Stephen VanHove

I had been doing 5K runs three or four times a week - which later turned to walks - since 2000 when I started working from home. Because my right leg was bowed outward, the inside of my knee wore down and eventually became very painful. I tried a knee support, injections, strengthening exercises and various medications - none providing any significant relief.

Eventually I had to stop my morning walks, and my day-to-day activities became more and more difficult. I started using my wife's handicap placard for parking, and I could barely endure moving through a grocery store. Because my wife had been previously - and successfully - treated at HSS (when our local doctors could not/would not help her) I decided to seek treatment there as well.

Dr. Hansen replaced my knee as well as aligned and straightened my leg. I was discharged in 26 hours, and any pain or discomfort was manageable. Dr. Hansen had told me what to do pre- and post-op to ensure an optimal recovery and within 8 weeks after my surgery, I was back to my regular 5K walks without any assistive devices. And now, six months later, I am walking as well as I ever have.

Dr. Hansen truly gave me back my mobility and my health, and I will be forever grateful to him for his expertise. I also want to mention the personal attention and wonderful care I received from everyone who was part of my procedure. I live about 50 miles from HSS, and while it may not be convenient, it was so worth it and I know I made the best choice to get the best care.