A Nation in Motion Brought to you by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Connect With Us: Facebook Twitter Youtube Google+ Search Submit Search Submit Condition Center Bone & Joint Health Second Firsts About Value of Orthopaedics Share Your Story A Nation in Motion® Inspiring stories and expert bone and joint health information to help patients—like you—fight for your mobility. As your partner, orthopaedic surgeons make your movement our mission. Watch video Close Condition Center Overview Select the area of your condition or injury to get resources and read stories from other patients as you navigate your journey. Body Region Arm & Elbow Bone Cancer Foot & Ankle Hip Knee Leg Neck & Spine Shoulder Wrist & Hand Bone & Joint Health Health in Motion Healthy bones and joints keep you in motion, doing the things you love. Get everyday tips on keeping your bones and joints strong and avoiding injuries, in addition to the latest news on orthopaedic treatments and navigating recovery. To filter articles, choose from specific topic areas or select from the list of body regions. Topic Areas Accidents Bone & Joint Health Children Joint Replacement Obesity Pain Rehab/Recovery Sports Value Body region Arm & Elbow Bone Cancer Foot & Ankle Hip Knee Leg Neck & Spine Shoulder Wrist & Hand The power of a Second First Everyone understands the significance of firsts in their lives – like a first step, first dance, or first race. When they regain mobility, orthopaedic patients often have a “Second First” – something in life they can experience again, as if for the first time. Read their inspiring stories. About Value of Orthopaedics Overview Beyond the cost of treatment, what is the true value of orthopaedic care? Patients and their families should weigh all factors when determining which course of treatment is best. Read our series of studies on the economic and societal value various types of orthopaedic care provide in terms of productivity and quality of life. Our studies Knee Replacement Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Rotator Cuff Disc Repair Hip Fracture Share Your Story A Nation in Motion: Orthopaedic Patient Stories and Resources Your condition. Your story. Orthopaedic care is a journey thousands of people embark on each day. Hear directly from other patients about what the experience is like and leave your own story. Advanced Filter Age Ranges All 0-9 10-19 20-29 30-39 40-49 50-59 60-69 70-79 80+ Sex All Female Male Regions All East North Central East South Central International Middle Atlantic Mountain New England Pacific South Atlantic West North Central West South Central Body Parts / Conditions All Arm and Elbow Arm Arthritis Arm Fracture Arm Sprain Biceps Tendon Rupture Elbow Arthritis Elbow Fracture Elbow Sprain Elbow Tendonitis Tennis Elbow UCL Tear Bone Cancer Chondrosarcoma Osteosarcoma/Ewing’s Sarcoma Foot and Ankle Achilles Tendon Rupture Ankle Arthritis Ankle Fracture Ankle Instability and Dislocation Ankle Sprain Bunions Flat Foot Foot Arthritis Foot Fracture Foot Sprain Hammer Toes Plantar Fasciitis Hip Bursitis Hip Arthritis Hip Cartilage Damage Hip Dysplasia Hip Fracture Hip Instability and Dislocation Labral Tear Knee Fractured Patella Knee Arthritis Knee Cartilage Damage Knee Fracture Knee Instability and Dislocation Knee Tendonitis Ligament Tear (ACL, MCL) Meniscus Tear or Injury Leg Leg Arthritis Leg Fracture Limb Lengthening Neck and Spine Broken Neck Cervical Disc Herniation Cervical Stenosis Degenerative Spine Herniated Disc Lumbar Disc Herniation Myelopathy Neck Arthritis Neck Fracture Neck Sprain Scoliosis Spinal Stenosis Spine Arthritis Spine Fracture Spine Sprain Shoulder Clavicle Separation Rotator Cuff Tear Shoulder Arthritis Shoulder Fracture Shoulder Instability and Dislocation Shoulder Sprain Wrist and Hand Carpal Tunnel Hand Arthritis Hand Cartilage Damage Hand Fracture Hand Sprain Severed Tendon Wrist Arthritis Wrist Fracture Wrist Sprain Focus Areas All #WomenSurgeons Accidents Bone and Joint Health Children Joint Replacement Nonsurgical Obesity Pain Rehab/Recovery Second Firsts Sports Value Submit Reset Arm & Elbow Foot & Ankle Hip Knee Leg Neck & Spine Shoulder Wrist & Hand Luke Fleer five surgeries and an external fixator Luke Fleer Rochester Hills, Michigan, United StatesKnee, Leg Fracture, Ligament Tear (ACL, MCL)five surgeries and an external fixator by Dr. Patrick Wiater Because of my orthopedic care, I can jog the trails in my community again while reflecting on life and its possibilities. Read full story X Abby Navarro Bone-Patellar Tendon-Bone Abby Navarro Maryville, Tennessee, United StatesLigament Tear (ACL, MCL)Bone-Patellar Tendon-Bone by Dr. Wayne Johnson Because of my orthopaedic care, I can play basketball again! Read full story X Laura Elizabeth Brown Trauma, limb salvage and reconstruction, limb leng... Laura Elizabeth Brown San Diego, California, United StatesLeg Fracture, Limb LengtheningTrauma, limb salvage and reconstruction, limb lengthening, Illizarov external fixator by Drs. Doreen DiPasquale & V. Franklin Sechriest, II My journey will be complete this summer when I return to Ecuador to hike the Quilotoa Loop, the volcanic crater to which I was headed when disaster struck. Read full story X Ken McDonnell Pelvic reconstruction Ken McDonnell Holden, Massachusetts, United StatesPelvic reconstruction by Dr. Paul Tornetta Dr. Tornetta's orthopaedic expertise enabled me to return to training and competition as a triathlete less than one year following my injury, and to return to the many other physical activities I enjoy. Read full story X Julie Sak Latarjet Procedure; Bone Block Julie Sak Chicago, Illinois, United StatesShoulder ArthritisLatarjet Procedure; Bone Block by Dr. Ari Youderian Because of my orthopedic care, I am able to continue to be a special education teacher. Read full story X Tristan Frerich Surgical hand fracture repair Tristan Frerich Sinton, Texas, United StatesHand FractureSurgical hand fracture repair by Dr. Korsh Jafarnia Because of my orthopedic care, I am able to compete in archery, football, roping and hunting again. Read full story X Andrea Marx ACL repair using the hamstring, stitched meniscus Andrea Marx Dover, Massachusetts, United StatesKneeACL repair using the hamstring, stitched meniscus Because of my orthopaedic care, I was able to return to playing sports. Read full story X Beth Franzese Both hips replaced Beth Franzese New York, New York, United StatesCervical Disc Herniation, HipBoth hips replaced by Dr. Michael Alexiades I can dance, row a rowboat, kayak, garden and do my work. I can lift fairly heavy things and I can almost do a split! Read full story X Chuck Cooper Bilateral knee replacement (arthroplasty) Chuck Cooper Longmont, Colorado, United StatesKnee ArthritisBilateral knee replacement (arthroplasty) by C. Brian Blackwood, MD Because of my orthopaedic care I can climb “14ers” again – mountain peaks that exceed 14,000 feet. There are 54 in my home state of Colorado. After my two knee replacements I chose to climb Mount Evans (35 miles west of Denver, near Idaho Springs in the Arapaho and Pike national forests) at 14,265 feet on Sept. 2, 2013. I did this just 14 weeks after my second surgery, with my good friend and climbing partner Ken, and our wives. Read full story X Samantha Melanson A total hip replacement (hip arthroplasty). Hip re... Samantha Melanson Medford, Massachusetts, United StatesHip FractureA total hip replacement (hip arthroplasty). Hip replacements are rare in children and adolescents because the procedure involves the use of an orthopaedic device created for adults. However, in my case, Dr. Smith determined that my bones were done forming, and that I was tall enough for an adult joint. by Dr. Eric Smith Within the year I was once again playing softball in the city youth league, on the summer travel team and fall ball team. I pitched a no-hitter softball game and brought the game ball to Dr. Smith. Read full story X Spinal fusion L2-S1- Franci Cherney Spinal fusion L2-S1 Spinal fusion L2-S1- Franci Cherney Buffalo Grove, Illinois, United StatesDegenerative SpineSpinal fusion L2-S1 by Dr. Steven Mardjetko Because of my orthopedic care, I have no pain and am able to live a full life - exercising, dancing and walking in nature. Read full story X Robyn Benincasa Hip Implant Robyn Benincasa San Diego, CaliforniaHip, Hip ArthritisHip Implant by Thomas Schmalzried, MD Because of my orthopaedic care, I can return to being a world champion adventure racer, San Diego City firefighter and motivational speaker. Read full story X Gregory Bullock Bi-lateral knee replacement Gregory Bullock New Egypt, New Jersey, United StatesKnee ArthritisBi-lateral knee replacement by Roy Mittman Bicycle long distances and bicycle up big mountains ... Read full story X Julie Story Ankle reset; External fixator; Surgery (3 plates a... Julie Story Indian Harbour Beach, Florida, United StatesAnkle FractureAnkle reset; External fixator; Surgery (3 plates and 17 screws) by Dr. Daniel N. Segina Because of the miracles worked by my orthopedic surgeon, I am able to: Walk again, operate and enjoy time on boats, swim, travel, ride motorcycles, skydive, snorkel, scuba dive, and when time and weather permits, I am ready to hit the snow ski slopes and put on my water ski! Life is good!  Read full story X Chuba Oyolu ACL reconstruction surgery Chuba Oyolu San Bruno, California, United StatesKnee, Ligament Tear (ACL, MCL)ACL reconstruction surgery by Dr. Timothy R. McAdams "Because of my orthopaedic care, I can practice mixed martial arts again!" Read full story X Doris Pope-Banks Total knee replacement, both knees - performed 7 w... Doris Pope-Banks Red Lion, Pennsylvania, United StatesKnee ArthritisTotal knee replacement, both knees - performed 7 weeks apart. I went on vacation and walked around the lake and took the trail to the peaceful waterfalls! My knees work well and they don't hurt! Read full story X SSG Travis Mills Multiple Orthopedic Treatments SSG Travis Mills Vassar, MichiganArm and Elbow, Leg, Leg Fracture, Wrist and HandMultiple Orthopedic Treatments by Drs. Scot A. Youngblood and Leo T. Kroonen Read full story X Shirley Dildine Total Knee Replacement Shirley Dildine Bronx, New YorkKneeTotal Knee Replacement by Dr. Claudette Lajam Read full story X Carole Cleere L4-L5 laminectomy with fusion Carole Cleere Merion Station, PennsylvaniaLumbar Disc Herniation, Neck and SpineL4-L5 laminectomy with fusion by Dr. Alan Hilibrand Because of my orthopaedic care, I can practice law, enjoy and travel with my children and grandchildren, walk 2-3 miles a day (weather permitting), cook for dinner parties for family and friends and general participation in Life as if I were 25 years younger. Read full story X Valerie E. Robinson Bilateral Hip Replacement Valerie E. Robinson Washington, District of ColumbiaHip, Labral TearBilateral Hip Replacement by Dr. Anthony S. Unger Because of my orthopaedic care, I can walk straight with no pain and or embarrassment. Read full story X Scott Hiller Herniated Disc Surgery Scott Hiller Chicago, IllinoisCervical Disc Herniation, Lumbar Disc Herniation, Neck and SpineHerniated Disc Surgery by Dr. Michael Schafer Because of my orthopaedic care, I can enjoy time with my children and continue to coach college lacrosse. Read full story X Elizabeth Egetoe Spinal Fusion -- Scoliosis correction @ Shriners i... Elizabeth Egetoe Fort Bragg, North CarolinaNeck and Spine, ScoliosisSpinal Fusion -- Scoliosis correction @ Shriners in Philly by Dr. R. Betz Because of my orthopaedic care, I can ice skate. Read full story X Dan Halladay Bilateral knee replacements Dan Halladay Lafayette, IndianaKneeBilateral knee replacements by Dr. Robert J. Hagen Because of my orthopaedic care, I can successfully officiate high school softball and football games pain-free. Read full story X Olivia Harris Repair of Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis Olivia Harris Gaffney, South CarolinaHipRepair of Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis by Dr. Frank Phillips Because of my orthopaedic care, I can be a volleyball champion. Read full story X Art Meza Serial debridements and definitive fixation Art Meza Charlotte, North CarolinaLegSerial debridements and definitive fixation by Dr. Michael Bosse Because of my orthopaedic care, I'm alive and have more Faith. Read full story X Marcia Morey -Watson Total Hip Replacement Marcia Morey -Watson Niles, MichiganHipTotal Hip Replacement by Dr. Stephen Mitros Because of my orthopaedic care, I can hike, use the elliptical and walk again without pain or a limp. Read full story X Louise Kadingo Right hip replacement Louise Kadingo Orwigsburg, PennsylvaniaRight hip replacement by Dr. Kevin Terefenko Because of my orthopaedic care, I can teach. Read full story X Belinda Port Spinal fusion - T10 - T12 Belinda Port Cape Town, South africaNeck and SpineSpinal fusion - T10 - T12 by Dr. Evalina Burger Because of my orthopaedic care, I can walk....... It has been many years.....I had to share my story. Read full story X Richard Haynes Right Total Knee Replacement Richard Haynes Punta Gorda, FloridaHip, KneeRight Total Knee Replacement by Dr. Edward Homan Because of my orthopaedic care, I can return to my passion of natural bodybuilding and fitness. Read full story X Michaela "Pinky" Puno rotator cuff surgery, total left hip replacement,... Michaela "Pinky" Puno Great Falls, VirginiaHip, Knee, Rotator Cuff Tear, Shoulderrotator cuff surgery, total left hip replacement, partial right knee replacement by Dr. Thomas Fleeter Because of my orthopaedic care, I can continue to do what I love most - ballroom dance and join competition events. Read full story X Michael Smith External Fixator with Fasciotomy Michael Smith Gilbert, ArizonaLeg, Leg FractureExternal Fixator with Fasciotomy by Dr. Gregory M. Hrasky Because of my orthopaedic care, I can walk, run and play collegiate soccer. Read full story X Samuel Santamaria Bilateral knee replacement Samuel Santamaria Jersey City, New JerseyKneeBilateral knee replacement by Dr. Claudette Lajam Because of my orthopaedic care, I can now walk on my own without the constant sharp pain in my knees and experience a more restful sleep. Read full story X Leon Matz repair 8 fractures of femur Leon Matz Puyallup, WashingtonLeg, Leg Fracturerepair 8 fractures of femur by Dr. Ryan Will Because of my orthopaedic care, I can ride my road bike with my cyclopath buddies Read full story X Wesley Linton Rotator Cuff Repair Wesley Linton Winston Salem, North CarolinaRotator Cuff Tear, ShoulderRotator Cuff Repair by Dr. Leticia Bradford Because of my orthopaedic care, I can perform my duties as a firefighter. Read full story X Linda Labuda Right Hip Arthoplasty Linda Labuda Dallas, TexasHipRight Hip Arthoplasty by Dr. Charles Toulson Because of my orthopaedic care, I can walk again! Read full story X Patricia Bendtson Anterior Minimal Invasive Total Hip Replacement Patricia Bendtson Union, MaineHip, Hip ArthritisAnterior Minimal Invasive Total Hip Replacement by Dr. Stephen Rodrigue Because of my orthopaedic care, I can enjoy my life. Read full story X James Hendley Total Left Knee Replacement James Hendley Eagle River, AlaskaKneeTotal Left Knee Replacement by Colonel Benjamin Kam Because of my orthopaedic care, I can I can resume a normal and active life of hiking, fishing, biking, winter and summer ATV riding and snowshoeing. Read full story X Robert Winter Knee Replacement Robert Winter Spencer, IowaKneeKnee Replacement by Dr. Rick Wilkerson Because of my orthopaedic care, I can compete in the Special Olympics, ride my bike again and go dancing. Read full story X David Halsey Hip Replacement David Halsey Shelburne, VermontHipHip Replacement by Doug Padgett, MD Because of my orthopaedic care, I can comfortably walk the "flats" all day once again ... in pursuit of bonefish and tarpon. Read full story X Judith Oxley Total hip replacement Judith Oxley New Richmond, IndianaHipTotal hip replacement by Dr. Robert J Hagen Because of my orthopaedic care, I can once again compete in dog agility pain free. Read full story X Bone & Joint Health Ring Avulsion, a Traumatic Finger Injury Read More » Bounce Into Fitness With Rebound Boots Read More » What are “Bible bumps”, a.k.a. ganglion cysts? Read More » The dangers of desks The effects of sitting The modern work environment isn’t exactly forgiving when it comes to encouraging a stress-free lifestyle. Many careers inc... Read More » Tips Previous Next “I began a pre-habilitation program in preparation for my surgery … and sailed through the healing time with great speed and ease. I recommend this type of program...” — Charles Kaplanek “It takes work, but if you are willing to do it, and understand that there will be some pain during rehab, the results will be well worth it.” — Bob Schweda “If I could advise candidates of one thing it would be not to wait until you have to crawl into surgery. The better shape that you are in; the quicker the recovery.” — Susan Campbell You possess a strong intuitive ability and a deep capacity for healing; trusting in this limitless potential will yield incredible results. — Laura Elizabeth Brown My tip for other patients would be to be patient with the recovery. It is long and tedious but it will only get better with time. — Abby Navarro Contact Disclaimer © 2015 American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons