Each month, we like to highlight a case that might help other people who experience similar symptoms understand their surgical options.  Please consult with your doctor as this is not considered medical advice. This patient has agreed to share their story. *Names have been changed to protect their privacy.

Joseph* was a 63-year-old male who was experiencing bone-on-bone arthritis in his left knee.  It had only been 3 years since Joseph had joint replacement surgery on his right knee.  This surgery was performed by another surgeon using manual instruments, and Joseph was not happy with the outcome.  He was still experiencing pain in his right knee – even after surgery!  Now that he needed surgery on the left knee, too, Joseph was hesitant due to his negative experience the first time.

Joseph decided to seek a second opinion from Dr. Gregory Tchejeyan – and it’s a good thing he did!  After x-rays and several long discussions together, Dr. T pointed out that the right knee surgery was done poorly and was misaligned, which was the reason for his pain.  

Nonetheless, he was the perfect candidate for partial knee resurfacing on his left knee, which would be done robotically (not manually) by Dr. Tchejeyan.  Joseph agreed and the surgery was scheduled.

Robotic Knee Surgery vs. Manual Knee Surgery

Ultimately, Dr. Tchejeyan not only healed the left knee, but he also revised the right knee as well.  Joseph finally received what he should have with his first surgery – precise alignment, well-positioned implants, and a properly balanced knee.  The difference was in Dr. Tchejeyan’s skill and precision – something that not all surgeons can claim.

Dr. Tchejeyan’s surgery was more successful because he uses a robotic method, as opposed to manual tools.  Robotic surgery outperforms manual methods with regards to balance and alignment because surgeons are able to map out the patient’s knee with precise digital measurements and a robotic arm.  Dr. Tchejeyan, also known as the “L.A. Knee Guy”, is well known for his expertise in robotic knee surgery with the Mako robot.

Joseph’s left knee was partially resurfaced, since he did not technically need a total knee replacement.  

Joseph’s right knee, which had been operated on previously, required a total knee replacement due to the first botched surgery.  

Choose Your Surgeon Wisely!

Joseph is much better off now that he’s had a qualified surgeon do the job.  (Unfortunately, outcomes after botched surgeries are in the 85% success rate category as compared to 95% for primary, first-time surgeries.)  That’s why the first shot is always the best shot! The original surgeon was clearly not critical of his own work, even after Joseph expressed his dissatisfaction with the results. Dr. T always listens to his patients, the key to good doctor-patient relationships.

A good surgeon not only listens to their patients, but they also take the time to perfect their skill.  Dr. Tchejeyan is fellowship-trained in the knee subspecialty of orthopedics.  This means he actively pursued continued education in adult reconstruction and sports medicine before beginning his practice. Joseph’s original surgeon had no fellowship training in joint replacement, despite being labeled as a “sports medicine” doctor.  Nothing is more important than doing your homework and choosing the right surgeon from the beginning.

Dr. T. understands how important it is to restore health in order to resume normal physical activity as soon as possible.  With over 10,000 surgeries under his belt and an outstanding accuracy record, Joseph was in good hands with Dr. Tchejeyan.  Especially as compared to his first surgery’s recovery process, Joseph is feeling remarkable and is already back on his feet doing what he loves!