Anybody have knee surgery?

[michelle]

I've had 4 (two on each knee - sports injuries) and my right one is acting up again. I had one doctor do the surgery on one knee and then I went to another doctor for the other three surgeries because I didn't like my first doctor at all. The second one was really good for the first two (actually spent time during the appointment looking at my knees for more then 30 seconds) and then by the third one it was a 15 second follow-up appointment. So my point is - I would like to see a different doctor for this. I'm in the New Berlin/Brookfield area, so someone near there would be best (my other doctors are in Menomonee Falls). Any recommendations?

I'd do some research and look around, but my insurance from my parents will run out in December and my parents want me to get going on this.

[Reverend Cooper]

i used Dr. Stephen Nord, at the time 1998 he was outta the milwaukee medical clinic on at 3333 west goodhope with his surgical center being in River Hills. He is a family member of my dads late best friend. He fixed my knee that other Dr.s told me nothing was wrong with, it has never given me any problems since. I have lost track of him because I haven't needed his help. Not sure if there is a way you could look him up.

[Prince Valiant]

Had 3 surgeries on my left knee...two reconstructive (ACL tears) and one a minor clean-up of scar tissue/debridement.

First...don't limit yourself to an area...for a quality doctor, it's worth the 15-20 minute extra drive...but that being said, you've got some quality doctors to choose from in your area. For knees, here's a list of guys I unhesitatingly would let operate on my knee if I needed surgery and all are "knee first" specialist:

1. Dr. William B. Smith (http://www.blountortho.com/providers/physicians/smith.php): A long held and well deserved reputation in the area as "the best". Well regarded not just locally, but nationally among Orthopaedic Surgeons. Though he's neither the team physician for either the Bucks or the Packers, both their team doc's use Smith as a resource for both second opinions and consultations. He is a more aggressive surgeon, especially when you want him to be (IE, you're running out of time, thus he's less likely to try PT/other treatments first) Main office is downtown Milwaukee.

2.Dr. Steven Merkow (http://www.orthowisconsin.com/index.asp?menuID=183&firstlevelmenuID=137&siteID=1): Another excellent surgeon that operates primarily out of Waukesha. He did my second and successful ACL reconstruction. Considered a top-tier knee surgeon in the area.

3. Dr. Brian McCarty (http://www.aosurgeons.com/mccarty.html): Another excellent surgeon...patients love him not just because he get's good results, but because he is someone who focuses his attention on the patient needs. Spends far more time than average with his patients.

4. Dr. James Stone (http://www.theorthoinstitute.com/physicians/james-stone.asp): Another extremely competent Doctor. In his group is considered not only the most skilled (to which I agree), but also possessing the best bedside manners (far and away in that group).

5. Dr. William Pennington (http://www.theorthoinstitute.com/physicians/william-pennington.asp): Another excellent surgeon...like Smith, can be very aggressive when need be. Very well trained and well regarded.

6. Dr. Todd Swenson (http://www.blountortho.com/providers/physicians/swenson.php): If I was to need another ACL reconstruction, Todd WOULD certainly be my surgeon. Extremely skilled and thoughtful in his approach to surgery. Not as aggressive as Smith or Pennington, but when it's clear cut as to the need to operate, he's every bit as effective. Generally leaves the best looking (ie least noticeable) scars of all the surgeons I've seen.

Are theire other fine surgeons? Yes...Wichman, Davies, Butler, Langenkamp, Anderson etc...there is no shortage here in Wisconsin and I've worked with patients of everyone of most in the area...and observed more than a few surgeries with most the above (never seen Pennington/stone/McCarty in OR).

There certainly are some"less than stellar" surgeons in the area, so if there is doubt and you're seeing someone not listed above, PM me and I'm all to willing to give my opinion if I'm familiar with them. I'm automatically leery of those I'm not familiar in this area due to my work, but that doesn't by itself mean they aren't considered excellent...I'm not terribly familiar with many most Froedert Surgeons though most are considered very good.

[Brian98GTP]

I've had 4 (two on each knee - sports injuries) and my right one is acting up again. I had one doctor do the surgery on one knee and then I went to another doctor for the other three surgeries because I didn't like my first doctor at all. The second one was really good for the first two (actually spent time during the appointment looking at my knees for more then 30 seconds) and then by the third one it was a 15 second follow-up appointment. So my point is - I would like to see a different doctor for this. I'm in the New Berlin/Brookfield area, so someone near there would be best (my other doctors are in Menomonee Falls). Any recommendations?

I'd do some research and look around, but my insurance from my parents will run out in December and my parents want me to get going on this.

I probably asked you this before, but since I have the memory and attention span of a 4 year old.......

What sports do you/did you play?

[Reverend Cooper]

I would also validate Dr. James Stone,Not only is he a good customer of mine,but he has also helped me with my seperated shoulder and some broken bone issues in my foot. He is a great DR.

[b4mytm]

Another vote for Dr. Stone.
I had arthroscopic surgery on both knees. Left knee another Dr.,who I didn't much care for and then Dr. Stone did my right knee. He didn't rush into surgery. First I went through some physical therapy and various bone scans.
Once I had the surgery,my knee felt great with some pain here and there. This was back in '95.

I just recently started having some pain again,which he said I may have,so I might just be paying him visit soon myself.

Good luck Michelle.

[Car Guy]

I need to get my knees looked at, and the sad part is I've been putting it off for close to ten years now.....:rolleyes:

[UnderPSI]

I have had five surgeries on my left knee. Dr. Stone did one of them and his partner Dr. Pifel did one also. Didn't care for either of them. I was told to go to Stone, but I would never reccommend him to anyone else.

The best surgeon I have had would be Dr. Heinrich with the Milwaukee Orthopedic Group. He was the most personable and made sure I understood everything he was talking about. He is the surgeon for the Milwaukee Bucks and the Brewers. That was kinda weird when you are sitting in the waiting room and there is a dude sitting next to you that is 7'6"

He has a lot of patients come up from Chicago for knee and hip work.

If you need a good physical therapist let me know I have been doing nothing for the past four year besides going into surgery and then through physical therapy. Heinrich was the one who finally fixed the problem.

Milwaukee Orthopedic Group 414-276-6000

[Moparjim]

I had pretty major knee surgery with Dr. Stone. He definitely seemed like a decent guy, and the surgery went well.

[SpdRcrZ]

I need to get my knees looked at, and the sad part is I've been putting it off for close to ten years now.....:rolleyes:

same here...... I had one casted back in early '96, which they said I could go either way (surgery or cast... I went cast)...... the other has been bothering me since '94-95.... its not a good sign when your walking, and the knee buckles, or when your running and you fall, have to pop the knee back into place, then continue running, is it?

:eek:

[michelle]

I probably asked you this before, but since I have the memory and attention span of a 4 year old.......

What sports do you/did you play?

Basketball did the most damage, as I sprained my right knee really bad and then it didn't heal right because I was stubborn and still wanted to play anyways. And then tennis too.

Thanks for all the suggestions. I'll do my research and find out which one(s) are in "my network" when it comes to insurance. I've seen the charges for my past knee surgeries, so I definitely need to make sure I have insurance if surgery is necessary again.

Thanks again!