“Soul crushing.” That’s how 13-year-old Evelyn describes her time away from the sport she loves the most: soccer. She’d been playing since she was four years old. She didn’t know a life without it. But severe knee pain was sidelining her. Sometimes it was so bad, she couldn’t walk. 

Evelyn’s pain first showed up when she was nine years old. It was normal for everyone on her team to experience exhaustion and aches after every practice. But her aches were sharper, more unpredictable, and it always took her longer to recover. It was confusing. Why was no one else in this kind of pain? 

Looking for answers 

At first, her family chalked it up to growing pains, “Even though she was only nine and of average size, doctors had always told us she was going to be 5’9”,” said Evelyn’s mom, Suzanne. “So, we just attributed the pain to her growth. She was never injured so we didn't really have a reason to bring her in.” 

Then, when she was 12 years old, Evelyn joined a new soccer team. The new coach noticed her run was unique, likely protecting her from her pain, and suggested she have her knees looked at by a doctor.   

That’s when Evelyn’s family made an appointment with Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). CHOP’s Sports Medicine and Performance Center is part of its world-renowned Orthopedic Center and provides comprehensive care for youth, young adult and elite-level athletes, combining advanced diagnostics, expert treatment, rehab, performance training, nutrition support and more.

An explanation for the pain 

X-rays taken at CHOP’s Specialty Care and Surgery Center in Voorhees, New Jersey — the location closest to Evelyn’s family — immediately revealed the likely root cause of Evelyn’s years-long pain: osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) in both of her knees. 

Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) is a condition in which a portion of cartilage and underlying bone from the surface of the joint separates from the rest of the bone, creating pain, swelling and sometimes a locking sensation. More common in adolescent athletes, it’s typically found in the knees but can also impact other joints like ankles or elbows.

Collaborating on a care plan 

Following Evelyn’s X-ray results, she was referred to Joseph Yellin, MD, an attending pediatric orthopedic surgeon at CHOP’s Voorhees location. Together, he and Evelyn created a care plan that would end the pain and get her back on the pitch.

“He was great with her,” said Suzanne. “We loved him right away. He made sure Evelyn was a part of the process, always considering her concerns and ensuring she was comfortable with the treatment plan. I love how much his team included her.” 

The team was also supported by physician assistant Sarah Grealy, PA-C, who Suzanne and Evelyn recalled “was right there the whole time, part of the entire journey,” helping to coordinate every step of Evelyn’s care plan.

At first, Evelyn was given a brace for her right knee — which was causing her the most pain — while she took time to rest. 

“Not being able to play soccer was the worst part,” said Evelyn. Growing up, when other kids had complained about going to practice, she couldn’t relate. She loved all of it. She had to get back to her team as fast as possible. And given the frequency of her symptoms, and the imaging results, it became evident that surgical treatment was the best path forward. 

Surgical treatment and the start of a comeback

Evelyn’s surgery with Dr. Yellin was scheduled to take place at CHOP’s Philadelphia Campus. The plan was to operate on her right knee, let it recover, and if needed, operate on the left. 

The first surgery was a success.

“After the operation, her pain was gone,” said Suzanne. “She went in for surgery on a Friday and was told she could be in school by Monday.” 

But as is typical with OCD repair, the road to full recovery would be long. Dr. Yellin coordinated with sports medicine physical therapist Casey Huse, PT, DPT, ATC, OCS on Evelyn’s comprehensive and progressive rehabilitation program. 

As the months passed, Evelyn worked hard during her weekly physical therapy appointments and stayed focused on school. But life without soccer was hard. So, she made it a point to show up for practices and games, cheering on her team from the sidelines. And in return, they cheered her on, sending care packages and making sure she felt supported during her recovery. 

Finally, her long-awaited moment came. Dr. Yellin reported Evelyn’s full recovery and nearly a year later, she was back playing with her team. Even better, as her right knee healed and she worked to strengthen both knees in physical therapy, her left knee no longer required a second surgery.

An ongoing journey shaped by support 

“It’s still a process,” said Evelyn. “For me, the mental recovery has taken longer than the physical recovery. At first, it felt like everyone on my team had gotten better in the year I couldn’t play. I had to remind myself that it was OK, that I hadn’t been there, and that I would catch up.” 

Looking back, Evelyn still gets choked up thinking about the support she received from her teammates, her coaches, her family, and her CHOP care team. She recalls even feeling disappointed when she no longer needed regular follow-up appointments with Dr. Yellin or physical therapy sessions with Casey. “I love everybody who helped me,” she said behind tears of gratitude.

Today, Evelyn is working harder than ever — in soccer and in school — going after her goals, pain-free and happy to be back doing what she loves.