New Knee. Same Moves. Long Island Man Walks Out of Hospital Hours After Innovative Knee Replacement

Hours after undergoing total knee replacement surgery at Catholic Health’s St. Joseph Hospital, 68-year-old South Hempstead resident John LaMarca walked out of the hospital. Within days, he progressed from a walker to a cane. A week later, he was out dancing with his fiancée, Paulina. And less than two weeks after surgery, LaMarca says it feels like he barely had surgery at all.

LaMarca became the first patient on Long Island to undergo a Jiffy Knee™ replacement, performed by orthopedic surgeon Eric Lepkowsky, MD, chief of joint replacement at St. Joseph Hospital and surgeon at Total Orthopedics & Sports Medicine. Dr. Lepkowsky is the first surgeon to perform the procedure on Long Island and is currently the only surgeon offering the Jiffy Knee technique in New York state.

Jiffy Knee is a minimally traumatic, muscle-sparing approach to total knee replacement designed to preserve the muscles and tendons surrounding the knee. Unlike traditional approaches that may involve cutting through portions of the quadriceps tendon or surrounding tissue to access the knee joint, Jiffy Knee uses a different surgical technique to access the joint while preserving the quadriceps muscle and tendon. The implants and surgical instruments used are standard; what differentiates Jiffy Knee is the technique itself and the specialized training surgeons undergo to perform it. By reducing disruption to the soft tissue surrounding the knee, the approach is designed to support earlier mobility and recovery for appropriate patients.

LaMarca’s surgery also incorporated Mako robotic-arm assisted technology, which Dr. Lepkowsky used to develop a personalized surgical plan based on LaMarca’s unique anatomy and to assist with precision during the procedure.

“The goal isn't just to replace a knee. It is to help people get back to their lives,” said Dr. Lepkowsky. “With the Jiffy Knee approach, we're focused on preserving the muscles and tendons surrounding the joint, while Mako gives us another advanced tool in the operating room. Together, these advances allow us to take a highly personalized approach to joint replacement and recovery.”

Walking Out the Same Day, Dancing in Eight

For LaMarca, years of normal wear and tear had gradually taken a toll on his right knee. A former DJ and correctional officer, LaMarca now works in security at a Nassau County high school, a job that keeps him active and on his feet. Eventually, his knee pain began interfering with his everyday life and he knew it was time to consider surgery. What he did not expect was how quickly he would feel like himself again.

Following his August 27^th procedure, LaMarca quickly began regaining his mobility, progressing from a walker to a cane within days. As his recovery continued, he felt well enough to resume some of the activities he had been missing because of knee pain. Another welcome surprise was his pain management: LaMarca said he has not needed any narcotic pain medication since his procedure.

“It feels like I didn’t even have surgery,” said LaMarca. “I really couldn’t believe how good I felt.”

Getting Back to What Matters

Less than two weeks after surgery, LaMarca is already looking beyond his recovery and toward everything he wants to do next. He wants to get back to the gym, return to work, to travel, take his fiancée out to dinner and, naturally for the former DJ, enjoy more nights dancing together.

And then there is Max. LaMarca is especially looking forward to getting back to regular walks with his beloved dog, whom he affectionately refers to not simply as his dog, but as his “son.”

For St. Joseph Hospital, bringing the Jiffy Knee procedure to Long Island represents the latest advancement in its orthopedic program. Under Dr. Lepkowsky’s leadership, St. Joseph Hospital has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval for both Joint Replacement – Knee and Joint Replacement – Hip Certification, recognizing the hospital’s commitment to quality and patient care.

“Bringing the Jiffy Knee procedure to St. Joseph Hospital is another example of how we continue to raise the bar for orthopedic care,” said Dr. Lepkowsky. “Our patients have choices when it comes to joint replacement, and our goal is to give them access to advanced technology, innovative surgical techniques and an entire team committed to helping them achieve the best possible outcome.”