Patient Success Stories
Hip Rowing on the St. Joe River after hip replacement surgery
Meet Joe: Athlete, POW, Former Governor
 Joe has always enjoyed living life to the fullest. After
playing baseball at Notre Dame and earning a degree
in government, Joe entered the Navy. While on a
mission as a Naval Flight Navigator, his plane was
shot down over Vietnam and Joe was held captive in
Hanoi for nearly a year. For his service, Joe received
two Purple Heart Medals, a Distinguished Flying
Cross medal and other awards.
Upon returning to civilian life, Joe began his
professional career in the product manufacturing
industry. With his military and professional
background, Joe next became active in local city
government. This launched his political career. Joe
went on to serve as Mayor, Lieutenant Governor and
Governor of Indiana.
While in his 40’s, Joe began having mild right
hip pain. At first, he chalked it up to his active
lifestyle but as time went by, the pain remained
and Joe visited his physician at South Bend
Orthopaedics to seek some relief. The boardcertified
orthopaedic surgeon examined Joe, took
diagnostics and explained to him that he was
suffering from osteoarthritis of the hip. The surgeon
encouraged Joe to try conservative treatment for his hip pain, such as anti-inflammatories, regular
exercise and injection therapy. And Joe did so for
about eight years.
Click here to read more about Joe's successful recovery from hip pain at South Bend Orthopaedics in Indiana.
Football coach back on the field after hip replacement
 Ruben provides athletes with
guidance for physical
conditioning as well as proper training
techniques for free weights and other strength
training equipment. His career as a strength
and condition coach requires that he stay
active and be able to demonstrate proper
training techniques to athletes.
When Ruben first began mild pain in his right hip, he didn’t think
much of it and certainly didn’t let it interfere
with his work or lifestyle. Unfortunately, the
hip symptoms persisted and he also noticed
reduced range of motion in his hip along with
low back pain. He talked with one of the
team physicians about his symptoms and the
physician suggested Ruben try some specific
exercises and stretches that could help
relieve some of the pain symptoms. Ruben
incorporated the stretching exercises into his
routine and found that the exercises did offer
some relief.
Click here to read more about Ruben's successful recovery from hip replacement surgery at South Bend Orthopaedics in Indiana.
“I had both hips replaced by Dr. Bankoff. One in November of 2007 and the other in June 2009. Before that I could only walk with a cane and was in constant pain for a decade. My husband and I just returned from a trip up to Glacier, Banff and Jasper Parks. We did multiple hikes – up and down hills, over rocks, tree roots and streams. The length of the hikes ranged from 1-and-a-half to 5 miles. I did them ALL and was never in pain, not even after the hikes! Thank you so much. This would have been totally impossible for me if not for your skill and expertise.”
Mary S.
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Knee
Back on course after joint replacement surgery
 Richard began playing sports as a child
and he has continued to play
since. While attending Notre Dame he played
both baseball and basketball. And Richard went
on to play professional basketball with the Detroit
Pistons.
Thoughout the years, Richard has maintained
an active professional and personal lifestyle. In
fact, one of his favorite ways to unwind and relax
from the stresses of life is on the golf course. But,
after years of running down the basketball court,
followed by years of twisting, squatting and walking
on the golf course, Richard began experiencing
stiffness and pain in his knees.
He made an appointment to see his family’s
orthopaedic physician at South Bend Orthopaedics.
After examining Richard and ordering diagnostics,
the board-certified orthopaedic surgeon explained
to him that he was suffering from osteoarthritis
and degenerative joint disease in his knees, the
condition was worse in Richard’s left knee.
Click here to read more about Richard's successful recovery from joint replacement surgery at South Bend Orthopaedics.
“My life was severely impacted because it was very difficult to get in and out of my car, and walking normally was painful. I awakened at night with pain, so sleeping all night was not possible. Now that I’ve had knee surgery, I feel even younger! After surgery, it is important to do exercises on the affected knee and water therapy helped. The outcome allowed me to keep up with friends and live my life without pain. I think Dr. Ferlic has been great. He really understands your dilemma and has the answers to your questions. The staff is super and the medical assistants help the procedure go smoothly."
"Every time a friend talks about the possibility of knee replacement, I always tell them and show them my outcome. They are amazed at my flexibility and that I walk as someone without any replacements. I hope anyone thinking of knee replacement will take advantage of South Bend Orthopaedics. You will be treated not just as a patient, but as a friend.”
Fay M.
“I am and always have been a very active person; playing tennis, softball, bocce ball, bowling and line dancing. This past year I could no longer do any of these activities as my right knee would swell and be very painful. I was limited in walking and doing my daily activities around the home. My surgery was very successful and my knee is straight again. Dr. Bankoff’s expertise has helped me again. I am in therapy and now after a month and a half I am walking without assistance. It is wonderful to be independent again without the pain."
"Dr. Bankoff is knowledgeable and has been very helpful to me. He is compassionate to your needs. I have had four surgeries with Dr. Bankoff and am very pleased with the outcome of all of them. His staff is excellent. I have recommended South Bend Orthopaedics to people and friends who have seen and commented on how well I have gotten along after my surgeries. I highly recommend SBO and Dr. Bankoff to any person needing knee or hip replacements.”
Carolyn M.
“I experienced pain in my left knee and anxiety due to not knowing what the problem was. After having total knee replacement I had to slow my activity level initially, but gradually I regained strength. My experience with South Bend Orthopaedics was wonderful. I would return and refer others. The staff went above and beyond to meet my needs. Dr. Fred Ferlic is very observant of his patients and appears to genuinely care about the well-being of those entrusted to his care.”
Lula H.
“I could hardly walk due to the excruciating pain. My knee replacement surgery made me a new person. I was even ready to return to coaching football – with no pain. My experience with SBO was excellent and I highly recommend them to anyone in need of orthopedic care. I never had a bad experience and everyone bent over backwards for me and my family during the whole process.”
Tom K.
“The pain was really bad. Sitting with my leg up and icing my knee wasn’t working, so I visited the doctor. I still have some soreness but nothing like before surgery. I feel like a different person. I’m using a cane and feel 90% better. I am very well satisfied! My experience with Dr. Heller and his office staff was great. They are a great bunch of people."
"I am 86 years old and I was scared to have surgery. But I am so glad I did. Dr. Heller is special to me as my doctor. If I had to have another surgery, I would go back to Dr. Heller. I know several people who have gone to South Bend Orthopaedics and they are well and happy again.”
Lorraine H.
“The pain I had walking was very uncomfortable and always letting me know I should see the doctor. I did have a lot of pain after the surgery, but as time goes on it is getting better and with therapy it is coming along very well. The physicians and staff at SBO are very professional and there were no long waiting periods to be taken care of. Dr. Heller and his staff are very friendly and caring – they are a wonderful group of people.”
Rosemary M.
“It was becoming more and more difficult to perform daily tasks of living. The pain was not as much a factor as my bowed legs, causing severe limping, and also the bone-on-bone rubbing made walking almost impossible by the surgery date. The two total knee replacements are like miracles! I am grateful everyday – you gave me my life back. Even my children think the results are amazing."
"Dr. Jeff Yergler was professional, caring, and was good to my children. The staff was very kind to me in the office and on the telephone, as I had many questions and problems to discuss. I definitely recommend Dr. Jeff! I have already been his best PR person in the community.”
Sandra S.
“I was unable to garden and had pain constantly when walking. The outcome of my total knee replacement was marvelous! I am able to walk and do all my activities with no pain. Dr. Ratigan, Dr. Balint and their staff are great. I would and do recommend South Bend Orthopaedic.”
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Shoulder
“For some reason I didn’t have much pain, but I dislocated my right shoulder three times so I became a little more cautious and risk-averse. Dr. Ratigan is the BEST! My range of motion is back to 100%. He made this a painless process all the way. My experience was amazing and I tell everyone about my experience with South Bend Orthopaedics.”
Steve C.
“The pain got very intense when I would raise my arm up over my head. The pain was so bad, I would drop whatever I was holding. I wasn’t able to do much that required both arms and it restricted my day. It even affected my sleep. Since the procedure on my left shoulder, I’ve noticed the pain is almost completely gone. My movement in the shoulder is full-range now (so cool!). Dr. Yergler got everything working well and cleaned out. I really feels good and it’s nice to have both arms again."
"Everyone was wonderful. They made a tough situation easier to deal with. They really care and that makes all the difference. Everything was explained clearly so I could understand it. I’m grateful for all they have done for me. I have already recommended SBO and one of my friends had his shoulder repaired. He too is doing well.”
Dan H.
“I couldn’t move my right arm without severe pain. It was difficult and painful to raise my right hand over my head. The pain and range of motion limitations affected every aspect of my activities and daily life. I had my right rotator cuff repaired and it took away the pain and gave me back my movement. The staff at South Bend Orthopaedics took great care of me and educated me on what I needed to do to achieve the best possible outcome. I couldn’t ask for better care and better people. They didn’t just provide physical care, they provided education and a genuine personal interest in my welfare.”
Richard B.
“The pain in my shoulder was intense enough to make me at night, almost every day for years. It was a struggle at times to lift anything high above my head, even light weight items. Even during the day, the pain was enough to take several Aleve tablets daily. As intense as the pain used to be, all of a sudden it was gone! It was terrific to be able to sleep all night again without taking pills. At my first checkup after surgery, I personally told Dr. Rozzi how great of a job he did and how the mobility was better every day."
"I personally have never seen more professionals in one group work like a team than at South Bend Orthopaedics. It’s almost like they are making house calls (like the old days). They are great! I would recommend them for two reasons. First, Dr. Bankoff did my left shoulder about five years ago after I had a falling accident and I had a terrific outcome. Second, Dr. Rozzi had a much more difficult surgery on my right shoulder and also had a great outcome.”
Thomas R.
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The pictures displayed in www.SBOrtho.com are images of physicians, patients and employees who have consented to have their pictures in this website.
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