Patient Returns to Active Lifestyle After Total Knee Replacement

Deanna Patterson, 40, of Decatur, has always been very active. She loves taking long walks through her neighborhood and exercising regularly at her local gym. In the fall of 2012, however, she began experiencing pain in her right knee that made those neighborhood walks and trips to the gym increasingly difficult. 

Over the next year, the pain quickly grew worse and worse. “It was the longest year of my life,” said Patterson. “After a while, even moving from the couch to the bathroom was painful.” 

At this point, Patterson knew it was time to seek medical attention for her knee. After several discouraging experiences attempting to find the right doctor to treat her pain, Patterson found her way to Dr. Lawrence Bircoll at the Resurgens Orthopaedics office in Decatur. 

Patterson knew right away that she had found the best place for her. “Everyone at Resurgens was just so kind and supportive,” she said. “From the nurses and staff, to Dr. Bircoll himself, they made me feel like a super star!” 

During her first visit, Dr. Bircoll diagnosed Patterson with osteoarthritis and recognized her immediate need for treatment. Having been told at previous consultations that she wasn’t eligible for surgery, Patterson was thrilled when Dr. Bircoll acknowledged the severity of her condition and scheduled her surgery. Two weeks later, Dr. Bircoll performed a total right knee replacement to address her severe osteoarthritis. 

“In less than six months, Dr. Bircoll gave me my life back. I’m just so thankful.”

Patterson spent the next four months recovering and working hard on her at-home physical therapy. Now she is back on her regular walks with minimal pain. 

This return to an active lifestyle, Patterson says, is what she is most grateful for. “In less than six months, Dr. Bircoll gave me my life back,” she said. “I’m just so thankful.” 

Dr. Lawrence Bircoll received his medical degree from the University of Michigan School of Medicine in Ann Arbor, Michigan. He completed his residency at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, Michigan, and his fellowship in sports medicine at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. Dr. Bircoll’s areas of expertise include general orthopaedics, joint replacement, sports medicine, arthroscopic surgery, and fracture care. He is a member of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, Atlanta Orthopaedic Society, DeKalb Medical Society, and Medical Association of Georgia. 

Resurgens Orthopaedics, Georgia’s largest orthopaedic practice, has 22 offices and six surgery centers throughout metro Atlanta. With 96 physicians, Resurgens provides specialized expertise and broad experience in the areas of sports medicine, joint replacement, neck and back surgery, foot and ankle surgery, shoulder and elbow surgery, non-operative spine care, hand surgery, arthroscopic surgery, epidural steroid injection, general orthopaedics, and trauma care. Resurgens provides comprehensive musculoskeletal care in a single location, from injury diagnosis and treatment to rehabilitation services.