Goldstein Taller After Knee Surgery By Greenspoon
By Space Coast Daily // March 25, 2013
SPORTS MEDICINE
BREVARD COUNTY • MELBOURNE BEACH, FLORIDA — Michael Goldstein has had both knee joints replaced by Dr. Jeff Greenspoon of Viera Sports Medicine – and he’s glad that he did.
Goldstein, a retired television producer and personal manager for stars like Rodney Carrington, typically traveled 40 weeks a year during his busy working years, to negotiate recording contracts and was a very active man.
Active Sportsman
“The main sport that I played for fun was baseball, and in 1969 when I was 19, I destroyed my right knee,” said Goldstein.
“In those days they used to cast you and remove cartilage and I was warned that I would have knee problems later in life.”
As an athletic young professional man, and like any red-blooded American, Goldstein continued to stay active throughout his life – snow skiing, playing baseball, tennis and more.
In 1998, at age 48, he destroyed the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his left knee. Then, in 1999 at 49, he blew out the ALC in his right knee playing sports.
In 2002, Dr. Jeffrey Greenspoon of Viera Sports Medicine operated on Goldstein’s left knee. By that time almost all of the cartilage had deteriorated in both knees, which had created a painful bone-on-bone situation.
“Dr. Greenspoon looked at an MRI of both my knees and became concerned that because of the bone-on-bone wear, that there was becoming less and less surface available to attach a device to,” said Goldstein. “It was at that time that he recommended replacement of both knees.”
BOTH KNEES REPLACED
Greenspoon advised Goldstein to lose as much weight as possible prior to the surgery as that would help with the rehabilitation. The left knee replacement surgery was performed by Dr. Greenspoon in March 2007, after which Goldstein rehabilitated aggressively.
In May 2007 the right knee was replaced.
“I am proud to say that I walked through the Orlando Airport on July 25 of that year, with no crutches and no cane and I went right back to work,” said Goldstein.
” I really worked hard at rehab after surgery, with two sessions every day to get my knees working. I thought that golf would be about all I could manage after the surgeries and I was not sure what pain I would have.
“I am happy to say that I am now 100 percent pain free for the first time since 1969 and I am playing doubles tennis 4-5 times a week, swimming and really enjoying myself. I’m aware that I may need a revision one day, as the joint gets worn, but that should be minor. I am thrilled.”
RIGOROUS REHAB PAYS OFF
The surgery was not that bad nor that painful for Goldstein. “It was like any typical ACL surgery,” said Goldstein. “The first three weeks after the surgery were the toughest part, but the hard work in rehab really paid off for me.”
As his knees got stronger, so did Goldstein, as he worked aggressively with the expert rehab specialists recommended by Dr. Greenspoon.
He followed the surgeon’s instructions exactly and today looks very fit, healthy and is happy with his active lifestyle.
“I play golf, swim, bicycle, play tennis several times a week but I avoid a lot of high impact on my knees,” said Goldstein. “I don’t do excessive walking or running, although I could if I wanted to.”
Loves To Dance
Today, Goldstein is a handsome, healthy man and his knees look very normal except for a scar on each knee.
“I basically avoid jarring my knees too much, but I still love to dance,” said Goldstein. “I would recommend this procedure for those people who have no other option – as a last resort.Dr. Greenspoon changed my life and he would be the only one that I would ever go back to. His surgery even made me one inch taller as my legs are no longer bowed.”
About Viera Sports Medicine & Orthopedic Center
Viera Sports Medicine specializes in Physical Therapy, Sports Medicine and conditions of the Musculoskeletal system. The board certified orthopedic surgeons and staff provide leading-edge technology, personalized care and healthy rehabilitative programs.
Established in 1999, Viera Sports Medicine is the Space Coast’s neighborhood orthopedist. Viera Sports Medicine and Orthopedic Center specializes in:
• Sports injuries
• Knee and shoulder injuries
• Arthroscopic surgery
• Total knee joint replacement
• Hip joint replacement
• Upper extremity replacement surgery
• Workers compensation injuries
• Physical therapy
• Independent medical evaluations
• Fracture and trauma care
• General orthopedics
• Hand Surgery
For more information call 321-434-9200 or CLICK HERE
