A Locke on Life

Knee Replacement Helps Former Sheriff Shine

Charlie Locke loves being active and embracing his competitive spirit. But when his right knee began to deteriorate, it not only hindered his love of running, but impacted his daily life.

“It became more and more painful to do simple tasks,” said Locke, a retired Butte County Sheriff ’s officer who moved to Idaho. For Locke, deciding to have knee replacement surgery was easy. “If I had the surgery, I’d have a chance to do those things I love again,” he said.

After the procedure, Locke has been able to resume his active lifestyle. He’s now a competitive indoor rower and won multiple medals, as well as set two American records in August during the World Police and Fire Games, a competition featuring more than 10,000 athletes from all over the world.

Recovery Sparks New Interest

He discovered indoor rowing as part of his rehab. “It was active and fun. There’s been no pain or restrictions from rowing,” Locke said.

The 70-year-old underwent total knee replacement surgery in April 2022. Brock Cummings, M.D., from Enloe’s Total Joint Replacement Program, performed the procedure.

Locke suffered from end stage osteoarthritis, which is when the bone rubs against bone. Locke had three minor knee surgeries by Dr. Cummings before undergoing total knee replacement. The first was in 2012.

Knee Replacement Explained

One of the misconceptions about knee replacement surgery, Dr. Cummings said, is that people think it’s cutting out the knee and replacing it. However, that’s not what happens during the procedure.

“It’s essentially a resurfacing job,” Dr. Cummings said. “We’re taking thin cuts off the end of the bone and replacing the bone ends with artificial surfaces. This eliminates bone-against-bone contact, which is what Charlie had. It was the real deal. He didn’t give up.”

Dr. Cummings said if daily living is becoming uncomfortable, then joint replacement surgery could be a solution.

“If you find your world shrinking, you can’t sleep through the night, you’re giving up activities that are important, then surgery becomes a good option,” Dr. Cummings said. The first six weeks following surgery is often the most difficult part of recovery, Dr. Cummings said.

Locke couldn’t fly home right after his procedure. It’s discouraged to fly right away since travel involves a lot of sitting and little movement.

Instead, Locke stayed with his friend Kym Casperson, a Registered Nurse in Enloe’s Emergency Department. Casperson and Locke previously worked together at Butte County Search and Rescue.

“It was really inspiring because he did have to work really hard with physical therapy,” Casperson said. “He was in pain but very motivated.”

Casperson witnessed firsthand Locke’s efforts during physical therapy.

“He was a good patient. I was very proud of Enloe’s Joint Replacement Program,” Casperson said. “If he wouldn’t have been able to get a knee replacement, I think he would have wilted. It was great as his friend to see him shine.”

Locke is still undergoing advanced physical therapy. Now, his goal is to one day run again in the Boston Marathon.

“I want to be the best that I can with whatever time I have left,” he said. “I’m glad I chose Enloe’s Total Joint Program and Dr. Cummings because now I can swim oceans, walk the forest, trek the desert, climb mountains ... cover it all.”

Want to hear more from Locke? Listen to his complete interview. To learn more about joint replacement surgery, visit www.enloe.org/joint.