Andrew Tranchita, 68, always has been active. "I exercise every day; work out at the gym; and my job is physically demanding," the independent contractor explained. "But when I developed an intense pain in my right knee, I couldn't go up or down stairs, or climb a ladder to do my job."
The former football player turned to Gottlieb Memorial Hospital. "I had my gall bladder removed here and underwent angioplasty, so I trusted Gottlieb completely," he said. "I also had open heart surgery at Loyola, so I knew I was getting the best of both hospitals at Gottlieb." "Andrew was no longer able to do the things he enjoyed. The only thing that was stopping him was the osteoarthritis in his right knee," said Gottlieb surgeon, Jeffrey Meisles, MD, orthopaedics. "He was in good physical condition, very motivated and a perfect candidate for minimally invasive knee surgery."
The Franklin Park resident and his wife Nancy, attended the one-day orthopaedic education class that is offered the week before surgery. "Watching the videos, talking with the medical staff and reading the take-home materials made me feel very prepared," he said.
Through a small four-inch incision, Dr. Meisles removed the damaged bone and implanted a new titanium knee. "Minimally invasive knee replacement produces a smaller incision saving more tendon and muscle. It also produces a smaller scar," said the surgeon who helped pioneer the technique.
"I had my surgery in the morning and was out of bed and slowly walking that afternoon," said Andrew. "I had very little pain and the nurses and therapists cared for me."
Mrs. Tranchita said, "Andy used his laptop computer, and with the sleeping couch for family members and flatscreen TV, it felt more like a hotel suite than a hospital room."
During his three-day stay, Andrew underwent daily physical therapy. "Each day I was able to do more," said the disciplined athlete.
At home, a Gottlieb physical therapist visited three times each week for six weeks. "I never felt overwhelmed or discouraged," Andrew said.
He then continued physical therapy through a rehabilitation class three times a week for eight weeks at Gottlieb.
"I had an excellent surgeon, state-of-the-art facilities and the motivation to do well," Andrew said.
Where to Learn More
Visit www.GottliebHospital.org for more joint replacement information.
LOYOLA UNIVERSITY HEALTH SYSTEM
