Nita and Greg Lane have a lot in common. Both are retired, love traveling and consider themselves the better gardener of the two (our money’s on Nita). But what truly sets the York County couple’s relationship apart are their knees.

Nita and Greg had knee replacements within the same year. After a long struggle with aches, pains and countless injections, Nita knew it was time to get a knee replacement. She credits her conversations with Dr. Dexter Bateman, the WellSpan orthopedic surgeon who eventually performed her procedure in April 2024, as a comforting factor in her choice.

Dr. Dexter Bateman

Throughout the surgery process, the total joint team at WellSpan Orthopedics went above and beyond to answer all of Nita’s questions and prepare her thoroughly. This level of communication and support didn’t just solidify Nita’s trust, but Greg’s too.

Just before Nita’s surgery, Greg suffered an injury that damaged his knee. After seeing the exceptional care and positive outcome of Nita's surgery, he chose WellSpan for a partial knee replacement in July 2024 – just three months after Nita’s.

"I was really impressed with the care WellSpan provided her," Greg says. "The staff and doctors were outstanding. I felt very comfortable knowing I was in good hands. I told Dr. Bateman, 'I trust your ability and your opinion.'"

After their surgeries, Nita and Greg supported each other through physical therapy — determined to return to the activities they loved. Today, they’re back!

Always the multitasker, Nita enjoys light exercise at home, playing puzzle games on her tablet and spending quality time with her great-granddaughter. And Greg? He’s always on the move. One of his favorite routines is getting out and about to lift weights at his local gym.

Although knee surgery can be daunting, Greg and Nita’s story is a great example of how taking your time and having a health care partner you trust makes all the difference.

Later this fall, they’ll set off for a cruise and a trip to Africa. While these adventures might seem like once-in-a-lifetime dreams, for Nita and Greg, they symbolize a new chapter of less pain and no boundaries. 

“I really thank WellSpan for making us more mobile,” Greg says.

“It took me a long while, but I’m glad I did decide to do it. Now, I can live a life more comfortable, more meaningful than it was before,” Nita says.  

 For more information on our total joint replacement program, go here.