Sheila King’s foot was twisting outward, and a total knee replacement got her back on the dance floor. It was an answer to her prayer.

Story by: Sara Thompson on May 28, 2024

Sheila King, of Louisville, noticed that her right foot had begun to twist outward. This continued for a couple of years.

“It didn’t hurt at all, but it made it difficult to walk,” said Sheila, 71.

There was no pain, so she lived with the inconvenience for a while.

After an incident on the way to church had her hobbling and barely able to walk by herself, she decided to make an appointment with Cyna Khalily, M.D., an orthopedic surgeon with Norton Orthopedic Institute.

A total knee replacement performed by Dr. Khalily eventually would have Sheila earning an ovation for her line dancing. But first, she would have to overcome a major obstacle: her reluctance to have surgery.

“Ms. King asked about a gel injection, which wasn’t an option for her particular situation,” he said, describing Sheila’s first visit.

Dr. Khalily’s response was to suggest surgery.

“I didn’t want surgery, so I said, ‘No, thank you,’” Sheila said.

Her reluctance was based on a family member’s experience. Her niece had knee surgery, with many issues afterward, so Sheila didn’t think surgery was the way to go. A woman of faith, Sheila prayed about it, asking for guidance. She also spoke to other people about it.

“They said, ‘Your knee is not like everybody else’s. Everybody is different,’” Sheila said.

So, Sheila reconsidered. She went back to see Dr. Khalily.

“I had a total knee replacement in May of 2023, and I thank God I did,” Sheila said.

Her surgery went well, and after a night in the hospital she was discharged.

“I used the walker just to get to my car, but after that I never used a walker or a cane or anything like that,” she said. “I just didn’t need it.”

Physical therapy followed, some at the little gym near her apartment.

“I did the treadmill and things like that,” Sheila said.

She was able to get back to activities at her local community center, including line dancing.

“After my surgery, I was line dancing, and they all got up to clap for me,” Sheila said.

A recent follow-up appointment showed the surgery has done its job, and everything looks great.

“Dr. Khalily told me I don’t have to come back for four years,” Sheila said.

She has told everyone about how good her experience was with Norton Orthopedic Institute, but she has a special place in her heart for her surgeon.

“I tell everybody if they need a new knee, new hip, go see Dr. Khalily,” Sheila said. “I just love him.”