24 Mar Don and Susan Birdwell’s Road to Recovery

For Don and Susan Birdwell of Franklin, TN, family has always come first. Married for over 55 years, they are parents of two daughters and grandparents of four. One of their favorite things has been supporting their grandchildren by being present at all the sports they pursued.

But in February 2024, their lives took an unexpected turn.

While crossing a busy intersection in Fort Lauderdale, just one day before leaving for a two-week cruise, the Birdwells were struck by a car. Both were taken by ambulance to the hospital.

Don suffered serious injuries to both of his shoulders, while Susan’s injuries were more extensive. The car had run over her foot, causing a fracture, and she also suffered a severe abrasion from her knee to ankle. Most significantly, she had torn multiple ligaments in both knees, leaving her unable to stand.

After four days in the hospital and several tests, including an MRI, the doctors admitted they were unsure how to proceed with Susan’s complex injuries. They recommended she see a sports medicine surgeon, noting that her injuries were similar to those often seen in football players.

The Birdwells already knew who to call: Dr. Colin Looney at Bone and Joint Institute, and they packed up to head back home to Tennessee.

A Long Road Ahead

When Susan first met Dr. Looney, she was confined to a wheelchair. Don’s shoulder injuries had to take a back seat so he could focus on helping Susan through her recovery.

Dr. Looney explained that her leg wound would need to heal completely before surgery could begin. Ultimately, both knees would require surgery—performed separately—and the recovery process would be long.

“He told us it would be a long year,” the Birdwells recall.

Susan began with three months of at-home physical therapy and wound care before undergoing her first total knee replacement in May 2024. After three months of physical therapy, she had her second knee replacement in September, followed by another three months of rehabilitation.

By December, Susan had reached a milestone: she was officially released from care.

Throughout the process, Dr. Looney remained honest and caring.

“He didn’t sugarcoat the amount of time and effort it would take to get her back on her feet, but he did it,” they said.

One moment still stands out. During a follow-up visit, Dr. Looney asked Susan to walk down the hallway. As she did, he smiled and exclaimed, “Girl, you can WALK!”

Don’s Turn for Treatment

While Susan was recovering between surgeries, Don learned that the damage to his shoulders was too severe and that both would need to be replaced.

Don turned to Dr. Byram at Bone and Joint Institute. He underwent his first shoulder replacement in February 2025 and his second in August.

“He was excellent in the skill and care he provided,” Don said.

Back to the Life They Love

Now, just over two years after the accident, the Birdwells are back to enjoying the life they love.

Susan is once again able to work in the yard, something she enjoys. Don has returned to working out and can once again walk their 65-pound “grand-dog.” Most importantly, the couple is back in the stands at Independence High School football games, cheering on their family.

“We are so thankful and appreciative for the care we received at Bone and Joint. Needless to say, we were there a lot, and everyone from our doctors to the PAs to the nurses and techs were great to deal with.”

After many appointments, multiple surgeries, and months of rehabilitation, the Birdwells say one thing is certain.

“We feel very fortunate to have received the care we got there through a very lengthy and traumatic time. We could not recommend them highly enough for what they did for us!”