C. B.'s Story
Within 9 months of the procedure, I was able to bench press MORE than I did before the injury.I wanted to take a moment to express my deep gratitude for the exceptional care and surgical expertise you provided when I tore my tricep during a competition just over two years ago.
At that...
L. C.'s Story
If you are reading this and wondering if Dr. Cole could help you, you would be doing yourself a disservice by not getting a consultation.Dr. Brian Cole, MD and his team from Midwest Orthopaedics at RUSH run like a well-oiled machine. From the moment I met Dr. Cole, his professional confidence, medical prowess, and expertise in knees (I...
S. H.'s Story
I'm now back to running my previous weekly mileage. I highly recommend Dr. Cole and the dedicated team at Rush Orthopedics.I recently suffered from a meniscal root tear, causing my meniscus to become detached. I am a runner and this tear caused significant effusion in my right knee. Dr. Cole quickly identified the severit...
D. G.'s Story
Dr. Cole, you have no idea how many times I have been someplace beautiful -hanging off a rock or piece of ice – and have quiet moments of gratitudeRecently, I have been reflecting on my climbing trip to Spain last fall and going through photos of myself sea stack climbing this past June off the very northwest tip of Ireland. These photos reminde...
J. M.'s Story
I trust Dr. Cole and highly recommend both him and his staff.Dr Cole was great to deal with, setting realistic expectations and doing a fantastic job. I trust Dr Cole and highly recommend both him and his staff.
J.A.'s Story
There really aren’t any adequate words in the English dictionary to describe how grateful I am.I'm writing to say THANK YOU. Thank you to Dr. Cole and Kyle for the last 21 years of keeping me going on two "legs!" My major right knee surgery was in 2003, where I had a meniscal transplant and ...
N.V.'s Story
The most important thing I was aiming for was returning to successful running, and that is MORE than accomplished.Two weeks ago I was able to complete my first half marathon here in Champaign. Today, I completed a second half marathon at Starved Rock, setting my personal record for the half - 1:43:41, a sub 8 ...
J.L.'s Story
11 months post-surgery and playing sports at the level she used toMy daughter was defeated after she hurt her knee playing softball last March. We received devastating news from the first doctor that saw her, so we chose to get a second opinion. The first doctor tol...
H.S.'s Story
I wouldn’t have been able to do what I love the most without seeing Dr. ColeI have been a competitive alpine skier essentially my entire life and had committed to ski for Colby College's Division 1 team in the fall of 2020. In January of 2021 I had a crash that tore my ACL, M...
G. L.'s Story
After surgery before her senior season, she returned to break multiple school recordsMy sophomore year of my high school basketball season I started experiencing very sharp and paralyzing pain in my left lower leg. I thought it was just super bad cramps, so I treated it like a cramp. ...
Kevin's Story
As a 67-year-old retiree, you have given me back my cherished activitiesI just want to give a big THANK YOU to Dr. Brian Cole and PA Paige Maher from Midwest Orthopedics at Rush for your ongoing professional and compassionate medical and surgical care.
Back in Ju...
R. B.'s Story
You worked your magic in my knee to give me the ability to do what I loveI cannot thank Dr. Cole and his team enough for helping me get back to the sport I love. When I was 15 years old, I tore my meniscus during a volleyball game. It was beyond repair and had to be remove...
A. F.'s Story
Back to being a happy college student after meniscus and osteochondral allograft transplantDr. Cole did a meniscus and osteochondral allograft transplant two years ago. I was struggling to walk as a college student and thought I was out of good options. Dr. Cole and his team did a great job...
T.H.'s Story
Back at it again after Dr. Cole and his amazing team managed my torn pec tendon on a moment’s noticeIn late spring 2023, I injured myself while working out at the gym. My friend recommended Dr. Cole and I was lucky enough to get in to see his team in short order. (Thanks to scheduling group!) Dr. Co...
Isaac's Story
Lacrosse player’s second ACL tear requires state-of-the-art treatmentIsaac Menning, now a rising senior at Palatine High School, has undergone two surgeries less than one year apart to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in the same knee. For an athlete, one...
R. S.'s Story
Pain free 7 weeks after reverse total shoulder replacementDr. Brian Cole performed a reverse total replacement of my left shoulder 7 weeks ago. I used pain medication for just three days following surgery. I am now virtually pain free and I am gaining stren...
Catherine's Story
Today with my healed rotator cuff, I wonder why I waited so long to have the procedureI am one of those people who put off rotator cuff surgery for two years. I could not sleep at night due to shoulder pain, and I was having difficulty doing simple tasks like brushing my dogs or liftin...
Josh's Story
I feel normal again and it’s all thanks to Dr. Cole and his teamI tore my pec in January of 2022. I am a father to a toddler, a fitness professional, and an avid tennis player. I was worried I would never be the same again, or be able to participate in my daily ac...
Hannah's Story
Full ride gymnastics scholarship after UCL SurgeryDr. Cole did my UCL surgery this past March and I am so grateful for him and his team. Thanks to him seeing me quickly and doing my surgery, I have a chance to compete this season. After the surger...
Tom's Story
Cartilage transplant gave me a new lease on lifePrior to my surgery consisting of osteochondral allografts to my medial and lateral femoral condyles, I had persistent knee pain requiring medication to sleep through the night. My range of motion was...
Brian's Story
I can be the athlete, father, and husband I want to be after multiple ACL surgeriesI first tore my left ACL playing soccer in May 2018. I had surgery with a different surgeon and quickly had a re-tear in 2019. I saw Dr. Cole for the first time for the revision surgery, and it’s be...
Campbell's Story
Competitive cheerleader back to the mat after ACL surgeryYou performed ACL and meniscus repair surgeries on my 12 year old daughter Campbell on April 6, 2022. She was injured while tumbling at a cheer competition and her spirits were crushed when she knew s...
Amanda's Story
Finishing the Chicago Marathon... without knee pain after my cartilage transplantSo thankful to have completed The Chicago Marathon yesterday after a 4 year hiatus from running races of any distance. Before I had knee cartilage transplant and tibial tubercle osteotomy surgery wit...
Carrie's Story
One year after my cartilage transplant procedure in my knee and setting my marathon PRBefore undergoing my osteochondral allograft transplantation procedure just last October after last year’s marathon I was very active but endured injuries and dealt with chronic knee pain and swelli...
Hannah's Story
I am back to ski racing after Dr. Cole and his team fixed my bum kneeLast year was my first year as a D1 ski racer and a comeback season from a complex knee injury. While I had hoped this return from injury would go smoothly and without pain I was quickly proven wro...
DJ Snelten's Story
Touching a 99.9 mph pitch and UCL recovery leads to being signed by the New York Yankees organizationI had my UCL reconstructive surgery on September 8th, 2021. Before deciding it was time to have my elbow looked at, I had searing pain on the inside ...
Larry Zona's Story
Larry's Story - He Gave Me a Second ChanceWhen Larry Zona set out for a bike ride on the Chicago Lakefront Trail one day in 2010, he never imagined the trip could have life-altering consequences. Unfortunately, when Zona’s tire hit a lar...
Jeffery's Story
When I began experiencing deteriorating range of motion and pain in my right kneeWhen I began experiencing deteriorating range of motion and pain in my right knee, I immediately knew who I needed to call. Dr. Cole had successfully treated both my left shoulder and left knee previo...
Michael Vitale's Story
Back to soccer and basketball after having my shoulder fixed by Dr. ColeDuring a pick-up basketball game this spring, I dislocated my right shoulder. About 6 months ago, Dr. Cole performed surgery on my right shoulder – an arthroscopic labral repair, with the hopes of r...
Luke van Heukelum's Story
ACL Reconstruction Restores Division I DreamsIn October 2020, I tore my ACL during a practice soccer game. As a 16-year old with a dream, I was upset and disappointed at the prospect of missing out on the potential opportunities ahead of me. ...
Eric J. Malnar's Story
I just wanted to say thank you to you and your great teamI just wanted to say thank you to you and your great team. My swollen knee had taken me out of commission and my plans for my second Ironman, and 8th Chicago Marathon in 2021, seemed over. Frankly, I...
Micah Hurd's Story
Can lightning strike twice in same spot? I say yes!Can lightning strike twice in same spot? I say yes! I tore my ACL and LCL not once but twice in Football my junior and senior year. Dr Brian Cole of Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush was the only Doctor m...
Cristine Santos's Story
Feeling better all the time after my knee surgeryI would like to give an update regarding my right knee story before and after I came see you and you performed the knee arthroscopy with BMAC injection. So you did it ! You took my pain and knee weak...
Cristine Santos's Story
Doing great after a simple knee arthroscopy and bone marrow concentrate injectionIt has been 6 weeks that I had knee arthroscopic surgery with Dr Brian Cole and I just have one word, Dr Cole is gifted. I had pain on my right knee for years, with the pain gradually increasing in th...
Tyler's Story
Back to pitching after having my elbow fixed by Dr. ColeWith parents who excelled in baseball and softball in their youth, Tyler Weigand’s passion for baseball is probably located somewhere in his DNA. Mom Marikay Hegarty competed on the DePaul Univer...
Karen O' Keeffe's Story
Back to biking 50 miles after Knee SurgeryI can run again! I sought answers for my knee problems for 5 years from numerous doctors. I had an articular cartilage defect in my knee. At times I had to hold onto the hand railing to get upstair...
Kiana Siefert's Story
Back to elite soccer after 2 ACL ReconstructionsThank you again for your great surgery team that cared for Kiana through two ACL reconstructions! Kiana’s soccer team, Noblesville High School, once again heads to the 3A State Championship game...
Dana Goodman's Story
Back to technical climbing after my revision rotator cuff repair with Dr. Cole...Other's said it could not be done!I injured my shoulder a few years ago and had a rotator cuff repair in January 2019. I reinjured it while climbing in August 2019. Two consults later resulted in an unanimous opinion: shoulder repla...
Traci Falbo's Story
Team USA Ultrarunner's Progress After Knee SurgeryDr. Cole, I cannot say thank you enough for giving running back to me. It’s such a huge part of my life. Running is MANY things to me. It’s the majority of my social time, as I run with friends...
Peyton's Story
Collegiate-Level Soccer Player Returns to Game After Knee InjuryPeyton has been playing soccer at the University of Chicago over the past 2 years. She had an ACL injury October of 2019, which resulted in pain, swelling, and limited motion in her right knee. It was...
Maureen's Story
Life Changing 110 pound Weight-loss after Knee SurgeryDear Dr. Cole, I have been waiting to inform you of how you had transformed my life. You had performed surgery on my right knee in February 2012 for an osteochondral injury. It was an extremely lon...
Emily's Story
American Ninja Warrior back to Competition after ACL TearBefore my injury, I was an All Star cheerleader and an American Ninja Warrior competitor. I tore my ACL at practice on January 7 th, went through a month of prehab, and had surgery on March 4 th. Stre...
Maria Kronk's Story
Physical Therapist back to cycling after knee surgeryI sustained a bucket handle tear of my medial meniscus in my knee at the end of March, which locked my knee into a bent position. I struggled with all my activities, including: Walking, transferring,...
Jeff Watts's Story
Knee ProblemAt 54 years old – you can try to forget the years but you can’t ignore the mileage.
I came to Dr Cole after a relatively catastrophic cartilage “pop and lock” in my right knee and giv...
Caroline Cox's Story
Back to competitive swimming after having my shoulders finally fixed!Throughout the years, swimming has always been a very important part of my life. Ever since the age of two, the sport stuck with me. Growing up, I was a successful swimmer who balanced my love for run...
Lauren Matuscak's Story
Back to competitive swimming after shoulder surgeryGrowing up, I was very successful in swimming. I was apart of team Indiana and won many top eight finishes in the state. Around my freshman year of high school I started feeling pain in my upper back ...
Lauren Magiera's Story
Back to doing the things I love without having surgery!I took a nasty spill on the ice in November. I have been an athlete my entire life, so I'm very in tune with my body. I knew immediately that I was more than just sore and bruised, but I was in...
Colton Jones's Story
Back to basketball after ACL SurgeryEvery day, the Valparaiso junior woke up and got to work on his right knee. Jones tore his ACL in his first AAU practice after the high school season in March, and he wanted more than anyt...
Ruby Hansen's Story
Back to competitive gymnastics after knee cartilage surgery. Watch me go!I have been a gymnast for nearly thirteen years and have had my fair share of injuries along the way. This past year, I tore cartilage in my knee for the second time and was told that I needed yet ano...
Stephanie McHale's Story
Cole Team: THANK YOU!!Hi Cole Team - I am a past patient of Dr Cole and had surgery on my knee in May 2018 after a ski accident in March 2018. After my surgery you and the team were so supportive and motivated me to st...
Lucy's Story
Returning to Activities I Love After Osteochondral Autograft TransplantationAfter multiple knee surgeries during high school and college athletics, my knees had taken a beating. Sophomore year of college, my body hit a point where working out became painful, hiking was imp...
Madeline Stammen's Story
Cirque du Soleil athlete Madeline Stammen returns to figure skating after ACL reconstructionI was thrilled that Dr. Cole was able to do my second ACL reconstruction. It is always scary putting your body, which is your career, at the hands of another. I had heard about Dr. Cole’s experti...
Carolena Carsten's Story
Carolena Carstens wins spot in Pan American Games 6 months after ACL reconstructionJust a short 6 months after her ACL reconstruction, Carolena Carstens, 2 time Olympian and ranked 8th in the world in Taekwando, won a remarkable match at the Roberto Duran Center in Panama 54-9 ag...
Nic Meister's Story
From Shoulder Pain to Starting College Tennis PlayerBeginning in January of 2018 I began experiencing pain in the AC Joint of my left shoulder. I felt the pain the most when hitting forehands in tennis as well as performing activities with a straigh...
Micah Christian Hurd's Story
Successfully getting back to my sports again after 2 major knee injuriesI am so thankful for the fantastic work Dr. Brian Cole has done over the past two years. I can't say enough about how lucky I am. After each of my last two injuries, Dr. Cole fixed and rebuilt my k...
John E. McMahon's Story
Back to Football after my ACL Surgery...Thanks to Team ColePlease also make sure your team knows how grateful we are for the quality of care Jack received. He had an incredible year in football as the team’s leading tackler and picked up some nice interc...
Taylor Newman's Story
Recovering well after a double cartilage transplant of my kneeI came to Dr. Cole in desperate need of pain relief and better mobility of my knee due to a sports injury 10 years ago that left me without a lateral meniscus and after years of bone on bone, my ca...
David Tuttle's Story
the best!Dr. Cole operated on my rotator cuff after a first attempt by another surgeon in another location tried and was unable to do the repair. Dr. Cole was prepoared to use a donor patch but was able to...
Anonymous's Story
Two years after a knee cartilage transplant and I have my life backWhen I was 25 years old, I began to experience knee pain while sitting at my desk. I was an ex-college athlete, but the life of a forensic accountant was far more painful than any drill I went thro...
Tyler Phillips's Story
Extreme Hiking after Cartilage TransplantIn July, 6 months after a medial meniscectomy with medial and lateral osteochondral allografts, I did a major backcountry hike in Glacier National Park in Montana. Previously, I was unable to walk ...
Darrione's Story
Committing to DePaul Basketball after an ACL SurgeryI want to thank Dr. Cole and his awesome staff at Midwest Orthopedics at Rush for doing my ACL surgery! I tore my ACL playing basketball in high school, and I came back stronger than ever after my ...
Micah Hurd's Story
Setting records after ACL reconstructionDr Cole is the go to guy. He and his staff are second to none. My son tore his acl and pcl during last football game. Surgery was done Nov 2018 and he just did his PR in the 100 meter dash 6 months...
Cooper Sloan's Story
Back to football and basketball after ACL sugery!ACL reconstruction for a 14 year old isnt ideal, but in this case it worked out perfect.
Cooper Sloan is a 14 year old eighth grade from Peotone, IL. He is active in multiple sports incl...
Jessica Stroble's Story
Back to Cross-Fit and Getting My LIfe Back after a Cartilage TransplantIn December of 2016, I had a fresh osteochondral allograft transplant of my patellofemoral joint and a distal realignment. Before surgery, exercise was painful along with pain during activities of ...
Pastor Steve Troglio's Story
Doing God's work after my orthopedic surgery by Dr. Cole and his teamHey Doc
A year ago next month you put me back together again, this time it was my knee.
I cannot express how thankful I am that because of you and your team I can go do what I know G...
Robert (Bob) Behnke's Story
Quality of life restored! Back to tennis and golf after my shoulder replacement!I lead a very active life. About 18 months ago I developed pain in my left shoulder that progressively got worse as time went by. Eventually the pain was bad enough that it was greatly affecting my...
Daniel Adams's Story
Treating the Patient, not the MRI: Finding Surgical and Non-Surgical Success with Dr. ColeIn 2009, I found Dr. Cole after an exhaustive search and Castle Connolly referral. He performed a meniscus repair on my left knee after months of unsuccessful PT. Two years later, he performed a me...
Richard Dickerson's Story
Richard Dickerson TestimonialTwo years ago I was in more pain than anyone my age should have been in. At the time I was a 20-year-old who had spent my entire life playing sports; an active lifestyle was all I knew. Then I tore...
Sophie Allen's Story
Back to elite dancing after having my shoulder stabilized by Dr. Cole and his teamPrior to seeing Dr. Cole, I was regularly suffering from shoulder subluxations and/or full dislocations. Not only was this painful, but each time a subluxation or dislocation occurred, my anxiety a...
Cody Polovitch's Story
Successful Outcome 10 Years after Meniscus TransplantBefore my surgery with Dr. Cole I couldnt do any sort of jumping without feeling my knee would slip out of joint. Its been 10 years since my surgery and Im doing 50 box jumps and deep squatting...
Michael Danielak's Story
A College Baseball Player Picked up in the MLB Draft following Successful Patellar Tendonitis TreatmentPatellar Tendonitis
I was beginning my college baseball career with patellar tendonitis in my left knee. I had been dealing with sharp, throbbing, and aching pain that a...
Sarah Warren's Story
Olympic Skater and College Soccer Champion Back after ACL ReconstructionWhat do you take away from last year where the team didnt fare too well and you missed most of it with an injury?
I think if we forget about it, its not a useful season. Obviously things ...
Anonymous's Story
How my ACL Surgery led me to an entirely new sportFROM HUNTER HALL
Before tearing my ACL for the first time when I was 10, I was a multi-sport athlete competing as a right wing in hockey and a forward in soccer. It was a long time ago, so I...
Fanning's Story
Another baseball player gets back after Tommy John Elbow SurgeryAfter I tore my Ulnar Collateral Ligament (UCL) in the second start of my junior season, I felt a sharp pain every time I tried to straighten my elbow. I was never able to get it fully straight. ...
Melissa M's Story
Melissa M TestimonialMy left knee had been through a lotmeniscus & MCL damage, an ACL repair, torn cartilage and a Microfracture. Needless to say, it was recommended to me that I should hang up my soccer boots AND run...
Celiana's Story
A Teen's Journey and Return to High Level Soccer after ACL SurgeryOn behalf of Celiana Torres would like give a huge thanks to Dr. Cole and Staff throughout the entire process. After surgery things were not easy. It was not only the discomfort from surgery, but e...
Jake Lafrenz's Story
Star Athlete back in the Game after Tommy John Elbow Surgery by Dr. ColeJake Lafrenz is a 17-year-old senior from Elgin, IL and a star athlete on the St. Edwards Central High School baseball team. Not long ago, with an 88 mph fastball and a pitching spot on the Nationa...
Sara Pawlaczyk's Story
An osteochondral allograft allowed me to walk without pain and play sports again!I first met one of Dr. Coles PAs back in 2013 and I still remember the hope he gave me the first time we talked. After already having 4 knee surgeries (including an ACL and Microfracture on my ri...
Jake Tucker's Story
My new ACL got me back on the mat and winning again!Dr. Cole performed my ACL surgery and after 6 months, I was back wrestling on the mat placing 3rd at the prestigious Grappler Fall Classic in Michigan and Runnerup at the USA Wrestling Preseason Na...
Anne Petersen's Story
Anne Petersen TestimonialI came to Dr. Cole feeling desperate, as all the doctors in my area had given up and told me that they could not help my knees and the one doctor who referred me to Dr. Cole stated I needed some ve...
Deborahglln's Story
Reverse total shoulder exceeded all our expectationsMy husband required a reverse shoulder replacement. We had researched many doctors and had five doctor appointments prior to seeing Dr. Cole. He was the only one that was very confident and had the...
Shelby Koester's Story
Dr Cole gave me back my active lifeFor 3 years, I lived with constant knee pain due to bad genetics and injury. The pain interfered with daily activities, exercise, and family fun. Dr. Cole changed all that. He gave me back an activ...
Shelly Bender's Story
Back to Running after years of PainWhile training for my second marathon in the spring of 2013, I injured my IT Band. It became so tight that it caused severe pain by my right knee. I ran through the pain because I was determined to...
Sean Sweeney's Story
Barrington's Liz Sweeney having superb season after ACL injuryThe road back has been a long one for Barrington shortstop Liz Sweeney, who tore her ACL midway through last season and had to watch from the sidelines as the Fillies finished fourth in the state.<...
Liz Sweeney's Story
Back to Softball in a Big Way after ACL ReconstructionAfter missing nearly the entire second half of last season due to knee surgery, Barrington senior shortstop Liz Sweeney has made a terrific comeback on the softball diamond this spring.
On T...
Mark Wilson's Story
Playing Professional Golf with a Meniscus Tear and No SurgeryMy name is Mark Wilson, and I have been a professional golfer on the PGA TOUR for 14 years. I felt pain in my right knee in April 2015 after doing 40 yard dashes (bad idea at 41 years of age!) and ...
Nate Edgington's Story
My return to competition after a cartilage transplantHello, my name is Nate Edgington. In 2006 Dr. Cole performed an ACI AMZ procedure on my right knee. Working for an orthopaedic company in Indiana gave me the luxury of knowing who some of the bes...
Anonymous's Story
Back to Basketball after ACL ReconstructionDear Dr. Cole & Staff:
I wanted to extend a heartfelt thank you for your fantastic care of my son. From beginning to end, (i.e. appointments, personal follow-ups via telephone, preoperativ...
Anonymous's Story
Soccer captain rises to #1 in conference with full recovery!After suffering an ACL tear my freshman year of high school, I thought my sports career would never be the same. I was cleared to return to return to sports just 5 months later and was on the ultim...
Anne Petersen's Story
Free from knee and shoulder pain after bilateral MPFL reconstructions and plication with Dr. Cole.At was 35 years old, I was of normal weight yet could no longer climb a flight of stairs without a lot of pain, nor could I even walk a mile for light exercise with my family. Having Ehlers-Danlos ...
Aaron Kemp's Story
Back to football after having my clavicle fracture fixed by Dr. ColeOn my first day back to football practice after our summer break, I broke my collarbone clean through and was en route to the hospital when a thought hit me; I am going to miss my junior year of fo...
Tom Cycyota's Story
The Allograph: Brought to You by AlloSourceSurgeons and clinicians truly are our partners in ensuring donated tissue is able to help patients heal. Our commitment to maximizing the possibilities of tissue is echoed in their tireless work to...
Robert J. Weskamp's Story
Elated after my rotator cuff repairDr. Cole and his staff are the benchmark for professionalism, talent, and attention to the patient. Im a Medicare patient so my expectations were rather low. My case and the associated MRI and ort...
Rev Steven Troglio's Story
Non-Joint replacement surgery for my shoulder arthritis allowed me to return to my mission work without painHey Dr Cole
My name is Steve Troglio, you worked on my shoulder 4 years ago. At the time you did a procedure to give me time before needing a replacement from all the years of being a athlet...
Claudia Ongtengco's Story
Successful revision shoulder surgery allowed me to sleep and exercise again!My husband and I are in our mid-forties, and for our 18th wedding anniversary decided to go skiing. To make a long story short, I fell down and had surgery with a local orthopedic doctor in Februar...
Anonymous's Story
Cartilage Transplant to the Roof of AfricaIn May of 2010, at the age of 39, I had my third knee surgery, the DeNovo NT procedure performed by Dr. Cole and his team, which was a cartilage transplant from a donor. I decided to have the surge...
Anonymous's Story
Thank you for truly giving me a new lease on my active lifeWhen I met Dr. Cole, I was desperately looking for a solution for the pain in my knee. I was a former four-sport athlete in high school and played college basketball at BYU. My junior year, my team...
Robert Szajkovics's Story
Bowling a Perfect Game after a MeniscectomyBowling: Old ball still has some magic for Robert Szajkovics
A couple of weeks back, Robert Szajkovics was at wits end, averaging more than 10 pins below last seasons 224 in his Sunday morn...
Lois Teerling's Story
So Happy after my Total Shoulder ReplacementDear Dr. Cole
Just a quick, long overdue Thank You to you and your team for giving me an excellent new shoulder.
I can do all the things I love, golf, photography, lifting the gra...
Anonymous's Story
Big 10 Soccer Player Returns after ACL ReconstructionAs a collegiate soccer player, I thought that tearing your ACL would be a death sentence. In my first conferenece game my Junior year that was sentenced upon me. I remember begging my athletic trai...
Annie Hendricks's Story
Girl's 10 Years of Knee Pain Ended after Surgery at Midwest Orthopaedics at RushBy age 18, Annie Hendricks knee was operated on eight different times, and it still wasnt getting any better.
Hendricks first injured cartilage in her knee at age 8. She then developed ...
Brian Kachinsky's Story
BMX Rider Competes Again after ACL ReconstructionInternational Competitor Gets MOR Functional Sports Assessment before Returning to Sport
Brian Kachinsky, 31, a Wisconsin native who now resides in Chicago, is known for his fearless BMX rid...
Jen's Story
One more marathon and medal for the family who donated my meniscus transplantIn the fall of 2007, I injured my knee training for my second marathon. As a runner, I was accustomed to icing, slapping a knee brace on and running through the pain. It would take me more than a y...
Michael Collins, Travis and Schertz's Story
The Ultimate Gift: Tissue DonationThe Story Of A Young Man Gone Too Soon And A Grateful Recipients Football Dreams
Michael Collins life was tragically cut short, but he continues to make a difference in the lives of othe...Jess Stansell's Story
My New MeniscusIm 28 and live in Madison with my husband Jason and our dog Jack who happens to be the star of the video. I had a bucket handle tear when I was 13 and have struggled with pain and stability since ...
Anonymous's Story
49-year Old Former Athlete Regains Activity after Cartilage Allograft SurgeryIf it wasnt for Dr. Cole and his fabulous team Kyle, Natalie and Mukesh, I would not be where I am today. I am PAIN FREE and able to exercise, play volleyball, softball, tennis, spin classes and...
Kelly Maday's Story
Back to Scoring Goals after Knee Surgery for OCDIn the spring of 2012, I had an MRI for a pulled ITB/hamstring injury and it was discovered I had stage 3/4 left knee OCD (osteochondritis dissecans), but I was asymptomatic. I took a break from pl...
Caroline Allen's Story
Competitive Sand Volleyball Player Returns to the Court 4 Months after ACL ReconstructionOne of the most dreaded things an athlete can hear is that your ACL is torn. I had to process this difficult news after waking up from surgery to repair my torn meniscus which uncovered that my lef...
Hayley Bordui's Story
High School Junior Back on the Court after Knee SurgeryMy name is Hayley Bordui. Going into my junior year of high school basketball, I was being recruited by multiple division one schools. In the preseason, I had a sudden knee injury. Having my future...
Missy Morris's Story
Obstacle Course Racing after Microfracture SurgeryOn October 15, 2011, I participated in my very first Spartan Race, the Midwest Sprint. Ive been participating in sports for as long as I can remember and Ive had some experience running a few obs...
TS's Story
Medial Knee Pain is gone after Dr. Cole Performed Knee ArthroscopyOn May 29, on Dr. Coles recommendation, I underwent right knee arthroscopy at Rush Oak Park after having had pain for 8 months and no alleviation after PT and a cortisone shot. I had medial plica ...
Holly Amatangelo's Story
Able to Run the Chicago Marathon after Torn Meniscus RepairI just wanted to write to you, Natalie, and the rest of your staff and say a huge THANK YOU for everything you did for me with my knee surgery in January! After several months of physical therapy a...
Shea McGovren's Story
Zipping Back to an Active Life after Shoulder SurgeryMy name is Shea McGovren. I am a daughter, sister, girlfriend, friend, niece, cousin, granddaughter and health care provider. I love to laugh, waterski, snowski, live, white water raft, walk our do...
Anonymous's Story
Long Distance Runner Thankful for Successful ACI/AMZAll my life I have been on the go. Its just how I live my life and want to continue living it this way. I started playing softball when I was four years old. The position I went with from age six ...
Kaitlyn Biegelmann's Story
Meniscal Transplant Gives High School Musician a Second ChanceMy name is Kaitlyn Biegelmann, and I had a meniscal transplant on July 7, 2010. Before my surgery I could hardly walk and was in constant pain. As a teen it was difficult to keep up with my friends...
Mike Doyle's Story
Successful Shoulder ReplacementIn February of 11, Dr. Cole replaced my right shoulder with a reverse ball and socket replacement. This surgery was much different from the previous (rotator cuff repair) in that the rehab was fas...
Alex Ruder's Story
Finding the Right DoctorMy name is Alex Ruder, and I have been very active in sports for nearly most of my life until my shoulder began to hurt. What I initially thought would go away with rest ended up being a seven-year...
Amanda Meyers's Story
Successful Osteochondral Allograft Transplant at 30Eleven years ago, I hurt my shoulder in a freak accident. After two operations, eight years, and countless negative MRIs, I was still in pain all the time. It was then that I decided to go to Dr. B...
Sam Wittwer's Story
Successful ACL Reconstruction for 11-Year-Old AthleteI tore my ACL playing football on 10/16/10. For an 11-year-old, the last thing you want to hear is an 8-month recovery and surgery. Oh yeah, and I cant play any sports in that time period. It real...
Keith Bailey's Story
High School Coach is Back in the GameLeft Shoulder Capsular Release May 2007
Right Shoulder Capsular Release November 2010
Four years ago at age 54, three orthopedic surgeons told me that my left shoulder had no cartilag...
Alicia Baisden's Story
64-Year-Old Woman Living Active Four Months After Rotator Cuff SurgeryMy name is Alicia Baisden. On 12-01-2011 I had rotator cuff surgery. Before my surgery I was unable to lift or carry anything over a few pounds without pain. If I overused the right hand, it would ...
Anonymous's Story
Able to Participate in Cross Country Ski Trip Four Months after ACL SurgeryI tore my ACL at the USA National Ultimate Frisbee Championships in October, and Dr. Cole repaired my ACL with a hamstring graft in November. By February I was rock climbing and biking. In mid-Marc...
Mona Frisbie's Story
Mona 2.0I was always active growing up but it wasnt until my early 20s that I discovered running. I started out as many beginning runners do, logging 1-2 miles at a time, increasing the miles over the ye...
John Mele's Story
Golfing and Snowboarding After Successful SLAP Repair SurgeryMy name is John Mele. I have been very active in sports and weight lifting my entire life. I played football through college, baseball for 12 years, I wrestled and even boxed. Now at 35, I focus on...
Anonymous's Story
Successful Meniscal Transplant at Twenty-SevenAs the one-year anniversary of my meniscal transplant approaches, I sit down and marvel how something as small as a meniscus can have a very BIG impact on your life.
It all started eleven yea...
Stevenson's Story
Elite Gymnast Wins Regional Title After Having her Ulnar Collateral Ligament Reconstructed by Dr. ColeStevenson wins NSC crown
By Rusty Silber
Daily Herald
A year ago, Caitlin Pagano suffered a devastating fall on the bars in warm-ups right before the North Suburban Conference meet, w...
Best Xuan's Story
My Life is Back on TrackThank you for pulling my life back on track. I have suffered from shoulder instability for eight years, with no sports, and I even experienced discomfort with doing simple tasks such as homework.
Suzie Flentie's Story
Successful Knee Replacement at 50I grew up in central Montana where I learned to love outdoor activities, and Ive always loved running. As a young girl I wore out three stick horses (a popular toy back in the 1960s) on the gravel...
Leo Bruynseels's Story
Keep Moving YoungI underwent a partial removal of my miniscus on 8/25/10. I can now do everything, including walking at 4 miles per hour, without any knee pain.
It is very important to attend all the therapy ...
Wayne Barnett's Story
71-Year-Old Former Marine is Living ActiveTotal Shoulder Replacement
Prior to the Procedure, I could touch the top of my head with my right arm, only with pain. I could not touch the top of my left shoulder. And ...
Frank's Story
Swimming Along Nicely After Rotator Cuff RepairMy name is Frank, and while I dont normally admit it, Im over 60 years old (or young, as the case may be). Swimming has been my main athletic activityI usually swim more than 200 miles per year....
John's Story
No Knee Pain Three Years After Cartilage Transplant SurgeryHi, my name is John, and before I had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Cole and his team, I had five knee operations within a 20-year period. During those procedures the doctors would remove bone fragme...
Pat Price's Story
54-Year-Old Woman Finds her Sweet Swing Again After Rotator Cuff SurgeryHey, look at this! I keep saying that to my friends as I show them the range of motion I now have in my right arm. I can actually use it again! Last summer I was miserable. I had a lot of pain an...
Anonymous's Story
70-Year-Old Man Enjoys Return of Function Two Years After Rotator Cuff SurgeryI am extremely pleased with Dr. Cole and surgery. I can actually throw overhand for my dog better than before the injury. ATI Physical Therapy also contributed greatly to my recovery.
The on...
Anonymous's Story
High School Athlete Named MVP After Successful Arthroscopic SurgeryIn March 2010, our 16 year old son Ty was diagnosed with osteochondritis in his right elbow after many years of pitching. He lost his high school sophomore baseball season due to this injury and wa...
Zeid Salfiti's Story
Zeid Salfiti gets back to boxing after both shoulders stabilized- July 2004, Amman, Jordan Emergency Room, dislocated left shoulder playing basketball.
- March 2005, Nassau, Bahamas Emergency Room, dislocated right shoulder going down a waterslide...
Kim Howatt's Story
Living a Life of Sport Once Again- November, 2018My name is Kim Howatt, and I had an AMZ/ACI December 2008. I was a very active kid growing up. Any sport any time. After a collegiate softball career, I continued to play competitively, until I was...
Adam Verhasselt's Story
Successful Bilateral Microfracture Surgery- November, 2018Dr. Cole performed bilateral microfracture surgery along with bilateral AMZ and ACI procedures on my knees. He and his physicians assistants, Natalie Podboy and Kyle Pilz, have been very easy to t...
Jeff Ciecko's Story
It's All in the Family- November, 2018I just wanted to share something with you all that my Godson, Kyle Conlon, and I think is pretty cool.
We took a big family vacation to Breckenridge, CO, in June and of course we couldnt...
Anonymous's Story
Back on the Slopes- November, 2018Your handy work on both my knees was put to great use a couple weeks ago in Park City, Utah, at the Deer Valley ski resort
The great news is my left knee distal realignment and ACI (Autolog...
David's Story
What did I get myself into?- November, 2018Thats what I was thinking as I stood in the back of the pack waiting to start the Bank of America Chicago Marathon. My longest run to date was 6 miles. I spent the summer testing my bad knee, maki...
Anonymous's Story
Pain Free after Rotator Cuff Surgery- November, 2018I am a 69-year-old retired pharmaceutical rep in good health, an active person, walker, golfer, etc. I had rotator cuff day surgery on October 7, 2008, on my right shoulder. I was told that it was ...
Justin's Story
Humeral Head Transplant Restores Quality of Life- November, 2018Justin, age 17, was diagnosed with chondrolysis of his right shoulder. He suffered from incredible pain which he had endured for over a year. He was not able to use his right arm to comb his hair, ...
Kyle's Story
High School Basketball Standout Scores after One Year off Court- November, 2018Normal Community High School standout basketball player Kyle Dierkes returned to the court November 24, 2009, making a full comeback from a serious knee injury. Kyle, who missed all of last season ...
Alexa Torman's Story
All-Conference High School Soccer Player Returns to the Game- November, 2018Ligament injuries to the knee are very common in sports that require stopping and starting or quickly changing directions. Marengo Community High School standout soccer player, Alexa Torman, knows ...