Bruce and Karen Bittenbender have been married for 54 years and recently underwent joint replacement surgeries together, writes Matteo Iadonisi for 6ABC.  

The couple used to love walking and hiking together through national parks until they realized their joints started to become more painful. They decided to visit Dr. Jonathan Garino in West Chester for help. 

Bruce got his left hip replaced and Karen right knee replaced. 

“We both needed it, and we thought it would be good, instead of stretching out the whole process for months, we can go ahead both done and get it done quicker.” Bruce said. 

After their 45-minute surgeries, Bruce and Karen began recovering together. At the end of three weeks, if the recovery is going well, the couple will begin outpatient therapy and resume normal activities. 

“The fact that we’re doing them both is a testamonial to the idea that joint replacement is not the big deal that it used to be,” said Dr. Garino. “Let’s do this together, let’s recover together, because they can get going faster.” 

Read more about the Bruce and Karen Bittenbender’s unique date at 6ABC. 

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