Joint Replacement: Chris' Story
January 10, 2021
"At my eight-week post knee surgery appointment with Dr. Gilbert, I was feeling remarkably better — and already back to work remodeling a kitchen." — Chris Wuerthner
Chris Wuerthner’s knees have been taking a pounding for decades. Basketball, years of intense physical training and day-to-day work as a contractor took their toll. Like a lot of people, Chris hung tough until the pain in his right knee became more than a simple nuisance—it was affecting the quality of his life.
“I had previous surgeries on my knees to clear away debris of cartilage that was causing pain. But toward the end of last year, the time was right to replace one of them,” he says.
Selecting a surgeon was an easy choice for Chris. He went straight to James Gilbert, MD, orthopedic surgeon, Holy Cross Germantown Hospital, who had performed his previous procedures. “He is fantastic and I have complete confidence in his surgical abilities. Not only is he my doctor, I also consider him my friend,” Chris says.
“Repeated injuries had resulted in arthritis of the medial compartment in Chris’ knee—one of three compartments of the joint,” Dr. Gilbert explains. “Because his problem was limited to just one part of the knee, Chris was a good candidate for a partial knee replacement,” he adds. “With a partial replacement patients have much better range of motion in all directions after surgery—and that was perfect for an active, 53-year-old like Chris.”
Chris’ joint surgery at Holy Cross Germantown Hospital was scheduled for late December 2015, but preparation began weeks before with a pre-operative class to explain exactly what to expect before, during and after surgery.
Comprehensive Care
James Gilbert, MD
Antoni Goral, MD
The class is just one component of a comprehensive joint replacement program that features a dedicated team of doctors, nurses and therapists at both Holy Cross Hospital and Holy Cross Germantown Hospital who guide our patients’ experience from the planning stages through recovery.
“This comprehensive approach to care has earned Holy Cross Hospital The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® for Hip and Knee Replacement, and recognition as a Blue Distinction® Center+ by Blue Cross Blue Shield,” explains Antoni Goral, MD, medical director, Joint Center, Holy Cross Hospital. Patients receive this same level of quality at Holy Cross Hospital in Silver Spring and Holy Cross Germantown Hospital.
Expertise and Private Rooms
“Holy Cross physicians use evidence-based practices to provide patients with better outcomes through a full continuum of pain management, rehabilitative support, surgical expertise, and health and wellness programs that promote joint health,” explains Dr. Goral.
While there is no place like home, especially when recovering from surgery, both Holy Cross Hospital and Holy Cross Germantown Hospital offer patients the comfort of a private room.
All of these resources came together for Chris—and the results are proof of the program’s excellence. “Hours after my surgery, the therapist had me up and walking,” he says. “The nurses and technicians were terrific and I was home the very next day.”
The joint replacement team works with patients and their families or support person to determine what type of follow-up services are best after discharge from the hospital.
Chris says, “The hospital arranged for a couple of weeks of home physical therapy—and outpatient therapy after that.”