Knee Replacement

Dorothy Ostrem, a current Viroqua resident and long-time resident of the Driftless Region, has pursued an active lifestyle. She worked most of her life on a large farm near Chaseburg Ridge.  During those years she also worked intermittently at the Viroqua Tobacco Warehouse where she sorted leaves and stood for long hours.  Both jobs can be very taxing to knees and joints.  Ostrem worked at Bethel Home before retirement and continues to be an active Viroqua community member, participating in social activities and cleaning at her church.  Ostrem remembers having fairly frequent pain in her legs and knees for many years.  " We did so much hard work that I was in quite a bit of pain for a long time.  I wrapped my legs and because of the wrapping I became bow-legged."  Leg wrapping and painful vericose veins made every kind of work difficult for Ostrem. Outdoor activities that she enjoyed like gardening, yard work, helping on her daughter's farm andwalking became very difficult and sometimes impossible.

Dr. Mark Romzek evaluated Ostrem's knees and surgery was scheduled.  Her first knee replacement, the left knee, was performed in 2009. Ostrem's first knee replacement was a traditional knee replacement surgery.  But her right knee surgery in 2010 was a CPI Tru Match custom knee replacement.  Both surgeries were successful and Ostrem noted, "I experienced two different procedures for my knees.  Dr. Romzek told me that I had two of the worst knees he had ever seen.  I had a bit of pain post-surgery on the left knee.  The custom surgery was less painful.

Recovery time was similar for both procedures and both were successful." Ostrem worked closely with VMH physical therapy post surgery noting that the therapists were patient, kind and supportive.  "There were days while I was in therapy that I didn't think I could possibly move my leg. Jeff Johnston was always so encouraging.  I felt safe and the positive encouragement was very meaningful to my recovery."  Ostrem noted that Dr. Romzek was also very good pre and post surgery and that she would recommend his services to others.  "He's a nice man and a great surgeon. It was very nice working with him and I'm thankful for his knowledge and services."  After surgery and physical therapy, Ostrem is back to doing the things that she enjoys with her family and friends.  "I've been doing everything I want to do three months post surgery including mowing my lawn and activities with friends and family that I never would have been able to do before."