Joint Replacement Surgery

Artificial Knee Replacement: Back In the Game

From Quarterly (Winter 2004)

She won the Texas state singles championship in tennis in 1950, has been a Southwest section ranked tennis player most of her life, and coached tennis for over 20 years. But she was nearly sidelined because of problems with her knees. Now, at 71 years old and with two new knees, she’s back in action – and better than ever.

After hurting her left knee when she was in her 20s, Peggie Francis found herself in a battle with pain and limitation that would last nearly 50 years. When she turned 69, she knew she had had enough, and came to see Kirby Hitt, M.D., an orthopedic surgeon at Scott & White.

“I had to wear braces on my knees for 20 years because both of my knees had gotten so bad,” Mrs. Francis said. “I wanted to be ready to compete nationally in the age 70 group, so I went to see Dr. Hitt and we immediately decided I needed to have both knees replaced.”

It has been nearly two years since Mrs. Francis had her surgery. Two months after the procedure, she was back on the court, and two months after that, she played in her first post-surgery tournament, where she won third place. She has since played in and placed in several national tournaments and has plans for many more.

“I never had a bit of trouble after my surgery,” she said. “I am so thankful I had it done. I can run down balls I haven’t been able to get to in 30 years, and I really feel like my old self again. I owe a lot to Dr. Hitt and Scott & White.”

Back to Top