Christina Zhan

I am a survivor of a vehicular-pedestrian accident. A 17-foot pickup truck made a turn with a torque that impacted the left side of my leg striking my body on the ground. My early diagnosis did not reflect the reality of the damage the accident had left me. For about a month and a half, I was left thinking that my bones were fine with no residue injuries until I requested for an MRI scan on my left leg and knee. My orthopedist acknowledged the internal injuries, however, did not stress on the importance of the reconstruction work and could not make himself available for me to follow up on this matter.

After another week-long search of no-fault orthopedic surgeons and finding myself helpless with physicians who were unable to see me within a two-week period, I was fortunately recommended to Dr. Benedict Nwachukwu at HSS.

Dr. Nwachukwu was available to see me and provided valuable interpretations of my injuries that would help preserve the longevity of my leg. Walking into the HSS Sports Medicine Institute West Side office with a simple knee brace, I was clearly explained about my tibia plateau fracture, some minor tissue frays, and a complete ACL tear on my left leg. As an active teacher, a summer camp director, and a mom, I could not imagine living a life without the ability to move, dash, run, and hike as I could in the past. I decided to get this ACL fixed under the hands of Dr. Nwachukwu and his team. About a month and a half later, I was able to leave the hospital with a successful ACL reconstruction wearing a sturdier knee brace and carrying crutches that I didn’t need for too long. My recovery period moved very well as expected, accompanied with consistent home calls from nurses and excellent pharmaceutical recommendations.

I returned to work six weeks after my surgery with the ability to straighten my leg and to bend my knee at a good range. I was also moving tenderly without crutches nor the knee brace. I was only limited from standing too long and walking too fast. I noticed that my left quadricep muscles were the prime reason. I was not completely satisfied with my basic physical therapy routines, and I knew my body could perform better. Dr. Nwachukwu pointed me to seek for Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) therapy that would help stimulate and strengthen my quads. HSS staff paired me with William Sun to identify my weaknesses and to help complete my rehabilitation regimen. By my sixth month, I was ready for my “Return-to-Run” program. A month after, I was prepped for “Return to Sport”. My consistent weekly rehabilitation consists of strengthening, weightbearing and plyometric exercises to help rebuild my bones, joints, collagen, and strengthen my newly introduced transplanted tissue in my knee. I felt very confident of the quantitative methods used to analyze my progress. I appreciate how William was also very sensible and understanding of my temporary physiological struggles such that he could explain to me (in laymen terms) why they occurred. His practice is effective and efficient, coupled with caring and thoughtful questions that helps me to reflect on my own practice at home.

My quick and painless rehab allows me to perform my daily routines with minimal disruptions. It motivates me to take charge of my life and to live it to its fullest once again. I am remodeled and refurbished to be stronger, thanks to HSS!