Active Again at 84

Jeanette Mischke-Andrews faced what millions of others across the country face every day – pain and debilitation from osteoarthritis. At 84, the former state ping-pong champion wanted to be active again. Hip replacement surgery gave her that opportunity.

Osteoarthritis is a frustrating disease; it often afflicts and slows down active-goers BECAUSE OF their active lifestyles. While genetics plays a role, it is from this activity that wear and tear of the joints causes cartilage to break down and bone to rub against bone, resulting in debilitating pain.

Mischke-Andrews experienced this pain in her right hip. Growing up in the Twin Cities, she was active throughout her life and remained physically fit. She excelled in ping pong and at one time was Minnesota’s best player in her age group.

Mischke-Andrews lived with osteoarthritis until it became unbearable. In February this year, she sought treatment from Dr. Kristoffer Breien, a joint replacement specialist at Summit Orthopedics. After she tried but did not receive permanent pain relief from conservative, nonsurgical treatment, she underwent hip replacement surgery.

Today, she is active again. A recent study showed that those 80 and older fare just as well from hip replacement surgery as those in their 60s. Just two months after surgery, she was going on walks and she looked forward to regaining her old form playing ping pong.

Hip pain sufferers can make an appointment by calling Summit Orthopedics at (651) 842-5200.