New Knees Keep This Baby Boomer Moving (Video)

Bob Pack, 69, has always led a physically active life. But working as a carpenter and staying fit by running and playing basketball eventually took a toll on his knees. When an x-ray revealed his knee joints were bone-on-bone, Mr. Pack realized that in order to maintain an active lifestyle he needed surgery to have his knees replaced.

(Video: The Baptist Health News Team hears from Carlos Alvarado, M.D., an orthopedic surgeon with Miami Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Institute, about bilateral knee replacement surgery. Video by George Carvalho.)

Recognizing advanced arthritis in both of Mr. Pack’s knees, Carlos Alvarado, M.D., an orthopedic surgeon with Miami Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Institute, agreed. He recommended Mr. Pack replace both of his knees at the same time.

“Because Mr. Pack was extremely motivated, very healthy and very active, we were able to do bilateral total knee replacements on him,” Dr. Alvarado said. “He recovered very quickly by working very hard and had an excellent outcome.”

Dr. Alvarado chose custom knee implants designed with Mr. Pack’s knee measurements and shape. Custom knee implants that align with a patient’s anatomy and function like their own knee allow for quicker surgery, less bleeding and fewer adjustments to surrounding muscles and tendons, leading to a faster recovery.

With the help of his son, Matt, a personal trainer, Mr. Pack committed himself to intense rehabilitation and physical therapy. His beliefs in taking charge of his own health and continuing to keep moving helped him get through the sometimes very painful recovery. Five months after surgery, he’s back to his normal activities without any limitations.

“Normal” activities for this baby boomer include gym workouts three times a week that consist of weight lifting, stretching and cardiovascular exercise, as well as running sprints two days a week.

“Getting out of a chair, in and out of a vehicle or walking up and down steps used to be very painful,” Mr. Pack said. “Now, after the surgery, is the best I’ve felt in six years. I’m amazed at what Dr. Alvarado did. It’s pretty incredible what these doctors can do now.”

The Baptist Health South Florida News Team spoke with Dr. Alvarado and Mr. Pack about bilateral knee replacement surgery and recovery. Watch the video now.