Testimonial – Knee Surgery
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Back From the Break
A broken kneecap didn’t stop Barbara Atencio from moving forward with confidence, thanks to surgery and physical therapy at Alta Vista Regional Hospital.
Retirement is anything but slow-paced for 69-year-old Rociada retiree Barbara Atencio. She helps her husband on their cattle ranch and stays active with their seven grandchildren. On Jan. 23, 2023, however, an accident after feeding the cows threw her life for a loop.
“We were headed in for lunch. There was light snow on the ground, and I didn’t see the ice under it,” Barbara says. “I slipped and landed on a cement paver near the porch.”
Barbara landed on her right knee, and terrible pain set in. Her husband and son took her to Alta Vista Regional Hospital, where an X-ray showed a broken kneecap. Next step: surgery.
Bending in the Right Direction
On Jan. 30, Tania Pence, D.O., Orthopedic Surgeon on staff at Alta Vista Regional Hospital, performed surgery to repair Barbara’s kneecap. Barbara appreciated the medical team’s compassion, from the nurse anesthetist who took care to ask about her sensitivity to anesthesia to the nurses who put her at ease with humor.
The operation went smoothly. Months later, Barbara is healing nicely and moving well in a bendable brace and getting regular physical therapy at Alta Vista Regional Hospital.
“I was impressed with everyone who attended to me,” Barbara says. “I’m glad I decided to go to our local hospital, have my surgery here, and complete physical therapy here. It was much easier than traveling out of town, that’s for sure.”
Patient results may vary. Consult your physician about the benefits and risks of any surgical procedure or treatment.
Tania Pence, DO
Board-certified, Fellowship trained Orthopedic Surgeon
Independent member of the medical staff
Dr. Pence is an independent member of the medical staff at Alta Vista Regional Hospital.
If you need immediate medical care, the ER at Alta Vista Regional Hospital is here for you. Learn more about Alta Vista Regional Hospital’s ER.