At 72 years old, Debbie lives life to the fullest in King and Queen County. Married for 49 years and surrounded by her family, she enjoys reading, shopping, staying active in her church, and watching her granddaughters play volleyball and softball. But in April 2016, a simple errand in Williamsburg changed everything.
“My knee just started giving me trouble—it became harder and harder to walk,” she recalled. “My daughter was getting married and I was worried about being able to participate fully.”
Over the years, she tried different treatments to manage the growing discomfort, but none provided lasting relief. Last summer, she decided to call Riverside Orthopedic Specialists in Gloucester and schedule an appointment to be seen by one of the specialists.
She began her journey with Chris Schultz, PA-C, with Riverside Orthopedic Specialists, who administered a series of knee injections that provided temporary relief. These non-surgical treatments, such as corticosteroid or gel injections, are often the first step in managing knee arthritis or chronic joint pain. But when these treatments stop working—as they eventually do for many patients—it’s time to consider more definitive options.
“When a patient experiences diminishing relief from injections, it’s often an indication that the joint damage has progressed to a point where a knee replacement may offer the best long-term outcome,” explained Dr. Steven Hospodar, orthopedic surgeon with Riverside Orthopedic Specialists, who took over Debbie’s care.
She scheduled a consultation with Dr. Hospodar to explore her options.
“Dr. Hospodar took the time to explain everything and I really appreciated that,” she said.
Together, they determined that a total knee replacement was the right next step. They scheduled the procedure for April 30, 2025—strategically timed between Easter and an important church event.
The surgery went smoothly. During a total knee replacement, the damaged cartilage and bone at the ends of the femur and tibia are removed and replaced with a combination of metal and high-grade plastic components designed to restore joint function and eliminate pain.
“A knee replacement is designed to mimic the natural movement of the joint, and when done at the right time, it can drastically improve a patient’s mobility and quality of life,” said Dr. Hospodar.
She was grateful to stay overnight at Riverside Walter Reed Hospital, where she praised the attentive staff and the compassionate care she received.
“The team was wonderful. I was really pleased to stay overnight—it made me feel safe and supported,” she said.
Her recovery was just as seamless. She began with Riverside Home Health physical therapy for two weeks, focusing on restoring range of motion, reducing swelling, and regaining strength. She then transitioned to outpatient physical therapy at Riverside Walter Reed Hospital to continue progressing toward full mobility.
“People couldn’t believe how fast I bounced back. Within weeks, I was driving again, grocery shopping, getting my hair done—doing all the things I love.”
Her recovery wasn’t just swift—it was a testament to how effective joint replacement can be when combined with a motivated patient and a coordinated care team.
With a new knee and renewed confidence, she’s passionate about sharing her experience with others who might think they need to travel far for great care.
“The team in Gloucester is competent, caring, and did an outstanding job. I couldn’t be more pleased.