Erika Christensen and Dr. Thomasson
Oviedo Medical Center, part of HCA Florida Healthcare, is announcing a new procedure that can help certain patients with chronic knee pain avoid or delay total joint replacement.
August 12, 2026- Erika Christensen, an operating room nurse herself, is the hospital’s first recipient of an innovative medical device called the Medial Implantable Shock Absorber Knee System. Erika had lived with constant knee pain due to osteoarthritis and a torn meniscus, even after undergoing a partial meniscectomy and arthroscopic surgery. Erika’s remaining options were a total knee replacement, or this newer alternative – the surgical implantation of a small device that acts like a shock absorber to reduce pressure on the damaged knee.
“At Erika’s young age and in an occupation that keeps her on her feet, the limitations of a total joint replacement would have been challenging,” said Oviedo Medical Center orthopedic surgeon Dr. Benjamin Thomasson. “We are grateful that the medial implantable shock absorber was an option for her. It has allowed her to return to work and life without restrictions.”
During the procedure, the surgeon attaches the device to the femur (thigh bone) and tibia (shin bone). The device goes under the skin, but outside the knee joint capsule. Most patients go home the same day after the minimally invasive procedure, and return to full weight-bearing activities within two weeks on average.
Erika returned to work about a week after the procedure. Now about two months into recovery, she’s encouraged by how far she has come.
“The care at Oviedo Medical Center was top notch,” Erika said. “I can now walk upright. I’m happy with my progression. I’m strengthening, and I feel optimistic.”
Dr. Thomasson noted the procedure allows for the implant to be removed in the future if a total knee replacement is eventually recommended.
“But for now,” Dr. Thomasson added, “Erika can be as active as she wants.”
HCA Florida Healthcare’s orthopedic specialists are committed to delivering comprehensive care for all types of conditions, from sprains and pulled muscles to chronic joint pain and complex spinal injuries. For more information on orthopedic services near you, please visit HCAFloridaHealthcare.com.
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About Oviedo Medical Center
Oviedo Medical Center, a part of HCA Florida Healthcare, is a state-of-the-art 96-bed acute care hospital that provides a full range of healthcare services to east Seminole County and surrounding communities. Services include medical and surgical inpatient units, robotic surgery, intensive care, medical cardiology, telemetry, cardiac catheterization, inpatient and outpatient surgery, women’s services including labor and delivery, cardiopulmonary services, comprehensive diagnostic imaging and 24/7 emergency care. Oviedo Medical Center is designed with the patient in mind with personalized care, all private rooms and the newest medical technology available. Oviedo Medical Center is located at the intersection of Red Bug Lake Road and State Road 426, adjacent to State Road 417 (Central Florida GreeneWay). Oviedo Medical Center offers three 24/7/365 freestanding emergency rooms in Central Florida: HCA Florida Baldwin Park Emergency, HCA Florida Alafaya Emergency and HCA Florida Maitland Emergency.
About HCA Florida Healthcare
HCA Florida Healthcare, a part of HCA Healthcare, is one of Florida’s leading healthcare networks. Its 11,200 physicians and 80,000 colleagues work together to deliver evidence-based, collaborative care through nearly 12.8 million patient encounters annually. With more than 670 connected care sites—including hospitals, physician practices, urgent care centers and freestanding emergency rooms—across the state, HCA Florida Healthcare helps expand access to the specialized care patients need. HCA Florida Healthcare hospitals are annually recognized for excellence in patient experience and clinical outcomes, including three facilities ranked in the top 2% nationally for overall clinical excellence. A leader in healthcare education, HCA Florida Healthcare supports the next generation of healthcare workers through its 153 graduate medical education programs across 29 hospitals. In 2025, the network provided more than $1.1 billion in uncompensated care and contributed more than $3.5 million to community organizations across the state. Visit HCAFloridaHealthcare.com.