UH Case Medical Center Orthopaedics

In January 2002, Trish Branam's life changed in an instant when she was struck by a car. Her left knee was pinned between two vehicles, and her leg was crushed. Ms. Branam wasn't sure she'd walk again, much less continue her active lifestyle and lifelong love of boating.

Doctors in Philadelphia, where the accident occurred, repaired the crushed artery behind her knee and saved her leg. But her bones and knee joint were still very badly damaged. Even after seven surgeries over the course of three years, Ms. Branam says, "My leg was so misaligned that walking was a challenge. I wanted my life back. Every orthopaedic surgeon who evaluated me knew I needed a knee replacement. Given the damage to my leg, the complex question was what to do to make that possible? So I looked for the best doctor I could find."

Ms. Branam, a Toledo, Ohio, Resident, sought recommendations from physicians around the country. Her search ultimately led her to Matthew J. Kraay, M.D., director of joint reconstruction and arthritis surgery at University Hospitals Case Medical Center.

Ms. Branam met with Dr. Kraay in May 2005. "I can't tell you what a relief it was to hear him say, 'This is what I'll do,'" says Ms. Branam. "The decision to face more surgery was difficult, but Dr. Kraay's vision and confidence assured me it was the right choice."

The complicated surgery included a knee replacement and realignment of her kneecap, as well as a release of the contracted muscles of her thigh that kept her knee from bending. After surgery, University Hospitals physical and occupational therapists worked with Ms. Branam to begin strengthening and stretching her muscles, extending her knee's range of motion and improving her gait and balance.

Two years later, Ms. Branam is back to an active lifestyle doing what she loves. She continues to enjoy her full-time position as executive director of the Toledo Bar Association, and sails on Lake Erie every chance she gets.

"If you watch me walk today, you would never know I was in a nearly fatal accident that crushed my leg," she says. "I was lucky to leave the accident alive, and Dr. Kraay gave me back the rest of my life."

When is the right time for joint replacement surgery? In Ms. Branam's case, it was obvious. But for many people, especially those who have chronic joint pain from arthritis, the decision is tougher.

"The real issue is quality of life," Dr. Kraay explains. "When non-surgical techniques haven't worked and quality of life is compromised, patients should know that joint replacement is something that can usually restore their quality of life. Even if you haven't had a traumatic accident, you know when your life has become too limiting."

Recognized as one of the nation's leaders in joint replacement, the program at UH Case Medical Center was one of the first in the country to perform hip replacement surgery, and continues at the forefront of joint replacement research and innovation.

"University Hospitals Case Medical Center has been a recognized leader during the evolution of modern total joint replacement surgery over the past 25 to 30 years," says Dr. Kraay. "Our team's research has helped develop new implants, new internal fixation devices for bone fractures, and more durable orthopaedic materials."

Today's minimally invasive surgical techniques let patients return to normal activities quicker than ever before. For most patients, joint replacement surgery brings welcome relief from chronic pain. "Within a few weeks, most people are feeling better than they did before surgery," says De. Kraay. He adds that orthopaedic specialists here help patients explore all conservative options before considering surgery.