Grandma Doesn’t Walk Like a Penguin Anymore

Anita, 66, spends winters in southern New York and summers in Rhode Island. At both homes, she and her husband spend a lot of time outdoors, whether it be to take walks through the neighborhood, tend the garden or play with grandchildren.

As time went on, Anita noticed that her severe knee pain due to osteoarthritis was slowing her down. “My twenty-four-year old cat was getting up the stairs better than me!” Anita consulted a doctor and at first they opted to treat her with injections to help replace the damaged knee fluid.

Eventually, the injections did not offer Anita adequate relief. She could no longer take walks every other day. “I know how important it is to keep moving because I have arthritis in my hands and back.”

In time, Anita consulted an orthopaedic surgeon. “I knew it was time to do something when my granddaughter saw a movie about penguins, and said that I moved like one!”

In Anita’s case, both knees were going to be replaced at the same time. Her orthopaedic surgeon made it clear that the procedure is a major one and encouraged her to learn as much as possible to prepare herself so that she would know what to expect.

Anita’s surgeon chose the Sigma® Knee from DePuy Orthopaedics, Inc. The Sigma Knee suits Anita’s lifestyle and activity levels, and is only available from DePuy Orthopaedics.

Her surgery went well. Anita worked very hard at rehabilitation. “I knew that if I didn’t do my exercises, I wouldn’t get the range of motion with my knee replacements.”

Eventually, she returned to taking three-mile walks every other day, gardening, playing with her grandchildren and socializing. “I don’t sit down as much as I did before because I’m not in pain anymore. I can give dinner parties again, which allows me to enjoy quality time with friends and family.”

As with any medical treatment, individual results may vary. Only an orthopaedic surgeon can determine whether an orthopaedic implant is an appropriate course of treatment. There are potential risks, and recovery takes time. The performance of the new joint depends on weight, activity level, age and other factors.

Last Updated: 05/27/2008