For a combined 177 years, patients have chosen our doctors at The Orthopedic Group for specialized orthopedic care. Alan Henson is one such patient. This past summer, Mr. Henson underwent a total knee replacement surgery after he could no longer handle the amount of pain he was in each day. He experienced the best possible care and support from our team of orthopedic physicians at The Orthopedic Group, and he enjoyed a fast, pain-free recovery. Learn more about his story below. 

ALAN HENSON WAS IN PAIN

Since 1984, Alan Henson has been a co-owner of Orthopedic & Sports Physical Therapy Associates, Inc. (OSPTA), which provides hands-on rehabilitation services in 32 locations across Southwestern Pennsylvania and Northwestern West Virginia. But on July 20, 2020, while he was working out at the gym, Mr. Henson realized he could no longer tolerate the severe amount of pain in his left knee. 

Nine years ago, Mr. Henson had his right knee replaced, but he says that his left knee also became painful during the last two years. “I had a steroid injection about a year ago for relief,” said Mr. Henson. “I was actually trying to postpone the surgery on this knee until later this year.” 

When he realized that postponing was no longer an option, he called The Orthopedic Group. Within an hour of his call, he was meeting with Dr. Allan Tissenbaum in our Charleroi office. 

HOW THE ORTHOPEDIC GROUP HELPED ALAN HENSON

Dr. Tissenbaum is one of three surgeons at The Orthopedic Group who perform total joint replacement surgeries at Monongahela Valley Hospital’s Orthopedic Institute, which is a comprehensive program based on a proven national model for hip and joint replacement. “A total joint replacement is a life-changing event, which is why we feel it is important to offer a patient-centered program,” explained Dr. Tissenbaum. “Most often, our patients are healthy, active individuals who have hip or knee pain and want to live a better, pain-free quality of life.”

During his knee replacement surgery, Dr. Tissenbaum injected Mr. Henson’s knee with Exparel. Exparel is a non-opioid, timed-release analgesic that helps to control post-surgical pain and aids in recovery. “Exparel is magic. I never needed to take anything stronger than ibuprofen following my surgery,” Mr. Henson shared. 

Before Mr. Henson’s surgery, he also saw another physician from The Orthopedic Group, Dr. Anthony Cuneo, who played a key role in his recovery. Dr. Cuneo’s specialty is in physical medicine and rehabilitation. Dr. Cuneo injected Mr. Henson’s knee with a localized nerve block to provide him with immediate and long-lasting relief. The cryoanalgesia treatment delivered precise, controlled doses of cold temperature to the targeted nerves in Mr. Henson’s knee. Before a joint replacement surgery at MVH’s Orthopedic Institute, people who receive this treatment have been found to experience less pain following surgery, have a decreased need for pain medications, and experience faster post-surgical recovery.

Like other patients who undergo total knee or total hip replacement surgeries at MVH’s Orthopedic Institute by physicians from The Orthopedic Group, Mr. Henson enjoyed a quick, pain-free recovery and a positive experience. He had his total knee replacement surgery performed as an outpatient, and by the next morning, he was walking 250 feet and participating in physical therapy. Eleven days post-surgery, he was able to return to work. “It was a seamless process, and I recommend The Orthopedic Group and MVH’s Orthopedic Institute to everyone,” Mr. Henson said.

SUFFERING FROM KNEE PAIN? CONTACT THE ORTHOPEDIC GROUP TODAY

If you are suffering from knee pain, like Alan Henson was, our orthopedic physicians at The Orthopedic Group want to help you get back on your feet again. We are dedicated to providing you with the best possible care available. If you have any questions, or if you would like to request information about our other services, use the link provided here, or give us a call at (724) 379-5802, and we can schedule you to be seen at the office nearest you!

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  • Charleroi Office
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