Dr. Cynthia Kahlenberg is a Fairfield County mom of two and orthopedic surgeon specializing in hip and knee replacement surgery at HSS Stamford. Learn more about why she loves living in this area, what inspired her to become an orthopedic surgeon and why she sees more patients opting for surgery earlier (in their 40’s and 50’s) to stay active!
How many kids do you have and what are their ages?
Two kids, a seven-year-old son and a four-year-old daughter
What do you love about living and working in this area?
I honestly can say if I could live anywhere in the world, I would choose to continue living in Fairfield County. I love the proximity to the city, and I do surgery there 3 days each month, but I also love the calm and quiet, as well as the outdoor and family-friendly activities available in Fairfield County. I truly enjoy seeing patients and doing surgery in Stamford, close to where I live. I love that I can bring the best-in-class orthopedic care from NYC closer to home for patients in Connecticut.
What inspired you to become an orthopedic surgeon?
I was a member of the ski patrol when I was in college at Dartmouth and took care of injured skiers on the slopes. I knew from that point that I wanted a career as an orthopedic surgeon. I love knowing that performing hip and knee replacement allows my patients to get back to activities that they love- whether it be skiing, pickleball, walking outdoors, or other active pursuits.
Tell us a little about your specialty at HSS Stamford in hip and knee reconstruction, including total hip replacement, total knee replacement, and partial knee replacement.
My practice focuses exclusively on these three procedures– total hip, total knee, and partial knee replacement– which I typically perform on patients with severe arthritis who are limited by their hip or knee pain and wishing to return to an active lifestyle. We’ve made significant improvements in hip and knee replacement in recent years in terms of both recovery and longevity of the implants. I certainly recommend patients try conservative treatments prior to seeking consultation for hip or knee replacement surgery, but when the conservative treatments are no longer helping, hip or knee replacement can be life-changing for patients who want to return to activities that they love.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
Without a doubt, the best part of my job is seeing patients being able to return to activities they love, after having been unable to do them for many months or even years. I also love that my job is so intellectually stimulating as joint replacement evolves. We are continuously refining and improving the technology we use, including both robotics and computer navigation, in order to improve patient outcomes.
If someone is experiencing hip and knee issues, but is nervous about surgery, what would you say to them?
It’s totally normal to be nervous about hip or knee replacement surgery! Overall, the success rates of these procedures are extraordinarily high and after surgery most patients say they wish they had done the surgery sooner. I think it is very important to have appropriate expectations going into the surgery, and I spend a lot of time with each patient explaining to them what to expect in the early recovery period as well as in the long run after hip or knee replacement.
What is the best thing someone can do for their hip and knee health?
Stay active! Often patients try to slow down activities because they are in pain and concerned about worsening hip and knee symptoms. While slowing down can help in the short term for an acute injury, it doesn’t work as a long-term solution. I strongly recommend seeking medical advice for ongoing hip or knee pain. Most people start with their primary care doctor or can seek consultation at HSS Orthopedics Now. If nonsurgical measures don’t provide adequate pain relief, seeking consultation with a hip or knee surgeon may be the next best step.
What’s the one thing you wish people knew about joint replacement?
Active individuals in their 40s and 50s are often hesitant to consider hip or knee replacement, but given the growing desire to stay active, more patients are opting for surgery earlier. In fact, the fastest-growing demographic for replacement surgeries is the 45-64 age group. Many want to stay active and won’t accept ongoing pain or a sedentary lifestyle. Don’t let joint pain define your 40s and 50s!
How do you juggle work and mommyhood?
Besides having an amazingly supportive husband, the factor that has been most helpful to me is living close to where I work. I have a very short commute to both where I see patients at Chelsea Piers in Stamford, and where I do surgery on the HSS floor of Stamford Hospital. Minimizing commute time has had the most positive influence on my work life balance.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve gotten from another mom?
Several orthopedic surgeon moms in my field have told me that, “we can have it all, but we can’t have it all at the same time.” I think that is particularly true in my career as a surgeon, where I need to be 1000% focused at all times in the operating room and during my workday. But I also make sure to carve out time in the evenings and on weekends to focus on my family.
Click here to learn more or make an appointment with Dr. Kahlenberg.