Emily Russell

I play soccer in a recreational league and run long distance 1-2 times a week. I developed a recurring sharp pain in my left knee when I was playing and prolonged stiffness after any exercise that kept me from bending my knee at all, I had torn the meniscus in my right knee 11 years ago and had a feeling this was the same problem.

I came to Dr. Taylor after being referred by a friend of mine who was one of the medical students he mentored. He assured me I would be in great hands, and he was right. Everything from the first examination through post-op appointments was amazing. Dr. Taylor was very consultative when I first went in and because he couldn't be completely confident diagnosing me with a torn meniscus until seeing the MRI results, he emphasized the different options I had (long term physical therapy, resting and leaving the injury alone, surgery) rather than jumping straight to surgery. I was already an advocate for a meniscectomy because I was antsy to get back to 100% and be active, but I appreciate that Dr. Taylor remained patient. He did ultimately recommend surgery based on the nature of my tear and even called me after standard hours to walk me through the procedure and answer all my questions.

The operation at HSS was seamless. When Dr. Taylor said I probably wouldn't need crutches and could walk the same day of surgery, I thought he was creating false expectations. My previous surgery had left me bedridden and on crutches for 7-10 days. Yet there I was, feeling great enough to walk out of the OR and not needing any pain medication at all after surgery. It's been about 3 months since and it feels great to be running again. The entire team at HSS is professional and courteous. I wouldn't hesitate to make them my first choice should something happen again in the future. Thank you!