapy and rehabilitation exercises were like training to me. I just put my mind to it and I have to say, I got out of it what I put into it.”

Her family immediately also noticed a difference in their mom. “Our house is full of laughter again. I’m no longer suffering the anxiety and deep depression that accompany someone in high levels of constant pain.”

Jane decided on cycling as a way to get around and become physically active again. Once on the bike, she began to participate in competitive cycling. Jane quickly moved up the elite-level cycling ranks. She started Track cycling in 2004, and the following year she earned the world record in the three-kilometer individual pursuit. A few months later, in February 2006, she secured the world record in the 500-meter Time Trial.

Only a few short years following her knee replacement, Jane was on a mission to compete in the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games. In her first international cycling competition, Jane brought home 2 gold and 1 silver medal and set a world record. In 2006, she set another world record and brought home 2 bronze medals at the international competition. In 2007, Jane returned home from the World Championships in Bordeaux with gold (world champion) and a bronze medal. She has claimed numerous medals and many awards at a national level since taking up cycling.

“There’s an expectation every time I hit the track now that I will set a world record. Fortunately for me, I have!”

This 2007 World Champion in the 500-meter Time Trial reflects on her accomplishments: “To achieve what I have today has been about me realizing the second chance I’ve been given, the opportunity to be the person I’ve always wanted to be, and to achieve what I want to achieve.”

Jane discusses her knee replacement experience with other people considering the surgery and tells them, “If you’re in pain and as a result of that pain, you’ve lost your mobility, what are you waiting for? Talk to an orthopaedic surgeon about your treatment options. I did, and now I’m back to pursuing my dreams—all the way to Beijing!”

Important Safety Information:
The performance of knee replacements depends on weight, age, activity level and other factors. There are potential risks and recovery takes time. People with current infections or conditions limiting rehabilitation should not have this surgery. Only an orthopaedic surgeon can tell if knee replacement is right for you. Jane’s story is unique among total knee and total joint patients. Paralympic cycling or the ability to participate in any sport is not a typical result of any total joint surgery. Participation in any sports or activity should be done only pursuant to the advice and under the supervision of an orthopaedic surgeon.

References
1. McNulty D, Swope SW, Auger DD, Smith T. The Effect of Crosslinking UHMWPE on In Vitro Wear Rates of Fixed and Mobile Bearing Knees. In: Kurtz S, Gsell R, Martell J, eds. Crosslinked and Thermally Treated Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene for Joint Replacements. West Conshohocken, PA: American Society for Testing and Materials; 2004.
2. Sorrells RB. The Rotating Platform Mobile Bearing Total Knee Arthroplasty. Surg Technol Int. 2000; IX: 245-251.
3. Buechel FF Sr, Buechel FF Jr, Pappas MJ, D'Alessio J. Twenty-year evaluation of meniscal bearing and rotating platform knee replacements. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 2001 Jul;(388):41-50. 

Last Updated: 12/18/2008