Our knees tend to show more wear and tear as we age, including soreness, aching, and general discomfort from simple daily movements like walking, exercising, and even standing. One of the common underlying causes of knee pain is osteoarthritis, which occurs as the cartilage in the joint deteriorates causing inflammation.
Bourbon resident Mike Johnson, 52, had been battling chronic knee pain in his right knee due to osteoarthritis since around age 40. He had resorted to receiving cortisone injections while under the care of an orthopedic specialist in Washington, Mo., which helped for a few years.
“Eventually, those cortisone injections stopped working,” said Johnson. “When an X-ray showed my knee joint was bone-on-bone, I asked about knee replacement surgery; however, my doctor told me I was way too young and that I’d have to have surgery to replace it again in 10 years.”
Frustrated with the pain, Johnson decided to get a second opinion from another orthopedic specialist. That’s what led him to Dr. Paul Frewin orthopedic surgeon who specializes in hip, knee, and shoulder surgery at Missouri Baptist Sullivan Hospital.
Dr. Frewin is part of the Missouri Baptist Sullivan Hospital Orthopedic Clinic, which opened in June 2023 and offers comprehensive orthopedic care to patients, ranging from adolescents to adults. Some of the services include the evaluation and treatment of degenerative osteoarthritis and total joint replacement surgery of the hip and knee.
Johnson made an appointment with Dr. Frewin for a consultation in August 2023, and was appreciative of how Dr. Frewin handled his questions and concerns.
“I know he’s been doing this for years, which was reassuring,” said Johnson. “Dr. Frewin is also very thorough. If I had a question, he answered it and explained it in a way that made sense.”
Understanding his patients’ needs is a priority for Dr. Frewin.
“My goal is to provide every patient with the quality, compassionate care they deserve. I listen to my patients, while providing the proper guidance to help them make informed decisions about their medical care,” Dr. Frewin said.
Dr. Frewin confirmed Johnson had degenerative osteoarthritis, and much to Johnson’s relief, he was a good candidate for a total knee replacement. He also reassured him his new, cementless knee joint would last a long time. According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, more than 90 percent of replacement knees are still functioning after 15 years, and 82 percent % still function after 25 years.
“Dr. Frewin noted how much better the technology is today, allowing new knee joints to last far longer than they have in the past,” said Johnson. “He said I’d likely never have to replace this one, which was music to my ears.”
Johnson’s total knee replacement surgery was scheduled for the following month. He then met with anesthesia and physical therapy to go over what to expect with the surgery, recovery, and rehab. On Tuesday, September 5, 2023, Dr. Frewin performed a total knee replacement surgery on Johnson’s right knee at Missouri Baptist Sullivan Hospital. The surgery was a success, and Johnson was up and taking a few steps that night.
“The pain was pretty intense, which I expected. This was also my first surgery ever. I’ve never even broken a bone,” said Johnson. “But my nurses were wonderful. If I needed anything, I just hit the call button, and they were there.”
Mr. Johnson returned home with orders for in-home care and physical therapy for the first month. By the second month, he was going to the hospital’s Therapy & Wellness Center for physical therapy twice a week for a total of eight weeks. He continued to do his exercises at home as well.
Four months later, Johnson is enjoying his new knee. He is moving around with much less pain and even returned to work eight weeks after surgery, whereas most patients take 12 weeks before going back to work.
“I’m pleased to say that Mike recovered ahead of schedule and is back to enjoying his life pain free,” said Dr. Frewin.
For Johnson, he knows he made the right decision. “I’m so glad I went through with the surgery. Now, I’m ready to get my other knee done,” he said.
The Missouri Baptist Sullivan Hospital Orthopedic Clinic is open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. To make an appointment with Dr. Frewin at the Clinic, please call (573) 468-1974.