Florence patient recovers from knee surgery to run 5K event with help from new friends

MUSC Health Florence Medical Center patient Jeremy Oakley turned what was excruciating knee pain into a pain-free 5K run after a successful procedure and a little help from two physical therapists he now considers friends. Oakley credits them with giving him the motivation to accomplish something he never thought possible, just a few years ago.

“I can’t thank them enough. I know I’ve told them 100 times, but it's awesome to know there are people out there who care enough about their patients to join me on their day off to run a 5K,” said Oakley. 

Oakley’s knee pain started around five years ago, but the cause of his pain was misdiagnosed.  As his knee pain progressed and his ability to work and move became more challenging, he did some research and found Gregory Palutsis, M.D., of MUSC Health Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine, who gave him a second chance at living a normal life. The second chance came because Palutsis suggested a MACI, or matrix-induced autologous chondrocyte implantation, procedure. 

The MACI procedure involved harvesting a small sample of healthy cartilage from Oakley’s knee. The cells were then grown in a laboratory and placed onto a film. Once implanted into the area of his damaged cartilage, it was absorbed back into Oakley’s body. 

“When Jeremy came to see me in the clinic, he had been experiencing about three years of left knee pain. Our assessment revealed he had a cartilage defect on the end of his femur underneath his kneecap. As a result, it caused him to have pain while doing activities, particularly while running. We then discussed treatment options, and he elected to go forward with the MACI procedure,” Palutsis said. 

Palutsis explained that over a span of six to nine months, the re-implanted cartilage cells grew and filled in the defect on his femur. At the same time, Oakley was going to physical therapy to strengthen the muscles around his knee and leg. 

“Jeremy has done exceptionally well and is now able to return to running activities,” Palutsis said. 

Nearly two years after his surgery, Oakley is on the tail end of his recovery and accomplishing more than he ever thought he’d be able to. MUSC Health Outpatient Rehabilitation Center’s physical therapist Nick Everetts and physical therapist assistant April Taylor have gotten to know Oakley during his physical therapy sessions over the years. 

“He has taken control of his health. We asked what his goal was, and he said he wanted to be able to run a 5K,” said Taylor. “I used to run 5Ks but got out of running over the last year. So, as we were doing the rehab process with him this go-around, it motivated me. I was like, alright, if he can get back to it, then I can get back to it.” 

The race was a challenging goal Oakley set for himself. Accomplishing it not only showcased how far he has come in his recovery but also signified how the relationship with his physical therapists has grown into something more than just routine visits to outpatient rehabilitation. 

“They really pushed me farther than I thought I would be able to go,” said Oakley. “That's what made running this 5K with them even more rewarding because I couldn't have done it without them.”

Everetts described running the 5K with Oakley as nothing but ”motivating.”

“I think accomplishing this goal shows his motivation. He hasn’t run in five years, and most people would have given up, but he really turned his life around,” said Everetts. “He’s eating healthy and exercising every day now. Being able to lose weight and get his knees better is just so motivating. We want patients to succeed way beyond therapy, where they don't have to come back and see us and can live their lives to the fullest.”

Oakley said that having a support system with Palutsis, Everetts and Taylor changed his life. He not only received incredible care but gained lasting relationships along the way. 

“I don’t even know how to put it into words. Everyone from Dr. Palutsis to the therapists is truly world-class,” said Oakley. “They’re always friendly and helpful. Honestly, I couldn’t ask for anything better.”

For more information about MUSC Health Outpatient Rehabilitation Center and the full spectrum of services offered, visit MUSCHealth.org/Florence, or call (843) 661-4360.