From Limping To Hiking: Mark Greene's Road to Recovery w/ Dr. Valdivia.

By Moe Bachman

At The Orthopedic Center, we take pride in delivering exceptional, personalized orthopedic treatment that maintains a strong focus on continuity of care and successful long-term patient outcomes. Dr. Gonzalo Valdivia, a board-certified and fellowship trained orthopedic surgeon specializing in joint replacement and adult reconstruction, has been serving the Brevard and Indian River communities for over 20 years. His expertise in advanced surgical techniques and commitment to patient-centered care has helped countless individuals regain their mobility and improve their quality of life.

We interviewed one of these patients, Mark Greene, who underwent knee replacement surgery with Dr. Valdivia. Mark shares his experience—from pre-surgery struggles to post-operative recovery—and how choosing a private orthopedic practice made all the difference in his journey.

A Life-Changing Knee Replacement

What type of surgery did you receive from Dr. Valdivia?

Mark Greene: I had my left knee replaced in October 2023.

How would you describe the quality of your life before you got surgery?

Mark Greene: Life was difficult. I wore a brace often and relied on Advil just to get through the day. I originally injured my knee as a teenager and had surgery at the time, but after 40 years, I suspected I was dealing with bone-on-bone arthritis again. Dr. Valdivia confirmed my condition, and we decided that a knee replacement was the best course of action. 

A Smooth and Patient-Centered Process

How was your experience with scheduling and preparing for surgery?

Mark Greene: The entire process was smooth. Dr. Valdivia and his team got me in for a consultation quickly and let me decide on the best timing for my surgery. I wanted it done before the holidays, and they were accommodating of that. Thanks to their flexibility, I started the New Year with a brand-new knee!

What was your experience with Dr. Valdivia’s medical and office staff?

Mark Greene: The staff was just great—from the office to the hospital. They not only took great care of me but also kept my wife informed and reassured during the procedure. She tends to get nervous about medical situations, and their support really helped put her at ease.

Recovery and Post-Operative Care

How was your recovery process after surgery? Was it as expected?

Mark Greene: It was much easier than I expected. My dad had knee surgery years ago, and I was surprised by how much medical advancements have improved. After my surgery, Dr. Valdivia arranged for my home health care, which was as simple as answering a phone call. They guided me through exercises at home, and once I improved, I started outpatient physical therapy—conveniently located right around the corner.

A New Lease on Life

How has this surgery impacted your overall mobility and quality of life?

Mark Greene: It improved my mobility by a whole lot! I walk my dogs twice a day, something I couldn’t do before. We go to Turkey Creek in Palm Bay, and I have no trouble navigating different terrains. I feel like I did a good ten years ago, and I couldn’t be happier.

Advice for Future Patients

Words of encouragement for those considering a knee replacement?

Mark Greene: Stop putting it off! The recovery process is much easier than I expected. Now that I’m approaching retirement, I know I’ll be able to enjoy life to the fullest.

The Orthopedic Center: Trusted Orthopedic Care in Brevard

At The Orthopedic Center, we are committed to providing high-quality orthopedic care with a personal touch. Dr. Valdivia’s expertise and dedicated team ensures that patients like Mark experience the best possible outcomes. If you or a loved one are struggling with joint or knee pain, schedule a consultation today and take the first step toward a pain-free future.

To book an appointment with Dr. Valdivia, call 321-308-2660.