– Same-Day Joint Replacement Success at JRMC

Jamestown (JRMC) – In January 2025, Bruce Willyard walked into Jamestown Regional Medical Center’s (JRMC) Specialty Clinic with one simple goal: to get his knee fixed so he could return to the things he loved — hunting, gardening and trapping coyotes. He did not expect to make history, but his surgery with orthopedic surgeon Dr. Roxanne Keene did exactly that, making him the first patient at JRMC to receive a same-day total joint replacement.

When Willyard first met Dr. Keene in January, he felt apprehensive about getting his knee replaced, as he had faced difficulties recovering from a previous replacement. Dr. Keene assured him that an outpatient knee replacement would bring back his mobility and provide relief from the daily pain he was experiencing. Two weeks later, the procedure was completed and Willyard was home.

“I wasn’t specifically seeking outpatient care, but I was glad to go home the same day,” Willyard said.

Not all patients are candidates for same-day joint replacement; eligibility depends on overall health, medical history and the specifics of the procedure.

Eight months later, Willyard could not be more satisfied with his recovery. He even recounts that there have been times when the recovery has been “too good.”

“There are times when I have to resist overdoing activity, because the knee feels so much better,” he said.

As the first patient to receive a same-day total joint replacement at JRMC, Willyard’s procedure marks a significant milestone. He speaks highly of Dr. Keene, recognizing her compassion and exceptional patient care.

“She’s fantastic — humble, skilled and very concerned about her patients. She personally followed up with me after the procedure and told me to call anytime if I needed anything,” said Willyard. “I think she’s excellent and I always let people know.”

About four weeks after surgery, Willyard developed a rare fluid buildup at the incision site. Dr. Keene acted immediately, scheduling a same-day procedure to open, clean and disinfect the incision.

“She was so thorough and decisive — I was definitely impressed,” he recalled. “She said that it wasn’t infected but made sure that it wouldn’t risk becoming infected later on.”

Today, Willyard is back to the things that he loves, the things that keep him moving. From walking his property and hunting, to gardening and trapping coyotes, even fishing in Alaska — Willyard is thankful for the mobility that this replacement has restored.

To those who may be delaying care due to fear or uncertainty, Willyard urges people to advocate for themselves and take action toward treatment.

“It’s worth it, even if it is hard work,” Willyard states. “If you want to do the things you love — like I do — you have got to do the work.”