A Spring in Her Step

Hip and knee replacements at Inova Fair Oaks Hospital gave Mary Glaunert a new lease on life

At 70, Mary Glaunert wasn’t about to let the pain in her hip hold her back from visiting her four children who live across the country or being able to attend her grandchildren’s high school and college events. After trying different conventional therapies, including cortisone shots, to ease the pain, last fall she decided to have her right hip replaced.

“The pain was excruciating and it really cramped my style,” says Mary. “I probably should have done it a long time ago, but in my mind I kept thinking it would get better.”

Mary went to see James Reeves, MD, an orthopedic surgeon with the Joint Replacement Program at Inova Fair Oaks Hospital for a consultation. Despite her apprehension about having surgery, she immediately felt at ease after meeting with Dr. Reeves.

“I can’t say enough about Dr. Reeves,” Mary says. “He explains everything and he answers any questions that you have. He’s so professional yet so very approachable. I can’t praise him enough.”

Mary’s hip surgery was so successful, she decided to finally address the arthritis in her knees. She had her left knee replaced eight weeks post-hip surgery and her right knee replaced this past June. The procedures, combined with physical therapy, have allowed her to reclaim her active lifestyle.

“Ms. Glaunert is a very active lady,” says Dr. Reeves. “Her arthritis had really taken her mobility and quality of life away, and to replace her hip and both of her knees has given her a new lease on life. Once she is fully recovered, she should be able to return to all the activities that she enjoys doing with no limitations.”

Quality Care

The nationally recognized Joint Replacement Program at Inova Fair Oaks Hospital offers advanced technology and surgical techniques by an expert patient care team.

“The program’s success is the result of a collaborative effort from the surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses, technicians, physical therapists, case managers and a patient care navigator,” says Dr. Reeves. “Using modern techniques and modern pain control, patients are having faster recoveries and getting back to an active lifestyle very quickly.”

As for Mary, she looks forward to spending time with her family and attending her grandchildren’s high school and college activities.

“I have been extremely happy,” says Mary. “There are no words to explain how great Dr. Reeves and his staff are. After three times, I should know!”

Learn More

For more information about Inova Fair Oaks Hospital’s joint replacement services, visit our website.

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