Tennis Champ Back on the Court Five Months After Double Knee Replacement

Tennis champion Leslie Airola of Portola Valley has competed nationally and around the world for almost 30 years. But when at times, painful and swollen knees caused the U.S. Tennis Association Masters champion to struggle to finish a match and miss tournaments, she knew it was time to address her severe arthritis.

Airola, 68, a retired attorney, competed in junior tennis and at the University of California, Berkeley, where she was the No. 1 singles player. Eventually knee wear-and-tear caught up with her. She had knee surgery in her 40s and managed flare-ups of her bad knee with periodic cortisone and hyaluronic joint injections over the past 15 years. Last year, however, her good knee was starting to hurt, which made walking painful.

Several friends and tennis players who had knee replacement surgery highly recommended Alexander Sah, MD, medical co-director of the Institute for Joint Restoration and Research (IJRR) at Washington Hospital Healthcare System in Fremont.

Many were back to playing tennis, skiing and doing their regular activities. They called their knee replacement surgery life changing,” says Airola. They all praised Dr. Sah, one of the most renowned knee replacement surgeons in California, and a pioneer in a minimally invasive technique that reduces pain, and fosters quicker mobility and recovery.

“I only saw Dr. Sah,” Airola recalls. “I wanted a surgeon who was tried and true, and he seems to be the go-to doctor in my community. His reputation is stellar. When I asked around, most people said Dr. Sah did their surgery.”

“I wanted a surgeon who would get me back to my level of activity. I didn’t want to become a person who had no pain but only sat around.” Airola also wanted to continue playing with her two grandchildren, 6 and 3. “When they say, ‘Come on, Nonna, get on the slide with us,’ I want to be able to do it.”

Back on the Court Five Months After Surgery

After meeting with Dr. Sah and learning that both knees were severely arthritic and needed surgery, she had double knee replacement last February. Dr. Sah evaluates each person individually based on their motivation and fitness level, and made a plan for her.

Five months later, Airola competed in two international doubles tennis events in Europe. “My goal was to compete on a team that I was selected for in Luxembourg and Belgium in July. That goal was on my mind during rehabilitation. I said to myself: ‘If I do the physical therapy exercises and follow through, I’ll be able to go on the trip. That helped motivate me.”

Airola, who was ranked No. 2 in the country last year in 65-and-over doubles, not only competed in July, but won all four of her matches against younger players. After college, Airola had taken a few years off from tennis to go to law school and raise her two children, and returned in her 40s to compete.

While not everyone is a candidate for double knee replacement, it may be right for people who have good physical fitness, and are motivated in rehabilitation. “I wanted to get the surgery before I was in my 70s,” she notes. “The longer you wait, the more muscle you lose. I had some trepidation about having both knees done at same time because I knew it was a harder recovery. But I’m a person who wants to get things done and get on with my life. I’m happy it worked out so well.”

Joint replacement surgery at the IJRR incorporates advanced imaging and robotic-assisted techniques to facilitate a better result. Dr. Sah is among a handful of knee replacement specialists in the country who have developed specialized techniques and instruments to do the surgery using a smaller incision than traditional joint replacement. The scar is only 3 to 5 inches long, half the length of others. The thigh muscle is also unaffected.

Quicker Recovery, Faster Mobility

There are many advantages to this approach, according to Dr. Sah, including a faster recovery, less pain, quicker knee mobility, and shortened hospitalization. This innovative procedure is an option for patients who have health problems that make traditional replacement surgery too risky.

After three weeks, with support from family and friends and twice weekly at-home physical therapy provided by the Hospital, Airola was recovered enough to go to outpatient physical therapy. “Rehab was difficult, but I was motivated and the pain medication allowed me to perform the exercises,” she says.

Today, she’s back to doing most activities, including playing doubles tennis regularly. Her goal is to begin to compete in singles matches, as well as doubles. Airola is also planning to play in a national competition in October.

The American Miracle

International tennis colleagues have dubbed her the American Miracle, saying they never heard of a double knee replacement or a patient return to the game so quickly. Airola attributes some of her success to doing physical therapy prior to surgery to prepare her knee. She continues to exercise at home, and works with a trainer for strength and flexibility coaching.

Her advice to others living with knee pain and considering replacement is one word: patience.

“Having patience, perseverance, and a goal are all important.” She cautions, “But patience is key, and also having a good support system at home and with friends. Don’t wait too long if you’re experiencing a lot of pain, stiffness and interference with your activities. Have the surgery. You’ll be

glad you did.”

To read more about Dr. Sah and the IJRR’s innovative surgery, visit whhs.com/IJRR