Kelli has spent her life on the water, giving her ultimate confidence as a competitive slalom waterskier. So when she hit a ball and broke her ankle, she looked forward to healing and getting back on the water. But when she returned, something wasn’t right.

She wasn’t as comfortable or aggressive on her ski – and she wasn’t as competitive as she wanted to be. Kelli was afraid it was a mental issue, that she was worried about another accident. Then she hit another ball. Even though it was a less severe impact, it caused severe pain. Her general orthopedic physician told her it was just sprained.

It just so happens that Kelli’s son was seeing our foot and ankle specialists for a football injury. Kelli took the opportunity to explain her situation. It was recommended that she get an MRI, so she made an appointment with OFAC. Our doctors found that the first break never actually healed – and was able to perform surgery to fix her ankle properly.

Kelli is already back on the water and it’s clear that the past performances weren’t due to her state of mind. With complete faith in her healed ankle, she’s attacking the slalom course and competitive again.

“I have to be confident to compete. After my surgery, I have total trust in my ankle.”

- Kelli Kerns, Competitve Waterskier

Join Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Center and the Central Ohio Primary Care Foundation this Labor Day to “Run for the Health of It”

Event: “Run 4 the Health of It” 4 mile Run/Walk and Kids Fun Run

It’s more than a race. It’s pure fun for the entire family featuring live entertainment, face painting, food, beverages, local celebrities and one of the best kept secrets in town, the post-race raffle! This event is fast becoming a central Ohio Labor Day tradition!


Location: Westerville Sports Complex

Date: Monday, September 6, 2010

Time: 9:00am

Registration/Packet Pickup: 8:00am

Registration prices: Kids Fun Run – $10 / 4 mile Run/Walk – $25 Race Day- $30

For more information and to register online CLICK HERE

Sometimes we are inspired by our patients

I had the pleasure to meet a remarkable 21 year old with an amazing life story that is truly inspiring. His name is Dustin Carter. At the age of five Dustin contracted meningitis. Tragically, he required emergent partial amputations of both arms and both legs. His condition was so bad that he almost died. Over the years he has undergone multiple revision surgeries to his residual limbs.

Throughout his life he has been determined to not allow his disability prevent him from being active. In high school, he decided he wanted to wrestle. He worked hard and trained everyday. Each year improving and by his senior year he was the varsity wrestling captain with a season record of 41-4 and ranked 9^th in the state. Currently he is coaching youths at wrestling camps and giving inspirational speeches nationally.

Dustin was referred to me for minor surgery to his residual limb. One of the main goals of the surgery is to be able to walk with his prosthesis while he accepts an award from the national wrestling hall of fame in Stillwater, Oklahoma. Dustin is not a big fan of wheel chairs and entered the office literally crawling on his residual limbs. The patients in the lobby are moved by his determination. One of my patients said that she was a little embarrassed that she was being seen for a minor foot ailment.

As physicians, we treat our patients with compassion and integrity. Our patients look to us for recommendations, education, and sometimes inspiration. From the first moment I met Dustin, I was amazed by his courage. We tend to get caught up in life and generally take simple things for granted. Sometimes our patients inspire us. Dustin is an inspiration to me; perhaps he should be to all of us!