Sean Kirby back on the bike after ACL surgery at Sanders Clinic.

A Story of Success
...at Sanders Clinic

Sean Kirby knew early on what kind of life he wanted to lead - life in the fast lane, really fast.

He began riding motocross in 1985 and racing just a few years later. His racing career took him to the A.M.A. Supercross and Arenacross - and then all over Europe. But lingering problems from knee injuries over the years kept him from reaching the top of the pro ranks.

"I was never bitter about my injuries," said Kirby. "After all, MX was the life I chose."

Unable to compete at the highest level, he decided to focus on teaching and training young up and coming amateur racers. Kirby spent 11 years helping young riders avoid the pitfalls of one of the most difficult ...and dangerous sports, as he continued to suffer with chronic knee pain and a knee flexion contracture of 20 degrees.

That's when Kirby met his, now latest MX student, Mark Sanders.

"Dr. Sanders came over and asked me why I was limping. I explained that years of mountain biking and motocross racing took its toll. I had suffered a number of broken bones and injuries as a result. Following an ACL surgery seven years earlier, I was left with a severe limp and couldn't straighten out my leg. Kids would come up to me to ask me why I walked so funny," said Kirby.

"He said I couldn't possibly be living a good life with it like that and then he told me to come and see him. So, I did," Kirby added.

Kirby went reluctantly to the Sanders Clinic to talk about his knee problems and the possibility of another knee surgery to regain motion. After listening intently to the scope of the procedure and what he could expect in the weeks to follow, he scheduled a date to repair the knee and met the fitness trainer he'd be working closely with after the procedure. His desire to walk normally again was greater than his anxiety of facing another procedure.

"Dr. Sanders talked me out of a knee replacement, because he knew it would limit my ability to ride. He wanted to see me ride again, which blew me away. Most doctors try to talk you out of riding, because it's dangerous. But, "doc' is a rider too and he understands," said Kirby.

"I think that's so cool," he added.

"He also told me how important it is to move my knee immediately after surgery - and to keep it moving if I wanted to have the best results. I started to get myself ready," said Kirby.

Before the surgery, Kirby suffered from severe stiffness that made walking difficult. He wanted to believe the outcome would be all that he was told, but he was cautious about setting his expectations too high.

Following extensive preparation including diet and exercise, Kirby went into surgery - and awoke a few hours later to see his knee completely straight.

A cast was placed on Kirby's knee to keep it straight over night. Even with the cast Kirby said he couldn't believe how much better he could walk... and without the help of crutches. By the next day, he began riding on the stationary bike and working on a series of range of motion exercises, which he sometimes found very difficult to work through.

"Dr. Sanders and those guys at the clinic really helped me get through it. I just kept thinking about walking normally.

"When Dr. Sanders and the trainer came in after surgery and fully extended my leg, it was very emotional. I still get emotional whenever I talk about it, because I had lived with a limp for seven years - that really affected my life," said Kirby.

"Everyday I'm stronger and stronger and feel more confident than I have in years - in my knee...and in myself. I never thought that I'd be able to walk normally, much less ride again. But not only is my leg straight, I'm back on my bike...and racing! It's unbelievable. Dr. Sanders did what nine other surgeries couldn't. It has truly impacted me," added Kirby.