How St. Luke’s Orthopedic Hospital helped a student-athlete return stronger than ever

For Bethlehem Catholic High School senior Gavyn Moyer, the idea of knee surgery was daunting. A dedicated multi-sport athlete, Gavyn suddenly faced months of recovery, difficult rehabilitation, and the heartbreak of being sidelined from lacrosse, his favorite sport.

But just six months after arthroscopic surgery at St. Luke’s Orthopedic Hospital West End Campus, Gavyn was back on the field, competing in soccer and golf pain‑free, and preparing confidently for his return to lacrosse this spring. The procedure also offered a major long‑term benefit: reducing his risk of early arthritis.

Gavyn, 17, suffered a significant bucket-handle meniscus tear while wrestling last winter. This type of injury, common among athletes who hyperextend their knees, occurs when the meniscus remains attached but flips inward, blocking motion and causing sharp pain. Without treatment, such tears not only impair mobility but can also accelerate cartilage damage and lead to early-onset arthritis.

Given the severity of the injury, Dr. Scott Doroshow of St. Luke’s Orthopedic Care recommended surgery. A fellowship-trained orthopedic sports medicine surgeon, Dr. Doroshow performed a minimally invasive arthroscopic repair last February, restoring the placement of the meniscus and securing it with stitches through small incisions.

“When you tear your meniscus, it doesn’t heal on its own,” Dr. Doroshow explained. “There’s a limited blood supply, and the torn ends can’t reconnect without stitches. Without surgery, the tear becomes painful, and losing that shock absorber increases the risk of arthritis.”

Although initially hesitant, Gavyn and his family felt assured knowing surgery provided the best path to full recovery and long-term knee health.

Rehabilitation demanded dedication: six weeks on crutches, a return to jogging by month three, and steady progress at Physical Therapy at St. Luke’s in Northampton.

“It was a pleasure working with Gavyn,” said Maria DeBlasio, DPT. “His positive attitude and motivation helped him advance safely toward his goal of returning to lacrosse.”

Now fully healed, Gavyn hopes to play lacrosse in college and pursue a career in medicine. “He’s doing great,” Dr. Doroshow said. “He has no pain, is playing at full strength, and has had no issues with the knee.”

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