By Samantha Vannuys
For five years, 56-year-old Lorne Walker struggled to walk comfortably after injuring his leg at work. Despite being in otherwise excellent health, complications following a previous knee replacement had left him in constant pain and dangerously close to losing his leg due to an infection.
“I couldn’t walk a block without leaning on a fence or a car,” Walker said. “I was on painkillers, I was frustrated and I was losing hope. Some nights I would wake up in agony.”
Walker’s turning point came during an appointment with his primary care physician, Archie McLean, M.D., with the Broward Health Physician Group. Dr. McLean referred him to Jason Walters, M.D., an orthopedic surgeon at Broward Health. After an initial evaluation, Dr. Walters quickly connected him with Ryan Werntz, D.O., also a Broward Health orthopedic surgeon, who is renowned for tackling complex cases with technical expertise and compassionate care.
When Walker first met with Dr. Werntz at Broward Health Medical Center in August 2024, the diagnosis was worrisome. The original knee implant was loosened, an infection had set in, and the surrounding tissue was severely damaged.
“Dr. Werntz had a very thoughtful and detailed approach,” Walker said. “He focused on my full health picture and laid out a plan that gave me hope. I finally felt like I had a path forward.”
Dr. Werntz developed a multi-step plan to eliminate the infection and rebuild Walker’s knee. The treatment included weeks of intravenous antibiotics, followed by the surgical placement of implants to stimulate and repair damaged cartilage in preparation for a new knee implant.
“Orthopedic care is not just about repairing joints, it’s about restoring quality of life,” Dr. Werntz said. “For patients like Lorne, who have dealt with prolonged pain and complications, our focus is on restoring both movement and peace of mind. Seeing someone return to the life they enjoy is what makes what we do so meaningful.”
Six months later, once the infection had finally cleared, Dr. Werntz performed a complex robotic-assisted revision knee replacement surgery. Using advanced imaging and real-time precision tools, Dr. Werntz was able to safely reconstruct the joint and ensure long-term stability of the knee.
“Robotic technology allows us to make adjustments in real-time, which is critical for cases where anatomy has been altered by prior surgeries or disease,” Dr. Werntz explained. “It improves accuracy and gives us the best chance of achieving a successful outcome.”
Just over a month after surgery, Walker was back on his feet and ready to start physical therapy without pain or a cane and he has no need for prescription pain medication. “I can feel my leg healing. I have sensation, strength and balance that I haven’t had in years,” Walker added. “Dr. Werntz gave me hope again.”
“It felt like everyone was in sync. Every person involved made me feel like I mattered,” Walker said.
With a renewed outlook and a healthier stride, Walker is focusing on recovery and grateful to finally be able to move forward. The experience has taught him the true value of comprehensive care and second opinions. He encourages others to listen to their bodies and seek help when something doesn’t feel right.
“If you know something’s not right, speak up and seek help,” he said. “There are people out there, like Dr. Werntz, who will fight for you.”
