October 25, 2013 – When I asked Dr. Szuszczewicz what he wanted to be when he was a child he answered, “An orthopedic surgeon living in Colorado.” I of course thought he was kidding because how often are our childhood ambitions realized exactly as they are laid down? But apparently if you get your hands on a 1986 yearbook from Oakton High School in Virginia and look up Ed Szuszczewicz, you’ll see that’s exactly what it says under his photo. “I’m not kidding. It says my career goal is to be an orthopedic surgeon living in Colorado,” he reiterated.
If you knew Dr. Ed (as he has affectionately become known around the office, due to the challenge of pronouncing a last name such as his), you’d have to agree that this story is a perfect illustration of his matter-of-fact nature. He is frank and sincere and unflappable. I asked him what advice he’d give to others who long to see their grand goals and ambitions realized. As if it was quite obvious he shrugged and said, “Stick with it and don’t give up.”
As part of the Front Range Orthopaedics team for nine years now, Dr. Ed has specialized in hip and knee replacements, including partial knee replacements and complex revisions of failed THAs and TKAs. His expertise really lies in minimally invasive total hip replacements, a procedure very close to his heart. He’s been performing these MIS-THAs for eight and a half years and has taught other surgeons how to do it as well. He also invites them to observe his surgeries.
What is so special about this procedure? Well Dr. Ed is one of only half a dozen orthos in this state offering the option. There are obvious benefits to MIS-THAs. A prominent one is less cutting of muscle compared to the traditional posterior approach. This lends itself to a faster recovery in which patients typically tolerate immediate mobility and are off their canes and walkers within two weeks. Dr. Ed also contributed to the design of a minimally invasive instrumentation set for a company called Omni Life Sciences, and he has helped with implant designs for the hip and the knee. All of this combined is what makes him different; it is what makes us lucky to have him; it is why his patients may rest easy when they’re in his hands.
Dr. Ed has been with Front Range Orthopaedics for nine years now. About a year ago, FRO partnered with D1 to create a dynamic and comprehensive team of physicians and therapists here in Colorado Springs.
“What can you say about how the partnership with D1 has changed your experiences and patients’ experiences at FRO?” I asked him.
He said, “It has improved the continuity of care. The patients get better faster after surgery, and are more prepared going into surgery. I would of course recommend the D1 partnership to other physicians or medical partners.”
His favorite part of the job is “making patients better and making them happy. My career is everything I hoped it would be and I’m proud that I was able to accomplish what I wanted.”
Patient Testimonials:
“I met Dr. Ed when I had broken my right hip in an accident. He came in and comforted me because I was very concerned. As it was I already needed both hips replaced in the near future. Having to have the unexpected surgery was completely shocking to me, but he made it work and helped me onto the path I’m on right now. He’s replaced my left hip so far, and got me through surgery after the accident. He’s been wonderful, very informative, and very humane. I couldn’t be happier. He’s a person who while extremely knowledgeable and good at his job, can put himself on your level so you can understand what he’s talking about.” -Gerold P.
“Dr. Szuszczewicz is always real relaxed in our appointments and seems to have all the time in the world. I tend to ask a lot of questions which he’s come to expect, so he sets aside the necessary time to spend with me. The surgery was complicated. He explained it carefully. The most impressive thing was that in addition to changing the ball size and socket size, he pulled tissue over the joint and sutured it on the other side to give it further insurance. I certainly had a lot of confidence in his skill level. Also he has a good sense of humor. He’s Polish and so am I. We joke back and forth about that.” -Bill B.
“I’ve been to Dr. Ed for three body parts. He’s an absolutely fantastic surgeon and I would trust him again and again. I’d refer him to anybody. He’s very on the ball and I trust him completely. Everyone I talk to really appreciates his expertise.” -Rhonda J.
