OrthoIndy, Carrum Health and Purdue University Partnership Restores Mobility and Transforms A Patient’s Life

The following patient testimonial is a result of the collaborative partnership between Purdue University, Carrum Health and OrthoIndy, established to provide exceptional orthopedic care to employees (and dependents over age 18 covered on a Purdue medical plan) across the state of Indiana.

For OrthoIndy hip patient Carol Rosenberger, who is a senior administrative assistant in the College of Health and Human Sciences at Purdue University, staying active had always been a part of her routine.

Carol enjoyed walking the trails around her community and especially loved taking lunchtime walks across Purdue University’s campus. But just a few years ago, she started experiencing a nagging pain in her hip. At first, she assumed it was a groin pull and tried to push through it. When the pain persisted, she saw a doctor and was diagnosed with early-onset arthritis in her left hip.

At the time, the idea of needing a hip replacement felt distant and hard to accept. Over time, though, the pain became more frequent and harder to ignore. What used to be an easy walk became uncomfortable. Eventually, walking turned into something she dreaded – it was something she tried to avoid.

Finding an Orthopedic Surgeon

By the fall of 2024, Carol’s discomfort had progressed significantly. Simple tasks like getting around the house or running errands became difficult. Even grocery shopping, something she once did with ease, required extra effort and patience.

“I began to walk with a limp, and people around me began to notice and comment on it,” said Carol. “I realized this wasn’t something I could just put off anymore.”

When it became clear that she needed to move forward with surgery, her health insurance, through Purdue University, directed her to OrthoIndy. It was the first step in a series of events that changed her life.

Carol’s brother-in-law, who is an orthopedic surgeon himself, knew of OrthoIndy total joint replacement surgeon Dr. Michael Cross and personally recommended him for her hip replacement. That endorsement gave Carol even more confidence in the care she was about to receive.

A Clear Path Forward Toward Recovery

From her very first appointment, Carol felt reassured.

“Dr. Cross was kind, professional and never rushed me in my decision-making process,” said Carol. “He gave me all the information I needed and let me decide when I was ready for surgery.”

By the time she scheduled her surgery for March 2025, the pain had become so severe that she needed a cane just to get from her car to her office on Purdue’s campus. She knew it was time.

The surgery with Dr. Cross went exactly as planned. Two weeks later, Carol began physical therapy. She was amazed at how well she felt so soon after the procedure.

“I was pleasantly surprised at how easy it was,” said Carol. “I felt awesome. I really did.”

Reflecting on Expert Care

Carol’s entire experience with OrthoIndy and Dr. Cross left a lasting impression. She was able to attend her pre- and post-operative appointments at the OrthoIndy office in Lafayette, which made the process more convenient.

What stood out most to Carol was how Dr. Cross took the time to listen and respond thoughtfully to all her concerns. That level of care and attentiveness made a big difference and helped ease the nerves she felt before the surgery.

“From the beginning, everything just went so smoothly and I was always well-informed,” Carol said. “I cannot say enough good things about Dr. Cross and the whole team at OrthoIndy. I am incredibly grateful.”

Today, Carol is walking comfortably and pain-free. She is back to doing the things she loves and enjoying everyday life again. For her, it was not just about fixing a hip, it was about reclaiming her active lifestyle.