Retiree reclaims active lifestyle with outpatient knee replacement surgery at Beacon

Bob McGrew

For years, knee pain couldn’t stop retiree Bob McGrew from his favorite activities of walking and playing golf. But the pain in one knee kept worsening, eventually affecting both knees and his back. His simple pleasures became a daily struggle — a struggle he finally won, thanks to a Beacon surgeon who helped him reclaim his stride and return to the active lifestyle he loves.

A growing problem

Bob had damaged his right knee playing football roughly 50 years ago. Over time, his body compensated for the injured right knee by putting more stress on the left knee, which was weakened from 20 years of playing racquetball. The cascade effect eventually led to lower back pain.

But multiple physicians had advised him to avoid or delay joint replacement surgery for as long as possible. Finally, in 2024, enough was enough.

“I was struggling to go up and down steps. It was hurting to play golf,” he says. “I put it off as long as I could, but the pain was so consistent and frequent that I needed to do something.”

Fortunately, Bob has two Beacon physicians in the family – his daughter and her husband – and they confidently recommended orthopedic surgeon Dr. Gregg Ebersole of Beacon Bone & Joint Specialists Navarre.

Dr. Ebersole reviewed Bob’s X-rays and discussed his medical history, current pain levels and the joint replacement options. The diagnosis was clear: both knees were ready to be replaced.

Dr. Gregg Ebersole

“Over the years Bob had worn down the cartilage on his knees,” says Dr. Ebersole, explaining that the wear changes the architecture and functioning of the knee joint. “Eventually it leads to bone-on-bone articulation (where the knee bones meet) and likely loss of range of motion.” These changes can lead to problems completing the activities of daily living.

First, Bob wanted to try physical therapy, which had provided relief in the past. After several months with no improvement, he returned to Dr. Ebersole in October 2024.

Together, they scheduled his left knee replacement for February 2025.

“Once Bob had exhausted conservative management and noticed a decrease in his quality of life, it was time to proceed with surgery,” Dr. Ebersole says. “The left knee was the greatest culprit in his discomfort, so we collectively agreed to move forward with a replacement. We typically will address one side at a time as this allows improved focus and dedication to rehab.”

Bob adds, “We both hoped that by strengthening the left knee, we could buy another few years before having to do something with the right knee.”

A successful surgery

Dr. Ebersole performed the procedure at the Surgery Center of Granger on Beacon Parkway, adjacent to Beacon Granger Hospital. That same day, Bob was back home in time for lunch.

“I had feared that I would be immobile and in great pain for weeks,” Bob says. But thanks to his prescribed medication, plenty of ice packs and keeping his knee elevated, he felt minimal pain.

Recovery after a total knee replacement is typically thought to be fairly challenging and painful.

“But, with multimodal pain medications that work on various pain pathways, cryotherapy, and dedicated physical therapy, we can help guide patients through their recovery in a well-tolerated manner,” Dr. Ebersole says.

During his recovery, Bob was under strict orders to take it easy and keep his knee elevated for two weeks.

“The first week was wonderful. I watched movies. The second week, I was bored!” he says.“It was just unbelievable how little pain I experienced and how quickly I regained my mobility. Had I known how simple this process was going to be, I would have done one or both knees a long time ago!”

His patience paid off. Now, he says he feels terrific.

“My goal with this knee surgery was to be able to go up and down the steps without pain, walk long distances and walk 18 holes of golf. And I can do all three of those,” Bob says. “I really couldn’t be happier with the outcome.”

A trusted team

Looking back, Bob praises both his successful procedure and the exceptional care he received at Beacon. Whenever he had questions, he used Beacon’s patient portal to message the team. Responses arrived the same day or the following morning.

“Dr. Ebersole and his team were very responsive. All the replies were easy to understand, just very comforting,” he shares. “I never felt confused or frightened through the whole process.”

Now that Bob has a new left knee, his right knee and back are feeling much better, too. But he knows that eventually he will likely need to replace his right knee, too.

This time, however, he’s not worried.

“I’m not fearful of one day having to have the second knee done, based on my experience with the first one,” Bob says. “Without question, I would go back to Dr. Ebersole and his team.”

Learn more

When your daily life and routines have changed because of bone fractures, joint, muscle or tendon pain, it’s time to see the experts. Beacon Bone and Joint Specialists provide expert orthopedic care while helping you get back to doing what you love.