Back on Track: Ben’s Road to Recovery After a Triathlon-interrupting Injury

By April 30, 2024 May 14th, 2024 Blog, Patient Stories
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At 28 years old, Ben P. was no stranger to the rigorous demands of a triathlete. Competing since college, Ben’s love for the sport grew with every swim, bike, and run. His dedication to triathlons was clear, even when he competed in his first race on a mountain bike — his only bike at the time. However, an unforeseen car accident set his athletic career back, introducing challenges he hadn’t faced before.

In December, just as he was training for a half Ironman — a 70.3-mile combination of swimming, biking, and running — Ben’s life took a sharp turn. A car accident left him with a partially torn ACL and a torn meniscus in his knee, casting doubt on his future in triathlon racing.

Choosing Orthopedic Specialty Institute

Photo of Ben in the Cypress Creek Outpatient Center. Courtesy of Ben.

Photo of Ben in the Cypress Creek Outpatient Center. Courtesy of Ben.

Determined to get back on track, Ben turned to the Orthopedic Specialty Institute (OSI). Impressed by the positive reviews and personal recommendations, he felt confident in the care he would receive.

“I started Google-searching some ortho doctors in the local area, and all I could see were great reviews of the OSI team,” Ben explains. 

Dr. Yoldas and the OSI team were quick to assess Ben’s injuries and lay out a clear path to recovery. They offered several treatment options, but ultimately, Ben chose to undergo a procedure to clean up his meniscus while allowing his ACL to heal naturally.

The Road to Recovery: Surgery and Beyond

“The day of surgery, I actually went to the Cypress Creek outpatient center. Such a beautiful facility. The team there was super nice,” Ben shares about his experience.

The surgery was a success, and Ben was able to start physical therapy the very next day. “Right after that surgery, I was walking, doing exercises, workouts to make sure I was back to walking again,” Ben elaborates on his recovery process. The OSI team, including the front desk staff and Dr. Yoldas, supported him every step of the way, ensuring his recovery was as smooth as possible.

Looking Ahead: Returning to the Race

Photos from Ben's triathlon competitions. Courtesy of Ben.

Photos from Ben’s triathlon competitions. Courtesy of Ben.

Just seven weeks post-surgery, Ben was walking and had even returned to the golf course. Now, as he approaches the final stages of recovery, he’s back to swimming and plans to resume running and biking soon. With a triathlon in Key Biscayne in his sights, Ben’s journey is a testament to his resilience and the expert care at OSI.

Ben reflects on his experience with gratitude, “I couldn’t be where I am without OSI and Dr. Yoldas’ team. Super happy I was able to work with them; the whole entire team was amazing to work with and couldn’t recommend them enough.”

Inspiring Others: A Testimony to Quality Care

Ben’s story is not just about overcoming physical hurdles; it’s about the partnership between a dedicated athlete and a committed medical team. It showcases OSI’s commitment to personalized care, whether one is an athlete or someone facing everyday mobility challenges. 

“If you go through any type of issue with the knee, regardless of tear or non-tear, this place is a wonderful place to be — athlete or non-athlete,” Ben advises others.

As Ben prepares for his next race, his story serves as an inspiration and a reminder of the impact of quality orthopedic care. OSI is not just about treating injuries; it’s about restoring dreams and helping patients return to the activities they love.

For more stories like Ben’s or to learn more about our services, click here to visit our website. If you’re an athlete who needs care, we encourage you to schedule an appointment today. Let us help you get back on track.