Ellen Bellino

Less than 12 weeks post ACL repair surgery by Dr. DiFelice and I ran the Zion half marathon and placed 40th in my division!!!!!

Here is my story:

In January I tore my right ACL in a ski accident in Utah. I had torn my left ACL 10 years ago playing volleyball and had a reconstruction. I knew how grueling and painful both the surgery and recovery were. I was heartbroken. I live in Denver and enjoy a very active lifestyle and I was devastated that I would be sidelined for the next 6 months at least. I saw a surgeon in Denver and had my surgery date set. Then, my close friend, who was a professional soccer player but ended her career with a 3rd ACL tear had started an ACL support club in Colorado to share support and education to people like me. She had interviewed Dr. DiFelice on her podcast and told me I should check out his new repair method that was cutting edge and minimally invasive. I listened to the podcast and researched his website as well as the repair technique. He makes it very clear that most tears aren't eligible for a repair but he agreed to review my MRI for free. After he reviewed my MRI, he called me and told me there was a small chance for repair, but he would only reconstruct as a last resort. Anything that could give me hope not to get a reconstruction was enough for me to jump on the plane and go to NYC for my surgery. As luck would have it, Dr. DiFelice was able to repair my ACL!! I flew home and began aggressive PT. I began doing the elliptical at 3 weeks, I returned to running & group fitness classes at 4 weeks, I was snowshoeing at 6 weeks and I ran a half marathon under 12 weeks!!!!! Not only have I been able to achieve these amazing milestones, but I've been able to do it without pain in my knee. In fact, my repaired ACL already feels so much better than my reconstructed ACL. I've been able to compare the techniques side by side and it's a world of difference. The biggest and most important difference is how my reconstructed knee feels foreign and unstable and my repaired knee doesn't. I wish I had known about this repair 10 years ago because there is no way I would have gone with a reconstruction. I encourage everyone with a torn ACL to have Dr. DiFelice review their MRIs before they make their big decision. I've already had 3 friends that have inquired about it. Can't say enough good things about this. Also, Dr. DiFelice is an incredibly kind and attentive surgeon. He gladly gives him time to thoroughly answer all questions and ensure you feel comfortable and confident. I trust him completely.