Orthopedic Patient Stories
Back on her feet
After years of shared history, an Effingham woman once again counted on Dr. Bonutti for expert orthopedic care.
When Effingham native Kathy Witkowski needed another knee replacement in 2023, she knew exactly who to call.
She relied on the same doctor who had replaced her left knee years earlier and who had also placed a rod in her leg when she broke it: SBL Orthopedic Surgeon Peter Bonutti, MD.
"After the rod placement and replacement of my knee, I made full and quick recoveries and was able to get back to my business as soon as possible,” Kathy explained. Kathy knew she could trust Dr. Bonutti to provide her with the best care possible.
Kathy has known Dr. Bonutti since the 1990s. That is when he opened his practice in Effingham and she began catering many of his business and personal events from her home-based business, Unique Country Catering. In 2007, she opened Witt's Smokehouse.
In 2022, Kathy joined Kirby Foods as the restaurant/deli manager and catering coordinator. “I often work long hours and am on my feet all the time,” Kathy explained. “My right knee gave me troubles in the past, and it wasn't long before it started hurting again.”
Dr. Bonutti had told Kathy years earlier that she needed it replaced because it was rubbing bone on bone, just like her other knee had. Since she had just started at Kirby Foods, she did not want to leave work right away, so she received cortisone shots every three months instead. “I got those shots all of 2022 and most of 2023, until Dr. Bonutti said, ‘No more shots. We really need to get this knee replaced,’” Kathy explained.
In December of 2023, Kathy had her right knee replaced by Dr. Bonutti, and Advanced Practice Provider Nick Williams, PA-C, oversaw Kathy’s care before and after the surgery. Kathy is very grateful for Nick’s knowledgeable and personal care throughout the entire process. “Nick is so personable and able to connect with you and explain things so that you are able to understand,” Kathy said. “If I ever had a question, I could always call the clinic, and he would talk with me any time he was available.”
Though she was already familiar with Dr. Bonutti’s work, she was once again grateful for his care. “He is not only good at being a surgeon, but he is such a good person,” Kathy said. “He will take the time to explain the procedure with you and answer any of the questions you may have. Effingham is very lucky to have him!”
Kathy also underwent physical therapy at the SBL Bonutti Clinic, with Physical Therapist Lindell Richards overseeing her recovery. “I just can't say enough good things about Lindell,” she said. “I am so grateful to him as he helped me regain my full mobility and got me back to work quickly!"
To make an appointment or for more information about SBL Orthopedics & Sports Medicine in Mattoon, call 217 238-3435. For the SBL Bonutti Clinic Orthopedics in Effingham, call 217 342-3400. You can call SBL Physical and Occupational Therapy at 217 258-2530.