Robotics-Assisted Knee Surgery Helped Her Get Back to Enjoying Life
C.R.N.A., Avid Pickleball Player, Robotic-Assisted Knee Replacement Patient
“Now that I have a new knee, it’s so apparent how nonfunctional I had become. My whole experience was fantastic and I’m so grateful to be back enjoying my active lifestyle."
Kendall Morris, 66, had been a certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) for 41 years. In spite of her worsening arthritis, she continued to work full time until retirement, even though she was in constant discomfort with knee pain. She had been unable to play tennis or walk long distances without extreme swelling, pain and limping. When she stopped working full time, she was able to give her knee the attention it demanded and opted for robotic-assisted knee surgery under the care of MyMichigan Midland Orthopedic Surgeon Mark Goethe, M.D. Morris stated that the surgery was “nothing short of a miracle” for her.
Dr. Goethe has been performing robotics-assisted knee replacements since early 2021. The CORI™ Surgical System is designed to help orthopedic surgeons plan and perform knee replacement surgery with a greater degree of accuracy than is possible with traditional methods thanks to its 3D digital modeling. Since no two knee joints are the same, aligning a new knee implant requires the surgeon to match its position with a patient’s existing unique anatomy.
“The CORI System uses a robotics-assisted, handheld device that helps the surgeon achieve accurate positioning of the knee implant,” said Dr. Goethe. “The result is a neutral mechanically-aligned knee joint made from material designed to last longer and feel like the patient’s own knee.”
This would be Morris’s second knee replacement with Dr. Goethe. “I knew him to be a highly-skilled, competent surgeon, as well as a kind, knowledgeable and empathetic physician,” she said. This time, she was impressed with how the robotics technology complemented his skills and allowed for a quicker recovery time.
Each patient’s case is unique. Morris chronicled her own healing journey: “I did well with my first knee surgery, but this time I was really amazed at how quickly I rebounded,” she added. “The first week was uncomfortable but my pain was well managed. By my two-week checkup, I walked into the office unassisted by a cane or walker. At three weeks I was walking three miles a day. At four weeks, I went to my own gym to work out with specific exercises from physical therapy and continued weightlifting for upper body strength. I was able to swim again; that was a big breakthrough for me as I found swimming, water walking and stretching extremely important in my rehabilitation.”
Morris also worked with Bridgett Berg, F.N.P.-B.C., M.S.N., from Dr. Goethe’s office. “Bridgett has been an integral part of my care. She saw me pre-operatively, assisted Dr. Goethe in the surgery and saw me post-operatively. Bridgett monitors my progress, assists with medication needs and fields all my questions. She is an excellent practitioner and an important part of the team, as well as a genuinely nice woman,” Morris added.
The entire team impressed Morris. “My total experience was fantastic, from starting in the ambulatory unit to the skilled operating crew, the excellent care in the post-anesthesia care unit, as well as the physical therapist who evaluated me after surgery and approved my same-day discharge,” said Morris. “All were excellent, and the ambulatory nurses who made sure I was comfortable and ready to go home were so appreciated.”
Morris is grateful to be returning to her active lifestyle, riding her bicycle outdoors and playing pickleball. She looks forward to the spring when she can get back to doubles tennis. “The athletics are a plus,” she shared, “but just being able to go for long walks at my sister’s cabin along Lake Michigan, in the woods or walking with my husband and our dog along our river, is the greatest gift ever. I can walk up and down stairs without pain and frequent stopping. Daily living, including chores and yard work, is so much easier. When I was given a new knee, it was so apparent how nonfunctional I had become without really recognizing it.”
Morris advises those experiencing knee pain to not wait. She urges others to have an evaluation by an orthopedic surgeon. Those who would like more information about robotics-assisted knee replacement surgery and Dr. Goethe may visit www.mymichigan.org/kneerobotics.
