Eric's Second Post Op Exam @ OrthoNY in Schenectady, New York

Eric returns to
 OrthoNY

for a second
 Post Op checkup.

His surgery was on June 29 at Ellis Hospital and at about six weeks Post Op, it's time to be seen and discuss how things age going.

An up close shot of
Eric's knee.

We think his scar
is healing nicely.

Let's see what the
Physician's Assistant
says.









Christa Whiteman tells us that Eric's scar is healing nicely.  She checks the latest Physical Therapy report and tells Eric that his hard work is paying off.  He shows off by holding his leg out straight (0 degrees) and bends it 120 degrees, on his own.  Christa is very pleased with the progress.

Eric brought a few questions.  The most important one is what is the length of his right leg?  As you can see from the photo above, his right leg has been injured previously.  Eric was hit by a car on February 3, 1980 near Lake Placid. (see: Guardsman struck by car)  He on active duty with the New York National Guard  for behind the scenes assistance during the Winter Olympic Games.

The games went on as scheduled and Eric watched them on a tiny black and white TV in Ellis Hospital.  The results of the accident included Eric's right leg being shortened by more than half an inch.  His right shoe is altered to compensate for the difference in leg length.

The knee replacement surgery may have changed the length of Eric's right leg.  Does he need to have his shoes altered again?

To get a precise reading, Eric's

pelvis is X-rayed.

What does this show?

The answer is yes, the length of his right leg has changed.  Eric's right leg is still shorter than his left, but not by as much... one centimeter, instead of  the previous one and a half centimeters.  To maintain aligned hips and a straight spine, his shoes will need to be altered.

I asked Christa to explain other details seen Eric's pelvis X-ray.  His lower spine is in great condition. The discs between the spinal bones don't show signs of wear or compression.  Eric's right hip shows a little bit of arthritis.  Overall, Eric's lower back and hips are in good shape.

Eric and I exchanged grins.  We are very happy that Eric isn't having more complications from mismatched leg lengths.

Eric will continue to see the Physical Therapist once a week and continue to walk a little more each day.  We are both pleased with his recovery and anxious that it progress smoothly.

Eric leaves with a November 7th appointment.  This will be his last appointment before we head south for the winter.