ACL Knee Injuries, Patient Testimonials

Dale LeBlanc, 26
Mother of an athletic 19-year-old daughter
Metairie, LA (suburb of New Orleans)

Dr. Sanders was the only doctor to tell my daughter to ride a stationary bike an hour a day to get strong before her surgery. I was so amazed to see my daughter take her first steps hours after surgery (that same day!), riding the stationary bike at the clinic four days after surgery and sitting in a chair with her knees bent days after surgery. That was just incredible! It's been six weeks since her surgery, and she is doing great. I sometimes forget that she had surgery just six weeks ago! She is walking normal (never used crutches), working at her summer job and standing all day. Last week she started working with a sports trainer.

Dr. Sander gets involved. He was there at the hospital encouraging my daughter to take those first steps after her surgery. He cares about his patients and wants to see them be active again and get their lives back to normal. My daughter liked his confidence.

My daughter tore her ACL playing volleyball two years ago. Since that time, she's had two knee operations - the first to repair the torn ACL and the second to repair the torn meniscus. After my daughter's first surgery, I went online researching ACL injuries and came across the Sanders Clinic website. It was a great site and thought if only I had known Dr. Sanders before my daughter's surgery.

My daughter re-injured her knee playing volleyball last year, and I was again online checking out any information I could find on knee injuries and again came across the Sanders Clinic website. I read the entire site and saw that I could send Dr. Sanders an email, and that's what I did. I didn't expect a reply, but I got one, which surprised me.

After my daughter had her second knee surgery to repair the torn meniscus last year, the local doctor told us that her ACL was torn and stretched and that surgery was needed to repair it. We could not believe it! Once again, I emailed Dr. Sanders, and he replied.

That's when we decided it was time to go to Houston and see Dr. Sanders, and in May my daughter had her third surgery with Dr. Sanders repairing her torn ACL.

My experience and that of my daughter's was such a positive one - something we never expected or experienced before. My daughter was not looking forward to having surgery again and spending her summer on crutches - wondering if she would be able to work at her summer job and stand all day. Well, she's a trooper and did everything she was told to do.

I was so amazed to see my daughter take her first steps hours after surgery (that same day!), riding the stationary bike at the clinic four days after surgery and sitting in a chair with her knees bent days after surgery. That was just incredible! It's been six weeks since her surgery, and she is doing great. I sometimes forget that she had surgery just six weeks ago! She is walking normal (never used crutches), working at her summer job and standing all day. Last week she started working with a sports trainer.

We even sent follow-up knee pictures to Dr. Sanders when the support stockings came off and my daughter was concerned about her scars, and he replied that everything looked good.

Dr. Sander gets involved. He was there at the hospital encouraging my daughter to take those first steps after her surgery. He cares about his patients and wants to see them be active again and get their lives back to normal. My daughter liked his confidence. The Sanders Clinic website is the most informative site, and getting a response from Dr. Sanders when you have questions or concerns is incredible. Dr. Sanders was the only doctor to tell my daughter to ride a stationary bike an hour a day to get strong before her surgery.

My daughter was on crutches for a month after both of her previous operations. After the first surgery she was told to rest and didn't get moving until a week later for a follow-up doctor visit.

What my daughter accomplished hours and a few days after surgery with Dr. Sanders was just amazing. She walked hours after surgery, without the use of crutches (even though we brought them just in case), riding the stationary bike and sitting with her knees bent days after surgery. My daughter was working with Ed, the trainer, the next day after surgery and doing exercises three times a day at the hotel.

Dr. Sanders introduced us to other patients at the clinic, and we enjoyed talking with them and hearing about their progress. Everyone was so positive that it gave us hope and was a very uplifting experience.

The ladies in the office were so helpful and cheerful. And Ed was just the kind of professional trainer you wanted working with your child.

I believe the reconditioning program played a significant role in the recovery. Seeing my daughter up and moving after surgery, walking without crutches, riding the stationary bike, sitting, doing range-of-motion exercises. It was all such a positive step in her road to recovery. I told Dr. Sanders how pleased I was with my daughter's recovery so far and that my only regret was not coming to see him sooner.

I would highly recommend Dr. Sanders to any parent(s) that are contemplating a visit to see him. I would tell them to take the time to check out the Sanders Clinic website. Contact Dr. Sanders with your questions and concerns, and you will get an answer. I know and understand it's a tough decision to make. I've been there and know we made the right decision and have no regrets.

For the first time in a very long time, my daughter has a positive outlook and is looking forward to participating in sports again. Thanks Dr. Sanders.

View the Postoperative results.

Steven Marsh, 26
Professional Football Player - Edmonton Eskimos
Canadian Football League.
Knoxville, TN

Knee Injury - Debridement/manipulation and removed scar tissue.

When I had an ACL surgery by a doctor in Birmingham, AL a year earlier, I was there on and off for three months and yet never felt as comfortable as I did just the three weeks I spent at the Sanders Clinic. They helped me gain range of motion I never did regain after my initial ACL surgery.

They go the extra mile to make you feel good about yourself and about your outcome. I know many days Ed, my trainer, went well over his hours to work with me. And Dr. Sanders was calling constantly to see how we were doing. He's really intoned with what is going on.

I've played football since I was 10 years old, and my ACL Tear was the only serious injury I had ever had during a game. At that time, I was also diagnosed with orthofibrosis of the knee. I had an ACL reconstruction done by a doctor in Birmingham, AL and never did regain complete range of motion. I don’t think he took the right steps before surgery. I did some research and just couldn't find the answers to why others had a more successful outcome - until Dr. Sanders.

I really liked his approach and enthusiasm. Not many doctors are approaching knee injuries the way he is. When I went to see him, he told me that it's a hard process, but if I do what I need to do that it's possible I could play next year. And I believed him. They go that extra mile to make you feel good about yourself and about your outcome.

I spent three weeks at the Sanders Clinic. I had a bebridement and manipulation. They started me on an exercise program before the surgery and continued immediately after. In only a few weeks I saw a big difference in extension and can now walk without a bent knee. We continue to work on flexibility. Ed is one of the best physical therapists I've seen in a while. He's real hands on and dedicated to it.

When I had my initial ACL surgery in Birmingham, AL, I was there on and off for months and yet never felt as comfortable as I did just the three weeks I spent at the Sanders Clinic. They helped me gain range of motion I never did regain after my initial surgery.

I've seen a lot of knee injuries and honestly hadn't seen any as bad as mine. My first knee surgery required a six to nine months of rehabilitation - and I still never gained full range of motion. The procedure and rehab at Sanders Clinic took far less time with much better results. Dr. Sanders knows what to do to help patients gain range of motion. It was well worth the trip.

Todd Kirby, 33
Commercial Real Estate Appraiser and
former motocross professional
Houston, TX

I've been riding motocross for years and have had previous surgeries with different doctors as a result of injuries to my knees - but the recovery was always lengthy and the stability short lived.

When Dr. Sanders performed surgery, it was the first time I ever walked out of the hospital without crutches.

I met Dr. Sanders after he repaired years of damage from previously failed ACL surgeries my brother had had. He repaired a pretty severe limp my brother thought he would just have to live with. After the surgery, he was so happy with the results he tells everybody about 'the doc.'

Like my brother, I've been riding motocross for years and have had previous surgeries with different doctors as a result of injuries to my knees - but recovery was always lengthy and the stability short lived. The last one was about two years ago. And while it only remained stable for a few months, I kept putting off having something done - until I saw my brother's results and met Dr. Sanders.

Dr. Sanders explained that the type of graft I had had previously (an Allograft from cadaver tissue) was not the best choice for an athlete. He also said that by taking a graft from my own tissue, from the other healthy knee, would really cut down on recovery time.

I have to admit that I was a little apprehensive about that, because I only had one leg involved in the previous procedures and couldn't walk without crutches for some time. So, I couldn't imagine involving both legs! In addition to that, I had injured my shoulder and asked to have the AC joint repaired at the same time - so I didn't know how I would be able to effectively use crutches.

Dr. Sanders told me not to worry about that because he was not going to let me have crutches. He said I'd be able to walk out on my own. And he was right. I still have friends who don’t believe that. I mean I had a full-blown ACL reconstruction ...and I walked out of the hospital the next day.

I really believe that taking the graft he did from the other knee lessened the trauma of the procedure for one limb and expedited the healing. I know I was initially, as I imagine many people would be, nervous about having both knees involved - but it made a big difference. And I have three other surgeries, as well as those of my brother, to compare it to!

I had the procedure in late June and was feeling back to normal at 2 ½ months. I was riding again at three months - just like he told me.

I immediately began working with the trainer, Ed, and then on my own soon after that. I was at the gym all the time. He encourages it. And I was progressing everyday.

He's a great doctor. And he treats you like you're a "special" patient. I mean how many doctors do you know who will give you their cell phone number?! I thought it was just because he knew my brother that he treated me the way he did, but then I began talking to other riders who are patients of his and he treats them all that way. He just seems to really enjoy talking to you. He never rushes you out.

I actually had a friend in Dallas who was already scheduled for ACL surgery with another doctor there and ended up canceling to schedule surgery with Dr. Sanders, because of what I said. I just told him that he shouldn't let any other doctor touch him.

Dudley Wilson, 45
Fort St. John, British Columbia - Canada
Rancher and owner of a pipeline company

Repair of ACL and Cartilage damage
Repair of Rotator Cuff damage

I've always been athletic and, therefore, prone to injury. I hobbled around for years after one knee injury - until I came across the Sanders Clinic website. It wasn't until I read about Dr. Sanders' philosophy on recovery and successful techniques did I feel ready to finally do something about it.

I injured my knees some time ago and knew I needed to do something about it. But, it took me a year to even get a scope here - and no one would tell me what was wrong and what needed to be done.

I hobbled around for years, until I came across the Sanders Clinic website on the Internet. It wasn't until I read about Dr. Sanders' philosophy on recovery and successful techniques did I feel ready to finally do something about my injuries.

I contacted him and he responded right away, which was something I just wasn’t used to. He really seemed to care. He addressed all of my questions and concerns and we scheduled the surgery.

When I got there, I was welcomed and felt totally comfortable. He immediately took X-rays and did an MRI. I felt so comfortable with him that I decided to not only have my knees repaired but my shoulder as well! Now, that's confidence in a doctor.

Dr. Sanders phoned everyday during the four days I was there, and he just called recently to check in on me. It's clear that it's more than a job to him.

I was really pleased how everything went and completely feel it was worth the trip to Houston. After instruction both before and immediately following surgery, I began exercising with the Step Box and doing leg-raises. I was walking the day after surgery - and without crutches, as so many doctors want to put you on. Dr. Sanders doesn't believe in that stuff.

I achieved a 140-degree bend and was riding the bike by the fourth day. I knew if I didn't keep bending it, they would do it for me! I think this makes a big difference in how quickly you recover. You have to be fairly aggressive, or the limb stiffens up and makes recovery longer. And he didn't repair it to have it go stiff.

I came home and went straight back to work. I get up at 5:30 A.M. and am on my feet until 7 at night. Then I come home and ride my bike. I don't quite. That's why I picked him. He never wants you to quite.

I asked him when he called recently how long I should continue the Step Box and other leg exercises he gave me and he said to do it until he dies! And he's in good health!

eople here can't believe the results. I've told lots of people already about Dr. Sanders and have a brother that plans to go see him in the fall.

Kevin Sonnier, 37
MX Rider and General Sales Manager for Saturn of Houston
Houston, TX

In so many ways my first ACL surgery was different. With my first doctor I was on crutches at three months and still trying to rehabilitate my knee a year later. Because the doctor never talked to the rehab specialist, they didn't know how to work around a screw that prevented full knee extension. It was horrible. I never felt stable on my knee and just had to give up riding altogether. I lived a very different kind of life after that. That was nearly 20 years ago now.

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!

I had injured my leg riding years ago and went to a doctor who did a lot of work on professional athletes, so I believed I was in very good hands. Following my surgery, I didn't see the surgeon again. He turned me over to a rehabilitation clinic and that was it. Right away, that's the biggest difference between other surgeons and Dr. Sanders. He's really involved and isn't satisfied until he sees you back doing what you love.

In so many ways my first ACL surgery was different. With my first doctor I was on crutches at three months and still trying to rehabilitate my knee a year later. Because the doctor never talked to the rehab specialist, they didn't know how to work around a screw that prevented reaching full knee extension. It was horrible. I never felt stable on my knee and just had to give up riding altogether. That was nearly 20 years ago now.

My 9-year-old son recently started showing an interest in motocross riding, so I started to get back out there. We both got bikes for Christmas. But, I injured my knee again because it just wasn't stable enough to support me. I knew I needed to do something.

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!

Dr. Sanders reconstructed my ACL and repaired my medial meniscus. He used the patella tendon form my opposite knee. Yes, the opposite one! He said that it would cut my rehab period in half. And it did! After my surgery, 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!

My son and I ride every week now and we're stilling waiting for the baby to arrive.

One of the biggest differences between Dr. Sanders and other doctors is he's not just concerned about how successful the surgery is. He wants to know how quickly you get back out there.

Sean Kirby, 30
Former Motocross Professional
Houston, Texas

I had had a limp for the past seven years - following ACL surgery - and just thought it was something I would have to live with, until I met Dr. Sanders at the Motocross track one day.

My knee was as bad as they can get. With him, I was walking without crutches one day after 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. Sanders is a great doctor, who understands the needs of riders and how bad we want to return to action.

I've been mountain biking and racing motocross for over 20 years now and have suffered a number of broken bones and injuries as a result. I had had a limp because of a knee flexion contracture for the past seven years following a knee surgery and just thought it was something I would have to live with - until I met Dr. Sanders at the motocross track one day. He's a rider too and knows how crazy MX riders are about the sport. He thinks athletes should be able to do what they love to do, so he doesn't try to talk you out of it like most doctors.

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.

He did a procedure that most doctors were either afraid or unwilling to do. He cleaned up my knee, burred off a bucket full of bone spurs (mountain biking accidents), reshaped the front of my tibia and removed hardware that was installed in prior operations (MX accidents) and cut the contracted posterior capsule of my knee.. The result is a knee... that extends fully! The procedure took place just a little over a month ago and I can already tell that walking is much easier than before. I am very excited about the results.

My knee was as bad as they can get. With him, I was walking without crutches one day after 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.

I'm working with the certified trainers at the Sanders Clinic to strengthen my leg and it's like nothing I've experienced with other rehab clinics before. These guys at the Sanders Clinic spend more time taking care of you. When I'm there, I'm the center of attention and everyone is focused on my needs as an athlete in recovery. This is unheard of anywhere else.

I still get a little emotional when I think about not limping anymore - no more kids asking "what happened to your leg?" For the first time in years, I feel strong again.

Carolyn Moser, 50
Instructor and owner of a Tae Kwon Do school
Santa Fe, Texas

Dr. Sanders did ACL surgery on my knee 16 years ago. Since then, I've attained a 5th degree in Tae Kwon Do, won a Bronze medal competing in Korea this past summer and watched my students bring back two Golds and a Silver. My affected knee has been my most powerful kick, and that's a real testament to the type of work he does.

I have always been very active - running and doing martial arts. When I tore my ACL, I was worried that I wouldn't be able to continue my activities as strong as before. People told me to expect it to be your weaker leg. I told Dr. Sanders just get me back to what I was doing. He said you've come to the right place.

And three months after the surgery I broke two boards with that leg in a Tae Kwon Do demonstration. Dr. Sanders was thrilled!

Since my ACL surgery 16 years ago now, I've attained a 5th degree in Tae Kwon Do, won a Bronze medal competing in Korea this past summer and watched my students bring back two Golds and a Silver. My affected knee has been my most powerful kick, and that's a real testament to the type of work he does.

I had a friend who also underwent ACL surgery around the same time as mine, but was treated very differently by his doctor. He was immobilized for nearly nine months and the knee never straightened out. It eventually led to a hip replacement.

I believe Dr. Sanders' approach made all the difference. He was one of the first physicians to use the techniques he did - no cast and immediate movement on the CPM. He really pushes you. And he doesn't accept "no." I was afraid of walking at first, but he said I could do it. So, I did, because he was the doctor and he should know!

He and the trainers were also really good about telling me about the strength of the quads and how they can overpower the hamstrings and result in an injury if they aren't kept equally strong - something you just don't realize.

Over time, it was even obvious in photos how much stronger my ACL-repaired leg was than my "healthy" leg!

Broderick Williams, 31
Professional Landscaper

I had never had a serious injury before. When I realized that my damaged knee required surgery, I was terrified. It's been three weeks now since the surgery and I feel like I have a completely new knee. Dr. Sanders doesn't baby you - he makes you want to get up and get well quicker.

I had a car accident in June and damaged my knee. Dr. Sanders explained exactly what had happened and that surgery was necessary to reconstruct my ACL. I had never had an injury like this before, and I was terrified of surgery.

He told me everything I could expect - from the exercise program I would be doing right after surgery, to the amount of time I could expect to take before fully recovering. He told me the recovery time would be three months and I put that in my head. The first day out of the hospital, they made me walk out on my own without crutches or a brace!

It's only been three weeks now since surgery and I'm at nearly 60 percent and walking really well. The way he fixed it up I feel like I have a completely new knee. He knows what he's doing. I'm pretty active, but I've never really exercised - occasionally lifting some weights. Now I exercise everyday to build my knee back. I really see the difference it makes.

He filled me in right away on the exercise program that would follow surgery, including how the Cryo/Cuff® and CPM work. And he made me walk out of the hospital without crutches or a brace the first day after surgery! He doesn't baby you in any kind of way. He's going to get it in your head that you need to get moving to get better. The way he does things makes you want to get up and get well quicker.

I don't give any thought to injuring it again, because it feels so strong right now. I'm going to work these exercises into my life. I don't have any doubt that I'll fully recover from that accident. He's a top of the line doctor.