Glenn Eckfeld

It was a knee injury sustained during his service in Vietnam that caused the initial cartilage damage to Glenn’s knee. Despite a corrective surgery in Japan, Glen’s cartilage in his right knee would continue to deteriorate as the years progressed. The final realization as to the extent of the damage in his knee came in 2006 when five consecutive years of conservative treatment including pain medicine and knee injections began to stop working.

Like many people, Glenn loves the outdoors. In the past, he would often be found escaping to Arizona during the winter months to enjoy the warmth and openness of the desert. At home in Ohio, Glen enjoys walking, gardening, filling the many birdfeeders on his property, and most especially time spent being active with his grown children. Unfortunately the pain in his knee over the last few years had worsened to a level that prevented Glen from walking or even bending which meant he was unable to do so many of the things that brought him joy in life.

A self admitted skeptic of surgery, he says “I didn’t know anyone who had this done personally. I hate pain and was nervous about a surgery like this.” Glenn was apprehensive about the thought of a total joint replacement even though his primary care physician felt it was really the best option for him. After conducting his own personal research, he was recommended by friends and physicians to visit Dr. Michael McShane of the Ohio Joint Replacement Institute at The Ohio Orthopedic Center of Excellence. Upon viewing MRI results, the reason for Glenn’s constant and intense pain became very clear…there was no cartilage left in his right knee!

Today, only 2 months after undergoing a total knee replacement, Glenn can’t believe he didn’t do it sooner. With an exceptional recovery, Glenn attributes his success to “doing everything they told me to do”. He attended the total joint education class as well as the recommended physical therapy prior to surgery which helped prepare his flexibility and strength. Just 2 short weeks after his surgery, Glenn’s range of motion had returned a full 120%! “Am I happy? Yes!” says Glenn. “I was smart and didn’t push myself too hard during recover, but I couldn’t be more pleased with the outcome.” In addition to being back to enjoying his life, pain free, Glenn has appreciated the added benefits of his prior back pain also dissipating.

Glen hopes that sharing his story with others will help them to realize what he does now…that you don’t have to live with the pain of osteoarthritis.