PATIENT TESTIMONIALS

Real Reviews from Hampton Roads Orthopaedic Spine and Sports Medicine Patients

Our patients say it best! Read what our patients are saying about the care provided at Hampton Roads Orthopaedics Spine and Sports Medicine. We’d love to hear from you; your patient testimonials help to shape our care! Share your story with us by filling out the form located at the bottom of this page.

PATIENT EXPERIENCE AT HROSM

“I’m 44 years old and was not living life. Dr. Kerner was a second opinion and it was the best decision I have made! Dr. Kerner was very professional and all of his staff at HROSM was very professional. It had been 10 years of continuous pain and now there has been none! Now I see myself being able to do things everybody else is doing.”

– JULIE C.

I am writing this review for my husband–he never writes reviews, and I always do. My husband is 76 years young, very active, plays competitive tennis and even coaches high school tennis in his retirement. We both come from a healthcare background so we know the ropes. I’m a Registered Nurse and have been in healthcare since 1978, I also set the bar pretty high when it comes to standards of care. When my husband needed a hip replacement he turned to Dr. Cavazos. I cannot sing the praises louder for Dr. Cavazos for the way he cared for my husband–professional, personable, kind and extremely caring and what a skilled surgeon! My husband followed the post-op orders to a “T” and was back playing tennis and coaching after his first follow-up appointment about a month later. I was absolutely amazed at his recovery. I’d like to add, that the surgery took place at Sentara Hospital in Williamsburg where everything went smoothly. Dr Cavazos came out to the waiting room to speak with me after the surgery, his bedside manner is so very kind and patient, I truly felt my husband was in the very best of hands! Thank you Dr Cavazos and your entire wonderful staff!

V.J.
Hampton Roads Orthopaedic Spine and Sports Medicine patient leaving a patient testimonial review

Outstanding group of doctors. This is the 4th time I have used them. Dr. Aldridge has always been very professional and polite. He explains everything in layman’s terms. I highly recommend them.

R.S.
The best practice and caring people. I was with my wife when she was seeing Dr. Baddar about a hip problem. I mentioned something to Dr. Baddar about a trigger finger issue I was having but I was unable to get an appointment today, he said we would get me in. I checked my wife out of her appointment and the assistant made an appointment for me to see Ron, Dr. Baddar’s PA. Within 10 minutes I was with Ron and he gave me a shot to relieve the trigger pain. Amazing service. We live about 45-50 minutes from the office and it was really a big help for them to fit me in without an appointment. Thank you to a great team of people who care about their patients.
T.G.
Everyone was so efficient and kind!!! Smiling faces beginning to end. I appreciated the “team” the doc was given. Dr. Swenson never took his attention away from me once walking in the room, everything was done they said would be done [referral, appointment etc] if more offices worked this way health care would improve for sure!!!!! Definitely one of the best in office I’ve experienced recently!!
J.P.
I called the office for an appointment and obtained one in two days. I saw Dr. Aldridge and he decided I needed surgery on my right side SI joint. After my primary care physician signed surgical clearance, my surgery was scheduled. I went for my first follow 12 days later. An X-ray was preformed and I saw the doctor. He answered all questions and I was out within 20 minutes! He said I was doing great. It’s been almost a month since my surgery and I feel wonderful. A real person answers the phone – not just voicemail. I am very impressed with Dr. Aldridge and this practice.
B.P.

“I just wanted to take a second to write to let Dr. Kerner know just how thankful I am that he saved my life. 22 years ago in January, I was a scared 17 year old kid that was involved in a bicycle accident that resulted in me having a broken neck, broken ‘wing bone’ and so on. I was transported to Maryview, where I would undergo surgery. Looking back, not only am I lucky enough to be alive, but I’m extremely lucky to be able to walk and I owe that to the good Lord above and Dr. Kerner. I really hope this email reaches him and he understands just how grateful I am. So from my wife, my 3 kids and myself, thank you.”

R.K.

“I was in pain for a year with my Achilles tendon. I was at my last before considering surgery and Dr. Keller said he could help me. With his help, in a few days I was able to walk without pain. I had been in pain for so long I was afraid not to limp, I didn’t realize how I was favoring my foot! There are no words for how happy I am now walking pain free! It really brings tears to my eyes when I think about how much pain I had been in for so long. Thank you, Dr. Keller!”

SHIRLEY T.

“I have been a patient for many years. I am a disabled veteran who has a leg and back injury from the military. Dr. Swenson, his colleagues, Physical Therapists, and MRI Department have been exceptional as their expertise, medical knowledge and skills have kept me walking. Without them, I believe I would have ended up in a more disabled condition years ago!”

KATIE S.

“2nd knee replacement surgery done in 2.4 yrs. 1st on the right, 2020, perfect, pain-free, complete movement, and the best part of all, arthritis FREE. 2nd just done, May 2023. This one was a little more complicated, arthritis was much worse, had cysts and other medical issues going on in there. No problem. Dr. Baddar and his team took care of it all. Now I have two good knees and when my recovery is over, looking forward to moving and walking around pain-free. 15 yrs finally coming to a close. He’s team and HROSM will always be my ortho family. Thanks so much. I highly, highly recommend. #1 Oh forgot, PA Smith was a great addition to the Baddar team. Friendly, attentive, and informative.”

B. A.

“I love this office the whole staff is friendly, professional and very kind. I constantly refer people to HROSM because they care about you getting in motion and bettering your health.”

NIECE V.

“I have always had ankle issues and sprained or twisted my ankles multiple times. In May of 2021, I stepped in a hole and tore the ligaments in my right ankle. I felt terrible pain, followed by immediate swelling and bruising. I was referred to Dr. Keller and his team by the ER that I went to that night. I called his office the next day and they were able to fit me in that same week. During my first visit, Dr. Keller dove into my medical history surrounding my past ankle injuries. He ordered an MRI and went straight to work trying to figure out how resolve the issue permanently. He needed duo performing brostrom surgery to repair the damaged ligaments. Before surgery, he explained every step of the procedure in detail and made sure to answer any questions that I had. I felt very comfortable with Dr. Keller performing this procedure. His professionalism and bedside manner and his nurse and staff were excellent. His PA, Andrew, was always available to step in if Dr. Keller was unavailable and he wa a amazing to work with as well. I would highly recommend Dr. Keller and his team hands down. If I could give him 10 stars I would.”

KRYSTAL C.

“I immediately felt good about my decision to consult Dr. Carter and his team at HROSM about my hip. From the start it was clear that I wasn’t going to a doctor who was going to “fix” me, but that I was joining a team. It was empowering, at a time I could hardly walk, to learn that instead of being helpless, I had an integral role to play in my own success. The whole team was extremely responsive and encouraging. I followed their directions, I worked hard, and I got the outcome I was hoping for. My new hip took me 30 miles on the Appalachian Trail this weekend, after my surgery in October [2020]. Thank you Dr. Carter and team!”

AMY W-S.

“Dr. Aldridge is an amazing doctor. I have also seen Dr. Keller, and he saved my feet. Thanks to him I have zero pain and can wear heels, run, or do anything! He fixed a previous surgery someone did on each of my feet. His staff is amazing so is he. Really, really caring group of people!”

AMY A.
“After several years of doing less, walking with a limp, major pain, and no relief,I made an appointment with Dr Carter. ….the best. His team was caring and after a 49 minute surgery, and rehabilitation with great therapists, I am no longer waking like a penguin and there is no pain… You truly gave me back my life to enjoy. Thank you, Dr. Carter and HROSM!!!!”
BONNIE H.
“As a recent MRI patient, I want to compliment you and your team for the professional care I received from your staff, especially your MRI technologists. As a wounded veteran of both World War II and Korea, and a POW in Europe, I especially appreciated the open multi-positional equipment.”
H. HYLE

“I had a total shoulder join replacement on July 2. Thomas Fithian was my doctor. I was able to come home the next day per my request, do to the fact I felt so good. No pain at all only took Tylenol once or twice a day. Then after the second week did not take anything. Dr. Fithian took such good care of me after 5 years of pain I am pain free and back to work as a hairdresser. If any one needs shoulders done he is the best. I am so pleased with how he has taken care of me over these many years and now pain free and at 8 weeks my range of motion is great.”

BECKY K.
“Yesterday was my first time to your practice and I was seen by Dr. Swenson. What a great practice! Thank you for your friendliness and attention to my care. Dr. Swenson was great! I was so grateful to be seen by him! I will not hesitate to recommend others to your practice!”
C. DODD
“Dr. Cavazos is one fine doctor. He replaced both my hips and today I have no hip pain. Dr. Cavazos is kind, cares about his patients and has a great beside manner. I couldn’t ask for a better orthopaedic surgeon. Thank you again Dr. Cavazos.”
M. WOODRUFF
“Great doctors friendly environment just all around amazing place!”
KYLE C.
“Several years ago I was diagnosed with severe osteoarthritis. I learned that it was not the case that arthritis only impacts older individuals because I wasn’t old, I just had some genetic glitch. I had my right hip successfully replaced 10 or so years ago, but 6 years ago, I started having problems with my shoulders. Dr. Christopher Hakim, my rheumatologist, referred me to Dr. Thomas Fithian which turned out to be one of the best days of my life! Dr. Fithian is a miracle worker. I had spurs on both shoulders and my right rotator cuff tendon was torn. Dr. Fithian fixed me up with no problems.

In 2006, my knees had reached a point of no return. I returned to HROSM and was treated by Dr. Anthony Carter. He also performed above and beyond! I had bilateral knee replacements in October 2006 and the minimally invasive surgery was a great success and I was up and moving around in just over 2 weeks.

This past year Dr. Fithian replaced first my right shoulder and then my left shoulder. My pain is totally gone and my range of motion is better than it has been in years.

I have referred several friends to HROSM, and they too have been more than satisfied with their treatment. I have no qualms about referring anyone to HROSM and if any more of my joints go bad, I will know where to go. I hope Dr. Fithian and Dr. Carter know how much I appreciate their special skills.”

D. FARR
“I am 87 years-old and thanks to Dr. John Aldridge, I am an above average athlete playing tennis at Norfolk Yacht and Country Club every Saturday and Sunday as well as golf four days a week at Duck Woods and Elizabeth Manor Country Club. Again, thanks to Dr. Aldridge, after a hip replacement in 2005 and a shoulder replacement in early 2013, I can still compete in tennis with fellows 20-30 years younger. From the Senior tees in golf, I can shoot in the high 70’s.

I have recommended 8 to 10 fellow golfers and tennis partners to Dr. Aldridge since 2005 and John has performed successful hip, knee, and shoulder replacements on all of them. He is not only an outstanding surgeon, he is a great family man with three children and his wife is expecting with a fourth shortly. I’d be remiss by not mentioning that John is 41 years only, a Lt. Col. in the U.S. Army Reserves and looks like he is 30 years old!

In 2005, when I first met John Aldridge, I felt a personal bond and friendship and after 8 years, I still have that same bond.”

J. LEX
HROSM patients leaving a patient testimonial review

“On July 21, 2008, Dr. Carter performed a bilateral total hip replacement on me using the Anterior Approach method. I am currently two weeks post-op and can say that this surgery is amazing and WILL benefit anyone that takes advantage of this miraculous technique. I immediately had no arthritic pain and was experiencing only, what I would call, the effects of a pulled muscle. There has been a continuation of this discomfort and some stiffness, but doing the PT exercises I was given I feel improvement each day. I had my post-op appointment on August 1, 2008 and was released by Dr. Carter to do anything “as tolerated.” My taking of pain medication has dwindled to almost nothing; mostly to help get to sleep. I had planned to return to work on August 11, 2008 and that is on track. I will be continuing my PT exercises to allow for the total rehab of my new hips and to help some muscles I haven’t used for years, due to the arthritic pain, so that I can do those little things that the arthritis made painful. My thanks to Dr. Carter and his staff for al the care and support I have received. Don’t waste any more time with vacillating over this surgery, jump in and begin your new life without arthritis pain!”

M.J.
” In February 2009, I had a left total knee replacement which has been a life changing experience for me. I received the highest quality care from Dr. Cavazos and his staff at HROSM. Mary Immaculate Hospital carried out the same quality of care during my in-patient stay. My total knee replacement has given me the ability to enjoy life pleasures again. Thank you to all who participated in my healthcare.”
E. PAGE
“It is now 22 days after my hip replacement surgery with Dr. Carter. I really do not have the words that can say thank you loud enough to satisfy the way I feel! My recovery has been remarkable! After discharge from the hospital I followed instructions to do as much or little as the new hip could take without causing any pain. What I found 3 days post op is that I didn’t need the walker, only a cane. Ten days later I did not even need the cane any longer. I did, however, learn early on to watch just how much I exercised the new joint each day because overuse would cause some uncomfortable cramps later in the day. I quickly learned that I was not quite ready for the marathon circuit yet and settled for a little less walking! Its now 2 weeks later and I feel as though I could do that marathon! I really can not believe how fast I am coming along, how much less pain I have, and just how “easy” the entire experience has been.

As you know I have had the right hip replaced twice, which makes me a veteran of the “lateral approach” replacement method. I can say with absolute authority that your method of the anterior approach is 100 times better than the old method. I could go on for pages explaining the positive reasons but let’s just say I wish I had known of you, your talented hands, and your methodology 6 years ago.

I actually have another reason to be grateful and say thank you! The “extra effort” you put into making my left leg longer so it could match my right leg length has also had remarkable effects. I noticed my new height and lack of leaning to the left the first time I stood on my feet after surgery. I no longer have a “wobble” when I walk, and the guy that looks back at me in the mirror each morning is not tilted to the left anymore! The toes of my foot used to tingle because of the lumbar problem created by the leg length issue. They no longer tingle and my lower back pain has been reduced quite a bit, and is getting better all the time! I had the impression I would need to have back surgery to correct the back problems, but strongly believe now that it is not going to be necessary. Not knowing any words that would truly express my gratitude, I can only say THANK YOU VERY MUCH Dr. Carter you are indeed a gentleman and a scholar!”

B. O’SHEA
“My shoulders just began to wear out from the many years of active work. Like the tires on your car, you can rotate them, but eventually they will need to be replaced. That is exactly what happened to my shoulders. His family doctor said “John, if it were me or a family member of mine, I would choose Dr. Fithian; he is the shoulder surgeon to see.”

“I knew that my shoulders would eventually need to be replaced. Dr. Fithian exhausted every avenue of treatment including injections and therapy prior to discussing total shoulder replacement; I greatly appreciated all his efforts. Dr. Fithian performed left total shoulder replacement on Mr. Hutton in November of 2014 and right total shoulder replacement in March of 2015. I could not have asked for better outcomes. To have my surgery on a Thursday, leave the hospital on Saturday, and have full range of motion within just a few weeks, it was a great feeling. I cannot say thank you enough to Dr. Fithian and his team. Dr. Fithian has given me the opportunity to return to the activities I enjoy the most.”

JOHN HUTTON
“The first time I saw Dr. Cavazos he scheduled my appointment for his last one of the day. That was so he could spend as much time as was needed to talk to me and discuss my problem without being rushed. No matter how long it took.”
B. NUNNALLY
“Dr. Cavazos was the best OS I ever met at Langley AFB! He is interested in the whole person.”
K. ROWSE
“At 40, I was diagnosed with osteoarthritis of the right hip and my family physician said I would eventually need a hip replacement. I thought “eventually” would be in my 60s. “Eventually” came at the age of 43 when a surgeon told me 95% of the people would already have had their hip replaced. I could not believe in 3 years my hip declined so rapidly. I’d done no research on the surgery, the recovery or the outcome. Before I could even think about surgery, I needed to learn about options available for younger patients.

In my research, I found endless statistics about successful traditional hip replacements in patients 55 and over. There was little information about options or success rates in younger patients. At 43, I did not want the traditional procedure with its months of recovery and potential lifetime limitations. I was very active and did not want any long term damage that would limit or restrict the use of my hip or leg. I wanted a procedure that provided a quick recovery so I could resume exercising. In time I found information about the Anterior Approach procedure and the amazing results it offered younger patients. This gave me great hope but the hospitals and surgeons were in California or New York and not here in Hampton Roads. A month later, I received an e-mail about a local woman who had hip replacement surgery in Newport News without going to “rehab”. I quickly researched Anterior Approach in Newport News and it led me straight to Dr. Anthony Carter, HROSM and Mary Immaculate Hospital.

By 45, I was only able to walk for short periods and the pain and limitations increased each day. The minute I met Dr. Carter and his team, I knew I’d found the group that would make it possible to return to a normal pain free life. After speaking with Dr. Carter about the Anterior Approach procedure, and learning more about the benefits the procedure offered me, I was ready to schedule my surgery date. I cannot begin to express how competent, compassionate and caring Dr. Carter and his team have been throughout the process. It is hard to imagine a short 90 minute surgery could yield such amazing results. I walked a few hours after my surgery (using a walker) and climbed stairs the next day. Every day since my surgery has been remarkable and completely exceeded my expectations. In a few short weeks I was pain free and able to return to a very active lifestyle. I have such confidence in Dr. Carter, his team, and the Anterior Approach procedure that I have no hesitations in scheduling a surgery date for my left hip replacement.”

M. WILSON

“The left hip trouble started in earnest in October 2010, but I was sure I could manage it-I had managed everything else so far. Over-confident! Next, I found a “doctor in the book”, but by late 2012, my hunt was on for an A+ leading-edge “direct anterior approach to hip replacement” expert who would be able to return me to active mobility ASAP. I have a packed schedule as a forty-something fitness-age person in a 71 year-old body. Abracadabra, he was right in my backyard-Dr. John Aldridge!

Dr. Aldridge was first up in friends and family referrals, carefully vetted by me, a mathematician with a specialty in geometry. The geometry of the operation worried me a bit. I vetted him carefully. Well, that took about two minutes. It was the video that sealed it for me. Beyond the expertise and instructing other surgeons, he loves what he does. That’s it, he’s my #1. Can I get in?

After a quick choice of Robotic (MAKOplasty) surgery-the famous “direct anterior approach to hip replacement”-I made the Aldridge Class of 2013 on 15 April at Mary Immaculate Hospital and graduated to a pain-free life from then and there! Talk about an A+ doctor and team. He did most of the work, but I did work out like mad every day until the big day and I worked hard to be a good patient in the hospital and at home during recovery. I was walking the third day after surgery and soon was walking three miles. With the exception of the first three days and nights post-op, when my sister Bet stepped up to the plate with support, it was hard to figure why people make such a fuss about surgery. I had not had any surgery since my tonsils were out. What did I know?

The world-class A+ good Dr. Aldridge proved his case to me as if there was nothing to it. That is what really got me. That still impresses me most. That has been my experience from the welcoming automatic entrance door for the first visit, to the super-friendly, talented, efficient and patient-centered Dr. Aldridge team and the entire HROSM practice. Nothing to it.

This is a place of dedicated professionals who take a personal interest in the patient while showing deep commitment to the hard work their care requires.

Thank you so much Dr. Aldridge, Team and HROSM. Here’s to your health too!”

M. HARRELL
“I am writing to thank Dr. Carter for doing such a great job on my total hip replacement. The surgery went superbly, my pre-surgical preparation and care were excellent, and your management of my recovery in the hospital ensured that I had no pain and was able to walk and be discharged in only one day.

You replaced by right hip with the anterior approach. The results were markedly different, and 100 percent better, than my left hip replacement. As you know, another doctor replaced my left hip at a northern Virginia hospital five years ago. The left hip was done with the posterior approach. Although I went in to the surgery in good physical condition, the surgery left me seriously weak and debilitated for more than 6 weeks. Moreover, although the left hip works fine, my left foot and part of my leg suffered nerve damage and my foot is partially paralyzed. I have a basis to compare and I can tell you that the anterior approach and your surgical skills produced outstanding results. I was walking and bearing full weight the day of surgery and was discharged on the day after surgery. Your pain management during the process was excellent and I have had no pain and relatively little discomfort during the entire process. Two weeks after surgery I am driving, back into a daily exercise routine in my gymnasium, and recovering very well.

Needless to say, I am delighted with your surgery, your staff, and with Hampton Roads Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine’s care. Thank you again for making this a comfortable experience that has given me back the level of activity I enjoyed before the hip deteriorated.”

L. WORTZEL
“No more pain and hobbling thanks to my cute, talented, and enthusiastic Doctor. Carter, Carter he’s our man, if her can’t do it, no doctor can!!”
MRS. RULOFF
“Dr. Carter, thank you so much. I was hunched over in pain and receiving disability, but now I will be starting my new career for VA DSS as a Child Protective Services Worker! Yayy, I am back in stride, dancing and enjoying life pain free!! Love you for life!”
MRS. BARNES

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