Robert’s Story

Unexpected Luck

A terrible accident could have changed the course of Robert’s life, but a skilled podiatrist at Evanston Regional Hospital ensured that didn’t happen.

It was a beautiful day for water skiing. Robert, a 67-year-old Evanston retiree, never misses a chance to get out on the water. But this time, everything didn’t go according to plan. Robert fell and his left foot didn’t fully release from the bindings. His leg snapped just above the ankle.

“When my wife, Jacquie, came back to get me, I told her things weren’t good,” Robert says. “Once I was aboard the boat, she splinted my leg with magazines and athletic tape.”

Quality of Life Preserver

In the emergency room at Evanston Regional Hospital, they met Podiatrist Chad D. Brady, DPM, FACFAS, who told them he’d treated many patients with fractured legs similar to Robert’s.

“Dr. Brady put us at ease and made us feel confident about my care,” Robert says. “Meeting him was really good luck after having really bad luck.”

Dr. Brady placed an external fixation device on Robert’s leg to stabilize the bones. Eight days later, he inserted three titanium plates and performed a bone graft to replace some bone that had disintegrated. After completing physical therapy, Robert continues to heal and rebuild his strength, but he can walk long distances and rarely needs a walking boot anymore. After waterskiing for 35 years, he has no plans to stop.

“Mine was the kind of injury that can relegate guys to watching TV all day, but I’m not ready for that,” Robert says. “I want to get out and do things, and Dr. Brady fixed me up, so I’ll be able to do that again.”

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Brady, visit EvanstonAnytime.com or call (307) 789-9355.

Dr. Brady is a member of the medical staff at Evanston Regional Hospital.

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