Alexa, then 12 years old, had always been an active child, participating in various sports such as Jiu Jitsu. However, a previous knee injury that seemed minor at first, suddenly got worse. What started as a slight discomfort during physical activities escalated into persistent pain that made it difficult for her to participate in sports.
As the pain began to increase, Alexa was referred to Nemours Children’s Sports Medicine Orthopedic Surgeon, Dr. Alvin Su. Under the care of Dr. Su and the team at Nemours Children’s Hospital, Delaware, Alexa was diagnosed with osteochondral defect (OCD). OCD is a condition where there is damage to the cartilage and the bone beneath it within a joint. This type of injury is commonly found in the knee, and it can be particularly debilitating for young athletes. “This condition didn’t allow me to return to sports and other strenuous activities, like Jiu Jitsu,” shares Alexa.
After evaluation from her care team, it was decided that Alexa would move forward with surgery to correct her OCD. The surgical team, led by Dr. Su, was meticulous in their preparation and execution. Alexa’s surgery was a success, and the post-operative care she received was nothing short of exceptional. “Everyone was very patient with me and understanding,” says Alexa. As Alexa began to heal, she started a gradual return to her normal activities.
At Nemours, Alexa found herself surrounded by a team of dedicated professionals and a community that understood what she was going through. “Martial arts is a way of life,” shares Dr. Su. “As an old saying goes, ‘a black belt is a white belt who never quits.’ Alexa accepted what happened to her knee, worked hard through the recovery process, and made her way back on the mat again. She showed the true spirit of a martial artist – an elite athlete.”
Under the expert care of Dr. Su, Alexa found herself regaining strength and confidence as makes a full return to Jiu Jitsu and trains to run a 5K. For those who might be in the early stages of their own recovery, Alexa emphasizes the importance of patience, a virtue that can be difficult to maintain when the healing process feels slow. “I would tell others to have patience because it will feel like a long time and like it isn’t healing, but it is. It just takes time,” she advises. As she continues to live her life to the fullest, Alexa’s advice is a reminder to stay strong and keep pushing forward, no matter the obstacles you face.
