Back in the Swing of Things

When the familiar discomfort set in, Wilma Schwermer knew it was time for a knee replacement. After walking the halls of Paola Middle School, where she works as a paraprofessional, Wilma would return home depleted and tired. Eventually, the pain was so bad she could not sleep through the night or tend to her chickens on her own. Wilma needed surgery.

 

In 2018, Wilma had a total knee replacement performed on her right knee. Just a few years later, she felt the familiar discomfort and pain, this time in her left knee. She contacted orthopedics and sports medicine, where she had gone for her first procedure.

“Some families have bad feet and others have bad knees – mine fit into the latter,” Wilma said. “When that’s the card you’ve been dealt, you need to ask for help.” 

Wilma needed surgery again; however, this time, she had a different option – a new method using advanced robotic technology to perform the knee replacement.

Neel Jiwanlal, MD, thought Wilma would be a great candidate for this new, innovative treatment. After explaining he would use a hand-held robotic tool to plan and perform the knee replacement surgery, Wilma agreed to the recommended treatment plan.

“In addition to providing a greater degree of accuracy, enhanced surgical planning with robotic knee surgery eliminates CT scans and presurgical MRIs,” Dr. Jiwanlal said. “Robotics is an excellent tool to optimize outcomes in total knees.”

When surgery day arrived, Wilma was ready. She knew her recovery would take time, but eager to regain her independence, Wilma began walking the day of surgery and was able to go home the next morning. Once discharged, she began physical therapy at home. From there, she continued PT in Paola.

“I worked with 3 therapists, all of whom were supportive and knowledgeable,” Wilma recalled. “You have to push yourself during the first few months, and they helped make that possible.”

After rehab, Wilma discovered the power of low-impact movement on a swing overlooking her chicken coop. The activity, which has become an afternoon ritual before bird chores, helped loosen her knee when it became tight and achy. Before heading back to Paola Middle School, Wilma and her husband, Mike, went to Disneyland with their daughter and granddaughters. Today, she enjoys strolling the school hallways free of pain and discomfort.

“I can sleep through the night again,” Wilma said. “Nobody should be in pain every day – if you’re in pain, you need to explore your treatment options.”