In her 90s and wheelchair-bound, Fannie Mutchko was told by more than one doctor that total knee replacement surgery — or total knee arthroplasty (TKA) — was too risky for someone her age. Then she met Dr. Harlan Levine at Hackensack Meridian’s Hackensack University Medical Center (HUMC).
While TKA is one of the most commonly performed procedures in the elderly, many doctors have shown hesitation in performing the surgery on some patients simply due to advanced age. Meanwhile, studies have yet to show a correlation between age and increased postoperative pain, function, and/or complications. A study in Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research comparing patients under age 80 and those older, showed there were no differences in pain scores at 3, 5, and 10 years between the two groups.
Levine didn’t see Mutchko as an age, but rather than making assumptions or judgments solely based on their age,*
as a patient needing care, and accessed accordingly. was not a typical person Following two successful knee replacements, Mutchko is living proof that age is just a number and doesn’t necessarily dictate how the chapters of life unfold. She showed off her dance moves at her 100 birthday party celebration on Dec. 14 and Waldwick proclaimed Dec. 14, 2024 Fannie Mutchko Day.
Further, more than 30 cars and hundreds of residents paraded outside Mutchko’s Summit Avenue home in honor of her 100th milestone. Birthday crown in place, the new centenarian joked and danced to the backdrop of accolades, honking horns, and lots of singing.
Her dancing 100th birthday wouldn’t have been possible, she said, without the groundbreaking care she received at HUMC years years earlier. When other hospitals turned Mutchko away due to her age, the orthopedic specialists at Hackensack saw beyond that, seeing her vibrant spirit and unwavering determination.
“I never thought I’d still be dancing at 100,” she said.
Finding the Right Doctor and Hospital
“The doctors at Hackensack, especially orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Harlan Levine, kept me on my feet when the only thing that was holding me down was knee pain. They listened to me, believed in me, and never treated me like I was ‘too old.’ I’m so grateful for their expertise and compassion,” she said.
Like millions of other people, debilitating knee pain threatened to confine Mutchko to a wheelchair, robbing her of the active lifestyle she cherished.
“Her refusal to give up and HUMC’s commitment to providing exceptional care, regardless of age, gave her a second chance,” HUMC said in a statement.
Age is not a stand-alone determinant for whether or not a patient can have a procedure, said Dr. Levine, a fellowship trained, board certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in total joint replacement surgery.
“Fannie’s story is a testament to the power of advanced orthopedic care and the importance of individualized treatment,” he said, noting that overall health and wellbeing is considered as much or more than the age of a patient.
“Her experience is also a great reminder to the entire community that we don’t age out of health care,” Dr. Levine added.
Aging in Place
Mutchko still lives in the borough where she raised her three children, and remains an active member of the local senior center. Although she hung up her tap shoes at age 85 — a hobby she took up at 62 — she continued being active any way she could despite her failing knees.
The knee is the largest and most complex joint in the body, connecting the thigh bone (femur) to the shin bone (tibia). It’s a synovial joint, meaning it contains a fluid-filled capsule.
With total knee replacement surgery, older adults can significantly improve pain relief and function, allowing them to maintain independence and stay in their homes longer.
“Mom’s quality of life wouldn’t be what it is if she hadn’t done her knees. It’s the best thing we did. The hospital and staff were great. Dr. Levine is fantastic,” says Fannie’s daughter, Diane Wanamaker, who ought to know since she’s now seeing Dr. Levine for her knees.
Total Knee Replacement Surgery
When chronic and debilitating knee pain doesn’t respond to any therapies, total knee replacement surgery is one of the most successful surgical procedures. More than 540,000 total knee replacement surgeries — also called knee arthroplasty — are performed every year across the country, including nearly 16,000 at Hackensack Meridian Health.
The surgery aims to correct knee pain and knee arthritis, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, traumatic arthritis and other knee joint problems. The orthopedic surgeon removes damaged bone and cartilage and uses metal and plastic implants to resurface the knee joint.
Older patients face more risks when undergoing any surgical procedure, however advancements in surgical techniques, anesthesia, and post-operative care have elevated safety and success. Quality of life measurably improves for patients over the age of 80 after knee replacement surgery, HMH said.