Isabella Vito

As a high school freshman I tore my ACL during basketball season. I was devastated and completely thought my sports dreams were over. All I wanted to do was get my leg fixed. My parents didn't rush into surgery but instead researched all available options. My mom saw TV coverage of Dr. DiFelice's repair method vs. the traditional replacement. We scheduled a second option with Dr. DiFelice. In March 2018, Dr. DiFelice was able to perform an ACL and meniscus repair. I was walking within a week. I took advantage of the physical therapy and worked hard with my trainers to get back my entire range of motion and strengthen my leg. Dr. DiFelice knew I wanted clearance to get back on the field but he was ultra conservative in my approach back to the field. I was cleared for fall soccer in September. Unfortunately, after two practices my meniscus repair did not stay intact. In October, I was scheduled to have a portion of my meniscus removed. Another delay to the field. I did not make it back to the field for soccer but was cleared for basketball in November. My return was slow in part to rustiness and emotional trauma. I tore my ACL on a breakaway steal with a simple layup to finish it off. Not so simple as I shifted my leg to avoid contact causing more catastrophic damage than ever expected. Once I was able to overcome the emotional stuff, my season and my abilities progressed. Less than a year after surgery, I was voted to the All County Basketball Team. My coach even referenced the improbability of that accomplishment in his speech. Three years later, I finished my HS basketball career as a 1000 point scorer, Player of the Year - Morris County, Player of the Year - NJAC Conference, and All-State 3rd Team. I am committed to play college basketball next season. While hard work and determination were important factors in my recovery, Dr. DiFelice and HSS definitely got me Back in the Game and I am forever grateful!!