5/2008

Reynolds athlete back in training after evaluation, surgery from Dr. Lustig

Thanks to a prompt, hands-on evaluation and surgery one week later from Keith Lustig, M.D., orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine, Reynolds high school senior athlete Mike Miller is back in training. For months, Miller tried to rehab a sore right knee while playing football then wrestling.

Dan Miller, Mike's father, says they were unsuccessful in being able to schedule a face-to-face visit with the orthopedic surgeon of their choice. So Mike played through some pain and worked at exercises prescribed by an exercise physiologist not with Sharon Regional to no avail.

Then from family and the media in March, Dan learned that Dr. Lusting, a Hermitage native, joined Sharon Regional after years with a thriving orthopedic and sports medicine practice in Erie.

"We got into see Dr. Lustig within a few days," recalls Dan, "and he examined Mike, read the MRI, diagnosed a torn meniscus and recommended arthroscopic surgery. I was hesitant but Mike had enough of the pain."

Mike had surgery on March 25, started rehab within a few days at Sharon Regional's expanded rehabilitation facilities on Highland Road, Hermitage, and recently returned to throwing the javelin with the track team.

"It feels great to be without the pain," says Mike. "I put up with some swelling and some locking of the knee but just did the best I could."

That included high finishes in PIAA wrestling regionals and districts this season and winning more than 100 matches in his career. An understated Dan says Mike has a high threshold for pain.

Physical therapist Don Wilt complimented Mike's positive outlook in sports specific rehab, which included specialized exercises, isokenetic testing and strengthening, aquatic therapy, and the high-tech Biodex System 4 specifically to strengthen the leg and knee.

"Being an athlete, Mike had a great frame of mind to get better as quickly as possible," says Don. "He was looking to be challenged and did everything we asked of him. Mike also did well in the pool."

"We are very, very pleased with the way everything worked out," adds Dan. "Dr. Lustig took time to explain things very clearly to us. He said without the surgery to repair the tear, Mike wouldn't be helped by any more rehab. I never thought Mike would be able to be with the track team this year. It is great to see him without pain."