CLIMBING TO NEW HEIGHTS

Partial Knee Replacement Helps 62-Year-Old Mountain Hiker Hit the Trails Again

Greg Tinley

Today, Greg is feeling great and back to doing what he loves after his partial knee replacement surgery.

Greg Tinley, a 62-year-old landscape contractor doesn’t believe in sitting around. He’s spent the last five decades doing every active sport imaginable— running 10K events, racing bicycles, scuba diving, and one of his favorites, hiking in the mountains.

“Unfortunately, my active lifestyle took a real toll on my body,” he said. “I literally wore out my hip and knees.”

Five years ago, he had his right hip replaced by Amir Rounaghi MD, PIH Health orthopedic surgeon. Yet a few years later, his knees were becoming a problem.

Greg contacted Dr. Rounaghi about his increasing knee pain and they discussed his options. Because Greg was a candidate for partial knee replacement (also called partial knee arthroplasty), Dr. Rounaghi referred him to Andrew Luu MD, PIH Health orthopedic surgeon, who specializes in this procedure.

“There are tremendous benefits to having a partial rather than a total knee replacement,” explained Dr. Luu. “The surgery is less invasive and patients typically have faster recovery, better overall range of motion, and fewer complications.”

Greg needed very little convincing. He had a partial knee replacement on his left knee in June 2020, followed by his right knee in February 2023.

“The surgery was quick, the recovery time short. For me, the pain was minimal and I was back to work in two days,” he said. “Best yet, my knees feel very natural and normal, and I have zero physical limitations.”

Today, Greg is feeling great and back to doing what he loves. He recently did a 12-mile mountain hike with his son—climbing from a 10,000-foot elevation to 12,000 feet in just 45 minutes. But on the way down, he slipped and slammed his knee hard on a rock.

“Other than a nasty flesh wound, the knee itself was absolutely fine—it seemed indestructible,” he said. “I’m absolutely thrilled with my outcomes. I can’t thank Dr. Luu enough.”

PIH Health now offers robotic-assisted partial knee replacement surgery. This technology is part of the innovative ROSA® platform, which gives surgeons increased precision, accuracy, and alignment in real time. PIH Health also offers Persona IQ®—the world’s first and only smart knee implant—for patients considering total knee replacement surgery.

For a consultation or appointment, call 562.789.5461. Learn more at PIHHealth.org/Ortho