MotorCross Patient Testimonials
Dr. Mark's MX Patients Talk
I just wanted to post this message to let everyone know about the positive experience that I had with Doctor Mark Sanders recently.
After a less than successful day at the track back on Sunday 12/17, I returned home battered - with a very swollen leg and sore ribs.
I could walk on it but with extreme pain, so at the behest of my wife, we made a trip to the ER that evening. After x-rays I was told
that I had a broken tibia, and two fractured ribs.
The Orthopedist at the hospital painted a very bleak picture of surgery, and months in a cast to fix my leg. I left the Hospital
feeling depressed, not only because of the injury - but the thought of the long recovery period ahead. I had told my wife about all
the great things I heard about Doc Sanders on Houston Motocross, so first thing Monday morning we gave him a call. After explaining
my situation to the receptionist at his office, they gave me his cell phone number and told me to call and talk directly with him,
something that I never expected from a doctor. I called and left him a message and, within about 5 minutes he called me back. We
spoke for probably 10-15 minutes, and I must say that I got an instant feeling of relief as he explained several options that we
could possibly take. Within 2 hours we were face to face in his office, and he was reviewing my x-rays - explaining to me what
would be required to fix my leg.
He said I had suffered an upper Tibial Plateau fracture and that surgery was going to be required, but no cast would be used so I
could start rehabilitation immediately. So, we did the surgery on Tuesday, stayed overnight in the hospital, and Wednesday went
over to the Docs office to see about starting my therapy. Upon arrival, I was introduced to Ed Nepveux, who would be setting up
my therapy regime. We immediately went to the stationary bike, and then went through all the exercises he was going to have me
start doing. I can honestly say that he had me doing things that I would have thought impossible one day after surgery. Ed is
a great guy, and he has made my recovery effort very pleasant.
So, to make a long story short(er), I am now 2 weeks post-op, I have a plate and 5 screws in my leg. I am walking without crutches.
There is no pain in my leg. And I could not be more pleased with the way my recovery has gone so far. I have actually had people
tell me that here is no way my leg could have been broken if I am already walking without some aide, so all I do is show them a
Xerox copy of my x-rays, lift my pant leg to reveal my scar, and hand them one of the Docs business cards. I cannot even imagine
how differently this might have gone had I not called Doc Sanders - and that call was based on all the great things I had heard
about him on Houston Motocross and throughout the motocross community. He, and everyone in his office is first class, and I would
highly recommend him to anyone who is in need of an Orthopedist.
Russ Harp, Richmond TX
YZF 450
After seeing the other post about the success of another riders broken leg 'repair,' I felt compelled to share my personal
story about ACL replacement and rehab as well.
After a short day of riding at the 290MX track, I planted my foot going into a corner - twisting my knee as the bike
continued along its path. I felt instant pain in the knee and a 'loose' feeling as well. I visited the ER for an x-ray
and was told that I just enflamed the knee and that no further action was required - just rest up. Several weeks go by,
the looseness remained and the knee would swell with any intense exercise or sudden jarring (i.e. riding MX). I scheduled
an appt. with Doc Sanders, who reviewed the x-rays and gave me the news about needing an ACL replacement.
I underwent surgery the following week and was walking around the hospital the evening of the surgery. I started PT
with Ed the following day with 1 Hr of cycling per day. It was not fun the first week or so, but seems crucial to a
fast recovery. I was riding my bike again in the 90 days that Doc promised.
Bottom line, Docs procedure works! You will walk the same day of the surgery, never need crutches to get around, and
if you follow his/Eds PT direction you will get better use & strength fast.
Thanks Doc for the great new knee!
Jeff Begnaud, Cypress TX
I'll be back soon THANKS Dr Mark and Ed
Well it's been five days since my ACL surgery with Doctor Mark. I got to Houston on Monday morning about 12:15 am and went
to see the Doc about 8:00 am. I took some x-rays and was on the chopping block at 12:00, then woke up in my room about 5 pm
with all kinds of tubes hanging out of me - partying like a rock star till 2 pm the next day when they told me to leave.
They must of run out of legal drugs or got tired of me. I got to the hotel and nursed a morphine hangover till the next
morning, got up ate the continental breakfast then took a slow walk around the block and watched TV the rest of the day.
I felt like I was fifteen again.
Thursday was pretty much the same thing as the previous day, but I walked a little faster and longer. Friday I went to
therapy. The party is over. I road 45 minutes on the bike and spent 1 hour and 30 minutes with the PT "cop," Ed. Progress
was good through Friday and by Saturday things are going great. I met Ed for PT at 12:30, road the bike for 45 minutes,
then let Ed do has magic. I'm not sure but since Dr. Mark wasn't in the office I think Ed was trying to break his good
work. He had me stretched from here to Dallas!
Sunday holds a workout with Dr. Mark and Monday a final session with Ed - then back home to Denver. I'll walk on and
off the plane better than I walked on the flight to Houston.
I just want to say I'm so happy I found out about Dr Mark and his crew. Three months of recovery is a whole lot better
than six to nine months - like they told me back home. Also, no "dead guy" body part either. Thanks again guys, can't wait
to start riding again. (PS Ed, I was just kidding about that stuff. Don't whoop up on me Monday. If anyone needs this
surgery, feel free to call me and I'll be happy to tell you about my great experience.
Dave Smoljan
MX rider
Denver, CO
"He noticed my limp and said that I couldn't be happy with my knee as it was. He was right, I wasn't. My knee
was so stiff I could hardly walk. But I didn't think there was anything that could be done - short of knee
replacement.
Dr. Sanders talked me out of knee replacement, asking, 'you want to ride again, don't you?' I said, 'of course
I do.' So, he told me what I needed to do to get better.
My knee was as bad as they can get. With him, I was walking without crutches the day of surgery. And only one
week after surgery my knee felt better than it did before the injury. Now I'm optimistic about racing very soon -
stronger and with much less pain. Dr. Sanders is a great doctor, who understands the needs of riders and how
bad we want to return to action."
- Sean Kirby (topgun), former "old school" motocross professional
"I had heard about Dr. Sanders from other riders and went to see him. I initially went to find out if there was anything
other than surgery that would help my knee, because I just didn't want to go through another ACL surgery like the one I
had had previously. I explained that I had a new baby on the way and needed to be on my feet. Dr. Sanders listened to
everything - addressing the concerns I had about the baby coming and helping my wife. And then he explained that this
surgery would be nothing like the first one. He assured me that if I did everything he said before and after surgery
that I'd be on my feet the day after surgery and riding again before the baby arrived. And he was right!
After Dr. Sanders repaired my knee, I worked with BOTH the 'doc' and a trainer at the Sanders Clinic to reach full
extension and strengthen my knee. I got back on my bike five weeks later and my knee hasn't felt this good in 20 years!"
- Kevin Sonnier, MX rider and father of young rider
"Dr. Mark is an awesome doc! He makes you feel more comfortable and helps you keep a positive attitude when you know
you're hurt and cant ride for a while! He looks on the bright side of things and most doctors don't do that!
- DirtCiclerider989
"My son Garrett hurt his knee a few weeks ago and he really helped us out. We called his cell Sunday night and he told
us to come in the morning and everything was taken care of - quick and easy. My son loved him, and he introduced him to
several local riders that were in the office. Thanks for taking care of him. It is definitely worth the drive to see Dr.
Sanders!"
- 49's mom
"Dr. Sanders is the absolute MAN! Like I keep telling y'all. BEFORE you get hurt, take 5 minutes to meet Dr. Sanders.
I know he'll take the 5 minutes to meet you! He's zipped up my shoulder on June 5th from a posterior dislocation
requiring surgery and I'm now back on the bike."
- Adam Hamza - #413 CRF 450
"Dr. Sanders did surgery on Blake's shoulder yesterday. Nobody else would even see him until the end of the month. Everyone
in this sport should put his number in their cell phone now!! You can't believe the response and care that he has for these
athletes. Also his office, staff and Mr. Ed (fitness trainer) are unbelievable.
We wanted to say a HUGE THANK YOU to him and his staff. Blake will be back in no time thanks to them!
- C Rider, The Carlile Family
"Dr. Sanders checked me out a couple of weeks ago and said that I had a separated ac joint. He said that I
could get back on the MX bike in two weeks if I followed his exercises. I did and was back on the street bike
in eight days and on a MX bike in 17 days. After warming up, I was able to get back into doing some smaller
doubles without much pain and everyday it's getting better."
- Greg 02 YZ426F #224
"I feel compelled to say that Josh and I are feeling blessed that he's back on the track quickly - and faster than
ever. We feel at ease knowing that when the inevitable injury happens, Dr. Sanders and his crew are there for him.
It's a relief and comfort to me as a racer's parent."
- Andy MacKenney
I used to race 25 weekends a year. It was my life. One Sunday morning I ended up in the ICU breathing through
a tube. Just like that things change. After years of pain, to get back to a point that I'm competitive again
is amazing.
Dr. Sanders made me first commit to what was coming afterwards, before I scheduled surgery with him. Someone
just needed to tell me that. I don't think my other doctors were used to working with athletes and never pushed
me to the next level.
- Shaun Hall, Off Road Racer and Trail Rider
Just some thanks!
Dr. Mark - Thank you for helping me with my patellar tendonitis. I tried your method and received about an 85%
decrease in pain! Unbelievable. I was in pain for a year and now it is mostly gone in a week. I will
continue my workout as you prescribed and stretch like hell. I feel fantastic! I am applying to the Arizona
Highway patrol this year. You will have a friend in Arizona! Wheelie on my friend!
- Mike Mizur
aka, Trigger1911
Top Notch Service
After a bad get off at 35ft (80ft) distance in 2004, I sustained several injuries. I suffered contused lungs,
broken ribs, broken parts to some vertebrae and a separated shoulder - grade 3-4. I was back on the bike riding
sorely in 3 months. The second winter I realized my chronic acute shoulder pain was my separated shoulder.
I flew to Houston from New York and arrived at the Sanders Clinic.
The service was nothing but Top notch!! I arrived on a Tuesday, had all my pre op work done, then surgery
Wednesday morning. Dr. Mark even had someone drive me back to my motel (more perfect service). And 24 hours
later I had about 98% range of motion and little soreness. Forty-eight hours later I had the drain removed and full
range of motion!!
I am now set to fly home with no sling! And no problems at all. I Highly recommend Dr. Mark to all those who
want a speedy recovery and to be fixed correctly the first time. I even witnessed results of several
out of town patients. A man from Canada had both ACL's repaired and was riding the stationary bike that same
afternoon. Walking good the same day. It was obvious that I had come to the right place. People from Connecticut,
Kentucky and Minnesota were all waiting along side my N.Y. self. Thanks Dr. Mark.
- Rob Beckley
03 crf450 District 34 #99 amateur
Bilateral Knee Surgery
Dr. Sanders knows his stuff! I flew to Sanders Clinic from Alabama to have bilateral knee surgery. He's the only doctor
I've ever known to make himself available anytime you need him. To get in touch with any other doctor I've ever had,
I've had to go through two receptionists, a nurse's aid, a nurse, two physician's aids, a priest and a rabbi, and
pray for a call back (I'm exaggerating of course, but that's what if feels like). One of the premier university
hospitals with very good surgeons is only an hour from me (UAB Birmingham), but I still feel more comfortable going
to Houston.
He's (Dr. Sanders) put up with my whining throughout my recovery and even gave me his home number if I needed to call,
as he said, "no matter what time it is." We have had quite the language barrier though. Between my southern drawl and his
New Yawk accent, it's been quite interesting communicating. And you can forget talking over him, cause it ain't gonna happen!
- Biznet1 - Older, broker and slower
06 CRF450R
My ACL Surgery Experience with Dr. Mark
Patient info: Don Owen
Age - 47
Fitness level - pretty good for an old guy
Home - Florida
Hobbies - races MX and HS, "B" league basketball, scuba diving, golf How did it happen - shreaded my left ACL during a B-ball game
The story:
I had the surgery (left knee ACL gone, patella graft from right knee used) on 12/6, got back home on 12/12 - at work 12/13.
I spent a good month working on my legs prior to surgery since everything I've read on MX and other websites lead me to that
conclusion.
Rehab started the next day with some walking and stair work, then it was back to the hotel to relax and continue with the
CPM machine and exercise as prescribed by Ed (a word about Ed - Dr. Sanders PT – he’s a very nice guy and will have you
laughing while he's "flexing"/"working" your leg(s)). I met with Ed on Saturday and he put me through the ringer (1 hour on
the bike, flexing, etc.), and I achieved "~140" degrees flexion on my ACL leg!!!!!!
I didn't really need a heck of a lot of pain meds (Ketolaric for 6 days and only used 2 Vicodin) - plus I have a "high"
tolerance to pain.
Dr. Mark is a "confident" and "compassionate" surgeon. He has a propensity and drive to get you back in your normal life
ASAP through his technique (which is not new btw). I cannot say enough about the Dr. and his staff - other than YOU CANNOT
AFFORD TO NOT HAVE YOUR ACL SURGERY DONE BY DR. SANDERS.
If you have any questions or concerns or want to know more, feel free to call me at 321-427-9490 evenings or 321-984-6227 daytime.
Just call me another poster person for Dr. Mark Sanders!!!!
- Don
Die Trying
'03 CRF450R
FTR #5C
An Update - First Ride Three Months Post ACL Surgery
Don Owen, 47
Florida
I must say that Dr. Mark is right on with his predictions (3 months post ACL surgery you can ride). But this of course means that
the patient is doing her/his part also (rehabin' like a mad dog). I did "plant" both legs several times in the sand and didn't
really notice any shooting pain (probably because I was so excited to be riding finally).
- Don
Die Trying
'03 CRF450R
FTR #5C
The Right Decision
You have made the right decision when you go see Dr. Sanders. I've seen and met too many of Dr. Sanders surgical patients
and I haven't heard a single complaint or seen a bad result. Dr Sanders just repaired my elderly mom's knee and she's doing
fantastic... another yahoo wanted to do a total knee replacement. She's thrilled that she didn't opt for that.
The only problem I currently have is that Dr. Mark is going out of town for the San Francisco Supercross to root for
his sponsored rider Jeff Dement. I'm racing this weekend myself and he's not gonna be around to put me back together.
"TT Newbie"
Texas
