Life Without Knee Pain

Then Erica’s physician recommended a third surgeon, Dr. Ronald S. LaButti of Central States Orthopedic Specialists.

Do you have knee pain that is becoming too much to bear? If you’re considering surgery, it is essential to choose an orthopedic surgeon who is specially trained in joint replacement. An operation can be a scary process, and knowing that your doctor has extensive experience and will guide you through every step makes the situation much less stressful.

Though it seems that all orthopedic surgeons would make it a point to explain each step of surgery to their patients, Erica Hartman of Bixby found that not all orthopedic surgeons are created equal.

Erica had been feeling pain in her knee for at least five years. “It began with difficulty stretching my leg. The pain gradually got worse, until eventually I was in pain 24 hours a day. I had a limp, and every step I took hurt,” she says.

As much as she wanted to avoid it, Erica decided that looking into surgery was her only option. The first two orthopedic surgeons she met with did not put her at ease; they even heightened her fears. “When I asked each of them what was going to happen, they both told me to go on the Internet to see what the surgery was like. I was not comfortable with this at all,” says Erica. “I honestly thought I would have to live with pain for the rest of my life.”

Then Erica’s physician recommended a third surgeon, Dr. Ronald S. LaButti of Central States Orthopedic Specialists. With an apprehension caused by her previous experiences, she visited the Tulsa clinic. But Erica was happily surprised with the consultation. “I was immediately impressed with Dr. LaButti, because he gave me the real facts,” she says. “He explained everything that was going to happen, and that’s exactly what I needed – someone who would be upfront with me and not sugarcoat anything.”

Within three weeks of Erica’s initial visit, Dr. LaButti performed total joint replacement surgery on her knee, and it was not a moment too soon. “When I finally had the surgery, my cartilage was in pieces and my knee was completely crumpled,” she says.

Erica’s gratitude for her pain-free lifestyle is apparent. “I had the operation two years ago, and today I feel absolutely no pain. I started feeling the positive effects as soon as four weeks after the operation. As a member of the German American Society, Oktoberfest is a big event for me, and it was taking place six weeks after my surgery. I set the goal for myself to participate in the event, and I accomplished that goal.”

Erica says that the key to her success was precisely following the doctor’s instructions, including using the CPM machine and doing physical therapy. “I did exactly what Dr. LaButti said to do, and the results have been amazing,” says Erica.

Even though the process can be frightening, Erica encourages people in pain to avoid putting off the surgery. “I was very scared to have this procedure. I’ve had other surgeries before and had never felt such fear. I’m just so thankful I found Dr. LaButti and finally did it.

“I wish I had done it a long time ago,” she continues. “Our children sent me and my husband Neil to Cozumel for our 50th wedding anniversary, and I had to spend the entire time in the pool. Now I am pain-free and can truly enjoy life.”   

Dr. LaButti is fellowship trained in lower extremity and joint reconstruction and offers patients the latest in joint replacement surgery and

technology. To learn more, call (918) 481-2767 or go online to  www.hipandkneedoc.com.

For more information, contact

Dr. Ronald S. LaButti
Central States Orthopedic Specialists

6585 S. Yale, Ste. 200

(918) 481-2767

www.hipandkneedoc.com