Sponsored Sponsored content New Knee Is a Home Run for Local Softball Champ 

Winning a gold medal in a national championship for softball is a thrill at any age, but for Dianne Orr, the victory is especially meaningful considering the honor came a few months shy of her 81st birthday.

Last year’s championship at the National Senior Games in Iowa was actually the Perkasie resident’s second gold medal for softball, but she quickly added, “It’s my first gold with my new (right) knee.”  

Dianne’s knee replacement surgery last August was performed by Peter Wang Jr., MD, with St. Luke’s Orthopedic Care (formerly Upper Bucks Orthopedics at Grand View). “When I walked in and shook Dr. Wang’s hand, I knew I was going to like this doctor. He got straight to the point,” she said. 

This was neither Dianne’s first knee replacement nor her first experience with the Sellersville orthopedic team. “In 2020, I had shoulder surgery on my rotator cuff with Dr. Hurley and my original knee replacement was with Dr. Weidner more than 15 years ago,” she said, adding with a laugh, “I wore it out, I guess.”

Dr. Wang agreed.

“Knee replacements typically last 15-20 years. Age at the time of implantation, weight, activity level and overall health are all factors that impact how long a replacement joint will last,” he said. 

Knee replacement surgery has undergone significant advancements since the introduction of robotic-assisted technology.

“Today we have tools that are less invasive and offer greater precision and personalization than 15 years ago,” Dr. Wang said. “Our surgical techniques promote faster, less painful recovery and the components of the artificial replacement joints also continue to improve.”  

Knee replacement patients at St. Luke’s Grand View Campus participate in a comprehensive “pre-hab” program which includes physical and educational preparation prior to surgery. As a result, patients typically leave the hospital the same day they receive their joint replacement.

“The hardest part was the first week of physical therapy, with the bending,” said Dianne, “but after four weeks, I was walking without a walker or any assistance. I also went to the gym throughout the winter because it’s important to keep exercising.”  

During softball season, she says she walks two to three miles, three times a week to keep her edge on the field. “Yes, I run the bases,” she said with a laugh. “I’m not the fastest out there, but I’m not the slowest, either.” 

Dianne’s experience inspired her younger and equally competitive softball-savvy sister to follow in her footsteps.

“We travel to tournaments together and often compete against each other, so when she said her knee was really bothering her, I, of course, sent her to Dr. Wang,” she said.

Knee replacement surgery is typically recommended when more conservative treatments don’t offer relief. The recent partnership with St. Luke’s has expanded the number of surgeons, locations and treatment options for patients seeking orthopedic care in Bucks and Montgomery counties and throughout the Lehigh Valley area. The team prides itself on getting patients in quickly for evaluation and treatment.

With the 2025 season over, Dianne is already looking forward to next season and perhaps, her third gold medal.

“I like the camaraderie, and it keeps me moving,” she said. As the website for her softball league says, “If you had fun,  
you won.”

This community health news is brought to you in partnership with St. Luke’s University Health Network.