Patient Testimonials

Knee Testimonials

Judy Gigliotti (Knee)

The Difference Stryker Knees Make

Most individuals have a passion in life; for Judy Gigliotti it’s the pleasure and enjoyment she derives from spending time in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. Two of Judy’s favorite wilderness activities include mountain hiking and fly-fishing with her husband.

In 1992, Judy began to experience discomfort in her knees. She tolerated this pain until she could no longer enjoy her hobbies. Total knee replacements were recommended, and Judy had Johnson & Johnson PFC® knees implanted. Judy did well with her replaced knees and was able to resume her outdoor activities.

In late 1999, Judy began to experience discomfort in one of her replaced knees and scheduled an appointment to meet with one of Colorado Springs’ orthopaedic surgeons, Dr. William Ciccone II of the Bone and Surgery Center in Colorado. After evaluating Judy, he determined that she had worn out her original poly insert to such an extent that significant osteolysis (bone loss) had set in. Dr. Ciccone determined that immediate intervention was needed. If the original total knee was not replaced, she could suffer a debilitating fracture. Judy was again scheduled for surgery.

In just a few months, after extensive rehabilitation and effort, Judy was walking around unaided by a cane or crutches. By the fifth month, Judy had regained full mobility with virtually no limp. Judy claims she has as much flexibility as she ever had. To test her progress, this 67-year-old hiked a mile and a half up the Mount Crested Butte ski area in Western Colorado and began fly-fishing once again. Five months after her revision surgery, Judy has been reunited with her passion, the streams of the Rocky Mountains and all they have to offer.

Here’s what Judy had to say about her experience: “I am very happy with the result of my new knee and am extremely grateful to the people of Stryker Orthopaedics for developing this wonderful device that has allowed me to enjoy the things I like to do again.”

Results not typical and may vary by individual. Not all patients will reach the same activity level.