Double Knee Replacement Proves to Be the Key to Pain-Free Play for Local Pickleball Champion
Tim Bane shares perspective on how surgery changed his game, and life
By Tracy Fitzgerald
Tim Bane found his passion in 2014 when he stepped onto the pickleball court for the first time. He loved the game, and the intensity and spirit that came along with it. He played often, and hard, and the impact on his life was incredibly positive. His wife, Dianne, fell in love with the sport, too, and the duo made a great mixed doubles team out on the court; so strong in fact that they ultimately competed together in the Delaware Senior Olympics. But the impact on Tim’s knees was another story.
“I started experiencing a lot of knee pain, to the point that I found myself limping off the court after a match, and sometimes even needed to use a cane,” recalls Tim. “The pain got worse and worse, until it was just unbearable.”
Tim decided to see Wilson Choy, MD, an orthopaedic specialist on Beebe Healthcare’s Medical Staff and who practices independently in the community at Peninsula Orthopaedic Associates. He was hopeful that medication, physical therapy, use of bandages, and ice applications would be the keys to eliminating his pain and being able to play the sport he loved without limitation. Those conservative treatments provided some relief, but it was temporary, and it didn’t take long for Tim to realize that surgery was necessary. He underwent a successful total joint replacement of his left knee at Beebe in 2017.
“Once I got back out there, I realized how much I had been compensating, and relying on my right knee to push through,” said Tim. “The damage was done. Over time, the pain in my right knee became just as unbearable as the left had been, and I knew that I would eventually need to have that one replaced, too.” Tim underwent total knee replacement for a second time in April 2024, again with Dr. Choy at Beebe. And today, he is finally, completely free of knee pain. “The decision to have both knees replaced absolutely changed my life,” said Tim. “I can play pickleball every day if I want to, and I never have to stop and consider what my knees can handle. I am so grateful for the care I received because it has allowed me to do what I love.”
Alleviating Discomfort and Chronic Pain
Tim’s story is one of many that emphasizes the importance of understanding patient goals as orthopaedic care is planned and delivered. In some cases, patients are eager to get back to the sport or game they love. For others, it’s about getting back to work, or the simple joys in life that can be impacted by chronic pain.
“As I meet with patients, we work together to alleviate the pain associated with disabling arthritis, and we also talk about the steps we can take to achieve their long-term goals,” said Dr. Choy. “Getting back on the pickleball court was the key goal for Mr. Bane. Another recent patient wanted to be able to get back onto his kayak, so he can pursue his love of wildlife photography. Some patients want to travel with their grandchildren and explore the world through their eyes. Many just want to get back to the work they enjoy.”
Beebe is Here for the Community
The decision about where to go for care was a relatively easy one for Tim. Throughout the course of his life, Beebe has been a go-to, trusted resource for all of his healthcare needs – some of which have been quite complex. Tim has turned to Beebe for cardiology care, which ultimately included an aortic heart valve replacement, a triple hernia repair, kidney stone removal, and a laser prostatectomy. He also relied on the expert orthopaedic team for back treatment that resulted in the need for a significant surgical procedure, and shoulder care after experiencing a high-grade rotator cuff tear.
“I have been through a lot health-wise, but in every experience, I have had doctors who are experts and who also truly cared about me, by my side,” said Tim. “I feel that we are very lucky to have this level of quality care available locally.” Dr. Choy emphasizes that joint replacement surgery is a comprehensive process that requires a commitment from the patient, as well as from a team of care providers who are vested in delivering the latest, most advanced care.
“Going through a total joint replacement surgery is not an easy feat. The patient’s medical needs have to be optimized by their care team to decrease the risks for complications after such a major procedure, and they must understand the critical importance of physical therapy in the recovery process,” said Dr. Choy. “Our job as orthopaedic surgeons is to continuously strive to make improvements in the care delivery process. We study and explore ways to manage musculoskeletal diseases, and technology continues to streamline and optimize the surgeries we perform for each individual patient who seeks our care.”