In 1993, a beloved trip turned tragic when Patricia Middleton was thrown from a horse and severely injured her right knee. She spent a night in agony at her campsite and was rescued by helicopter the next day. “My knee was so swollen, and they told me I was close to losing my leg,” said Patricia.

Due to the extent of her injuries, the small hospital in southeast Colorado was unable to complete her surgery. Patricia was transported back home to Lubbock, where a surgeon placed two metal plates and four screws in her knee.

After a painful recovery, Patricia struggled for years with her knee and consulted with doctors both in Colorado and Houston in search of a solution. At the advice of her friend, Patricia met with Ajai Cadambi, M.D., specialist at the Texas Hip and Knee Center. The center is part of Texas Health Physicians Group and located on the Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Southwest Fort Worth campus.

“Patricia’s case started off with a few obstacles, but through knee replacement surgery we were able to reach our optimal goal of getting her back to her active lifestyle,” said Cadambi. “As for myself, helping patients is my way of contributing to our mission: To improve the health of the people in the communities we serve.”

After a preliminary hardware removal surgery on February 14, 2013, Patricia returned in May 2013 for a minimally invasive knee replacement. Thanks to the precision of Cadambi, Patricia has returned to her active lifestyle. “In one month almost to the day from my surgery, I was able to play tennis,” she said. “A lot of times I forget that I’ve had a knee replacement.” In appreciation for the compassionate care that Patricia received, she and her husband, Sam, made a generous donation to Texas Health Southwest.

If you want to express gratitude for the care you or a loved one received at a Texas Health hospital or entity, please consider making a donation in honor of your caregiver(s) through the Grateful Hearts program by visiting TexasHealth.org/GratefulHearts or calling Charlyn Webb at the Foundation office at 682-236-5249.

Physicians are employed by Texas Health Physicians Group and are not employees of Texas Health Resources or its hospitals.