Patient Stories
Knee and Hip Replacement Helps a Dressage Rider Return to Pain-Free Riding
Date posted: 8/28/2025
Last updated: 8/28/2025
Lifelong Passion for Horses and Dressage
Joan Buvala, in her 70’s, of Cedar Lake, IN, has been riding horses for more than 60 years. “I was just born loving horses,” she explains. As a young girl, she began trail riding, and over time, she honed her skills in the saddle. Eventually, she galloped racehorses, competed in hunter jumper, and specialized in breaking difficult horses.
Then Joan trained in dressage, which she still enjoys today. Dressage is a specialized form of riding performed in exhibition and competition, focusing on a horse's natural athletic ability and willingness to perform precise, elegant movements. It requires close communication between the horse and rider.
“When you ride, you really have to muscle up,” Joan explains. “I had to keep my body in good shape to stay competitive.”
Active Lifestyle and Dedication to Fitness
“When I graduated from college and started working, I realized I was going to have my own money to spend,” Joan explains. “So, I bought my first horse.” Today, she enjoys riding her 19-year-old horse from Germany, Sammy.
Like many serious riders, over the years, she experienced wear and tear on her body, including falling off horses and getting kicked in the knees. None of it deterred her from pursuing her passion. Joan enjoyed a long career as an art teacher and stayed active through martial arts, running, weight training, and aerobics to keep her body strong for riding.
Joint Pain and Arthritis Made Riding Difficult
Over time, Joan experienced severe pain in both knees. Standing on the barn’s cement floor or walking her dog became difficult, and she eventually stopped riding for a year. In addition to the pain, her knees angled inward, and she gained weight. Concerned about recovery, Joan delayed seeking medical help.
Knee and Hip Replacement Surgery with Robotic Technology
Eventually, Joan sought help from Dr. Vasili Karas, a joint replacement specialist at Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush. Imaging revealed severe arthritis in three of her four joints, along with knee deformity. Dr. Karas reassured her that surgery could fix her condition and get her back to riding.
Dr. Karas recommended two knee replacements, followed by a hip replacement. Within seven months, Joan underwent three minimally invasive procedures utilizing advanced robotic joint replacement technology. She returned home the same day after each surgery and completed her physical therapy ahead of schedule.
Riding Pain-Free Again After Joint Replacement
Within five weeks of her final surgery, Joan was back in the saddle riding Sammy. Today, one year later, she rides three to four days a week for several hours at a time. “I feel like I am 21 again,” she says.
Joan is grateful to Dr. Karas for his expertise and encouragement. “Yes, I maybe would not have ridden all of those unbroken horses and galloped so hard, but I wouldn’t change my decision about the surgeries,” she reflects.
About Dr. Vasili Karas
Dr. Vasili Karas is a fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon specializing in rapid recovery hip and knee replacement and complex reconstruction surgery. Committed to empowering his patients to overcome pain and return to their favorite activities, Dr. Karas brings advanced surgical techniques and compassionate care to his practice
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