Diana Ladio

Type of Donation:       tissue recipient

Age and Location:      Age 36 – Nashville, TN

Date of Transplant:           12/23/2020

Sponsor:                      Honored by JRF Ortho

DIANA’S STORY

Diana Ladio is a professional violinist and fiddle player in Nashville, TN. She tours full-time with two bands and has been fortunate to play music for a living for her entire adult life. While she's not on stage, she is also an avid runner and has run five marathons, including the Boston Marathon 2014. While on a beautiful autumn run in 2016, she felt an unrecognizable pain in her knee that prevented her from walking back to her house. An MRI revealed an osteochondral defect, possibly caused by an unknown past injury or misalignment of the joint, and was operated on immediately. Unfortunately, without proper care following the surgery, the procedure was unsuccessful. Because performing is her occupation and source of income, it would be nearly impossible to find the time to undergo another extensive surgery. She lived with chronic pain, limited mobility, and an inability to run for several more years. Her life was increasingly painful and unsustainable.



The pandemic, while devastating for so many, resulted in all her shows being canceled and finally allowing Diana to have the surgery she needed. A repeat MRI revealed that the defect and cartilage underneath the kneecap would need to be replaced. After considering all options, she and her new surgeon, Dr. John Grant, at the University of Michigan Medical Center, agreed that donor cartilage would be the best and most permanent option. December 23rd, 2020, Diana underwent osteochondral allograft transplantation of both the patella and trochlea, along with a tibial tubercle osteotomy. She spent a memorable Christmas with the amazing nurses and doctors at the University of Michigan Medical Center. The months following were spent doing rigorous and regimented physical therapy with the fantastic staff at UofM Medsport Clinic and with the tireless help of her mom. Diana slowly began walking three months later and went for her first (very slow) jog 1-year post-surgery. The unbelievable gift of donor cartilage returned Diana to the life and career she feels called to do - bring joy to people worldwide through music - and continue her passion for running and the outdoors. She could not be more grateful.