Man Recovers From Second New Knee Faster With New Technique & Dr. Matthew Lovell
Richard Jones, a 79-year-old retired Veterans Service Officer from Madison, Indiana, has spent a lifetime helping others. Over the years, however, his own knees became a source of pain, limiting his mobility. Today, thanks to a leading-edge, muscle-sparing knee replacement technique, Richard is back on his feet and looking forward to gardening and traveling in the coming year.
Richard’s journey with knee issues began decades ago when his doctor identified signs of wear and tear, including the potential for "bone-on-bone" grinding in both knees. The condition gradually worsened, forcing Richard to sell his beloved Dutch Colonial home due to its challenging staircase layout.
For his first step toward better living, Richard underwent a traditional knee replacement on his right knee at Southern Indiana Orthopedics with board-certified orthopedic surgeon Dr. Matthew Lovell. The surgery was successful, but when Richard was ready to have his left knee replaced, Dr. Lovell suggested a newer, muscle-sparing technique. The results have been transformative.
“I was walking around on my left knee replacement 12 days after the operation, without a cane even,” Richard shared. “Dr. Lovell even took a film of me walking down the hall in his office. He was pleased too, I think.”
By six weeks post-surgery, Richard was walking half a mile comfortably and had completed physical therapy early, surprising even his therapists with his rapid recovery.
“They thought my progress was excellent,” Richard added. “I probably could have finished it even earlier than that, but I thought, well, it's good for me anyway.”
Richard’s improved mobility has allowed him to reclaim many of the activities he loves. Living in a walkable neighborhood, he enjoys strolling to church, the library, and his favorite coffee shop. As spring approaches, he is eager to make a return to gardening—a hobby he had set aside due to his knee pain.
Throughout his journey, Richard enjoyed the care he received at Southern Indiana Orthopedics. “Everybody was very, very nice, both at the North Vernon outlet and also at the facility where I had my operation both times,” he explained. “I couldn't rave more about the whole thing.”
Looking ahead, Richard and his wife are planning travels to Missouri and Canada, including a trip to Prince Edward Island. As Richard approaches his 80th birthday, he’s living proof that innovative medical techniques and skilled care can restore not just mobility but also quality of life. “I’m thrilled,” he said. “I’m really thrilled.”
Orthopedics is always progressing, and at Southern Indiana Orthopedics, our team stays at the forefront of proven techniques, like the technique used in Richard’s surgery. If you’re looking for solutions to chronic joint pain, contact our expert joint care team today by calling (812) 376-9353 or requesting an appointment online.