Category: Orthopedics

November 1, 2021

Enjoying life’s simple pleasures, pain-free

After two knee replacements in less than two years, Pam Garceau shares her experience with both traditional and robotic procedures. When the little things you enjoy become difficult or impossible to do without pain, it’s time to find a solution. Sometimes – like in the case of Wheeling resident Pam Garceau – the solution includes […]

October 27, 2020

A different kind of hip replacement

It was approximately three years ago when Wheeling resident Celia Johnson started experiencing what she considered an “annoying discomfort” in her right hip. “It wasn’t long until it progressed into consistent pain and limited range of motion,” Johnson describes. “As the pain increased I walked with a pronounced limp.”

In November 2019, Johnson finally received an official diagnosis ― osteoarthritis of the hip. And she finally decided it was time to do something about her pain.

August 5, 2020

When is it time?

Aching joints can seem to be a natural progression in aging, but how do you know when it’s time to do something about it? Philip Ludkowski, M.D., Chief of Orthopedics at NCH, recently talked to us about total joint replacements.

July 31, 2018

A family affair: Knee replacements for daughter, dad and mom

From the time Mike and Diane Schmalz’s three girls were young, their family was always on the go. Years later, when knee issues threatened to slow Mike and Diane down, they each turned to Phillip Ludkowski, M.D., a board certified orthopedic surgeon on staff at Northwest Community Healthcare (NCH) to get them back to being active grandparents.

July 31, 2018

Nick’s story: A new knee means regular tee time with friends

Nick Mueller tried every available remedy to relieve his knee pain. Nothing worked—until he came to NCH.

July 31, 2018

Mark’s story: New hip improves quality of life for hard-working cargo employee

After two years of unbearable hip pain, Mark Hofeld underwent a hip replacement procedure at NCH and he hasn’t looked back since.