Just six days after his same-day total knee replacement, Valley City resident Dale Sather was already experiencing less pain and more mobility than before surgery. His experience with Dr. Roxanne Keene at the JRMC Specialty Clinic quickly proved life-changing — allowing him to return to the things he loves without constant pain.
Dale is passionate about staying on his feet, whether he is spending time with his family, golfing or hunting. Over several years, he noticed his knee gradually worsening. On good days, he felt minimal pain, but on bad days, he struggled to bend down and get back up, use the stairs or even sit with a bent knee. As the bad days became more frequent, Dale knew it was time to make a change.
Choosing Dr. Keene for his knee was an easy decision, thanks to a family connection. Dale and wife, Colleen, have a daughter, Mara Sylte, who worked closely with Dr. Keene as her nurse in Williston.
“My daughter said, ‘Dad, when you’re going to get your knee done, Dr. Keene is going to do it,’” Dale said with a laugh. “She had a lot of good things to say about Dr. Keene, which is why we came to the decision.”
At his first two visits to JRMC Orthopedics, Dr. Keene gave Dale cortisone injections to help manage his pain, but by October, the shots were no longer enough. With plans for 2026 on the horizon — including an Alaskan cruise and their granddaughter’s wedding — Dale and Colleen decided it was time to start planning for his total knee replacement so he could move comfortably and fully enjoy those milestones.
For some, a same-day knee replacement may seem intimidating, but Dale was impressed by the process that had him back home just hours after surgery. In the early days of recovery, Dale made a point to get up and move regularly, even taking short walking laps at home.
“I’m amazed — within two hours of surgery, you’re up and walking,” Dale said. “And honestly, I have had hardly any pain throughout this whole process so far.”
Dale’s early pain relief and progress in mobility have motivated him and Colleen to keep moving forward and to share this success with the others.
“Only two days after the procedure, I could walk around the house without my walker,” Dale said. “I had worried about pain, not knowing what to expect. Other than some swelling and soreness because of physical therapy, there hasn’t been much pain at all.”
Colleen remembers the anxiety she felt initially, but the orthopedic team’s communication and clear instructions helped ease her mind.
“I was leery about him coming home on the same day — it kind of scared me,” Colleen said. “But the team reassured me they were there if we needed anything or had questions. Everything Dr. Keene told us went as planned.”
Dale and Colleen now recommend Dr. Keene and JRMC often, especially when others talk about joint pain, something they find comes up frequently in their community.
“A lot of people are impressed when I tell them about Dr. Keene and the technologies she has brought,” said Dale. “My right knee is not far behind. Maybe in fall 2026, I might do get the right one replaced — and if I do, I know where I’m coming.”