Eric Berg's Journey: From Knee Injury to Total Joint Replacement at Matthews Surgery Center with Dr. Matthew G. Robinson

Eric Berg, an avid skier and golfer, was walking a friend's dog shortly after moving to North Carolina in 2020 when a sudden movement caused his knee to pop and swell to the size of a football. Although he had previous knee injuries, this incident highlighted the need for a more permanent solution.

"My body was telling me it was time to fix this," Eric recalled, emphasizing the urgency of addressing his chronic knee issues.

Discovering OrthoCarolina

While exploring healthcare options in Monroe and Waxhaw, Eric was immediately impressed by OrthoCarolina.Dr. Matthew Robinson, the lead physician at OrthoCarolina Monroe, informed him that his knee had been bone-on-bone for three to four years. Bone-on-bone pathology presents an opportunity to cause extreme pain caused by a lack of cartilage in the joint. This condition not only caused Eric pain but also contributed to his bowlegged stance due to arthritis.

Overcoming Challenges and Preparing for Knee Replacement Surgery

Despite trying non-surgical treatments like cortisone injections, braces, and activity modifications, along with multiple appointments with Dr. Robinson's PA, Alvin Haymond, Dr. Robinson ultimately recommended a total knee replacement due to the severity of Eric's condition. Before surgery, Eric focused on improving his health, reducing his A1C level from 10.4 in August to 6.4 by December—a crucial step for his recovery.

A Modern Approach to Knee Replacement: Efficiency, Value, and Expertise

Knee replacement, or knee arthroplasty, is a procedure to replace the knee joint's weight-bearing surfaces, typically to relieve pain and disability from conditions like osteoarthritis or severe injuries. The surgery involves removing damaged cartilage and bone and replacing them with metal and plastic components that mimic natural knee movement, improving mobility and reducing pain.

Eric chose to have his knee replaced at an OrthoCarolina surgery center. Unlike his previous hip surgery, which required a five-day hospital stay, this procedure was outpatient, and he was walking the same day.

A surgery center is a healthcare facility where patients can have surgeries that don’t require an overnight stay. These centers are focused on providing high-quality, specialized care, often at a lower cost and with faster recovery times than traditional hospitals. OrthoCarolina currently has two surgery centers, one in Mallard Creek and one in Matthews.

"The staff was incredibly professional and friendly," Eric noted. “It’s remarkable how different this experience was compared to my hip surgery 18 years ago. At the surgery center [for my knee], they had me on my feet right away. Dr. Robinson explained everything thoroughly, and that made a significant difference.”

“Value is crucial in orthopedics, and OrthoCarolina’s surgery centers provide the best value to patients,” Dr. Robinson emphasized, underscoring the importance of cost-effective care without compromising quality.

Rehabilitation and New Beginnings: A Fresh Start

After surgery, Ronabelle Grasso, PT, at OrthoCarolina Monroe Physical Therapy, led Eric's physical therapy. Attending therapy three times a week for six weeks, Eric steadily regained his strength. Physical therapy is essential for recovery, helping patients restore mobility and strength post-surgery.

"Orthopedics really is a team sport," Dr. Robinson said, a sentiment Eric echoed as he reflected on his treatment and the high-quality care team he had along his journey, from Dr. Robinson and Alvin to Ronabelle.

A Hole-in-One Recovery

The ultimate milestone for Eric came the day he was cleared by Dr. Robinson—he made a tee time to play golf. “It’s been wonderful,” Eric remarked, grateful for the care and support he received throughout his journey at OrthoCarolina.

Adding his renewed active lifestyle, Eric adopted a dog who loves to go on walks, further supporting his recovery and encouraging him to stay active.