Knee Cartilage Repair Helps Corvallis Man Reclaim an Active Life

At first, Erik Anderson thought he was headed for another routine knee cleanup.

Instead, he learned the damage in his right knee had progressed far beyond a small bone or cartilage fragment that could be removed through a standard arthroscopic procedure. Years of wear, previous surgeries and cartilage loss had left part of his knee painfully bone-on-bone.

For the 48-year-old Corvallis resident, who first injured his knee as a Division I soccer player, the news marked the beginning of his most complex recovery yet.

After consulting with family medicine physician Craig Graham, MD, and orthopedic surgeon Christopher McCrum, MD, at Samaritan Athletic Medicine Center, Anderson underwent a complex procedure to restore cartilage.

“Cartilage graft was placed in the knee, and tiny holes drilled in the bone allow marrow and healing cells to direct the formation of new cartilage. This cartilage regeneration helped protect the joint and improve movement,” Dr. McCrum said.

“I used to be able to feel loose bodies in my knee. I’d move them to a place that was more comfortable to get temporary relief,” Anderson said. “Dr. McCrum explained that it was only going to keep happening. Instead of continually treating the symptom, we needed to address the underlying problem.”

The surgery was only the first step.

For six weeks, Anderson had to keep his leg straight while the cartilage repair healed. Walking across the room required assistance. Muscle atrophy set in quickly. Everyday tasks became difficult.

“What surprised me was the recovery,” he said. “It was more difficult and longer than I expected.”

Physical therapist Shanon Williams guided Anderson through rehabilitation, monitoring progress and adjusting exercises as milestones were reached. As Anderson advanced, strength coach Kyle Bangen worked alongside Williams to develop a training program tailored to their patient’s recovery.

“They made me feel like the most important patient they had at that moment,” Anderson said. “That built trust. When they said I would hit a milestone, I usually did.”

Today, three years after surgery, Anderson has returned to skiing, jogging, working out and keeping up with his children. While intensity levels have been adjusted, he can once again participate in the lifestyle that matters most to him.

He estimates he can do 90% of what he did before his surgery. More important, the sharp pain that once limited his daily life has been replaced by a manageable soreness that comes with an active lifestyle.

“The progression of modern medicine is amazing,” he said. “Knowing the result, I’d do it all over again. I’m pain-free, doing the things I want to do again.”

Have a knee injury? Schedule an appointment with Samaritan Athletic Medicine at samhealth.org/TheSam.