Kaylee Goodspeed has been dedicated to cheerleading since she was a child. With time, she encountered knee issues which could have caused significant future problems if not addressed. Her mother, Jamie, was proactive, and with a skilled team of orthopedic surgeons at UHS, Kaylee has returned to her regular activities.
Jamie shared how Kaylee’s cheerleading journey began: “We had no idea what we were getting ourselves into,” she said. Kaylee’s passion for the sport grew, teaching her valuable life lessons. “It’s taught me a lot about patience,” said Kaylee.
Unfortunately, Kaylee faced knee difficulties early in her career. She endured knee dislocations and had surgery in 2021. Concerning her right knee, Jamie researched a Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Reconstruction (MPFL) to prevent future issues. “We wanted to have the surgery prior to it dislocating and it leading to more issues,” Jamie explained.
Orthopedic Surgeon Kristen Herbst from UHS Orthopedics was consulted, and both Kaylee and Jamie felt assured post-consultation. “I knew I needed to get it done,” Kaylee said.
Kaylee’s post-surgery rehabilitation progressed swiftly, exceeding expectations. With Renee Marcyan from UHS Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Kaylee advanced quickly. “She was really kind and talked me through everything,” Kaylee noted.
Despite typical recovery periods lasting longer, Kaylee returned to competitive cheer within three months, acknowledged by Dr. Herbst and her team’s expertise. Jamie commented, “A lot of it had to do with Dr. Herbst’s skill as a surgeon.”
One year post-surgery, Kaylee is back to enjoying cheerleading without knee issues. Kaylee expressed her aim to progress further: “I just want to keep doing my best and really see how far I can go.” Jamie felt relieved with Kaylee’s health progress. “I have much less anxiety now,” she said.
For more information on UHS Orthopedics and Physical Therapy, visit their website at nyuhs.org.
