06/29/2025
To all my dental patients, I'd like to give a more detailed report as to why I've had to close my dental office. Unfortunately, on Friday May 30, 2025 I took a pretty severe fall on my right knee while stepping down into my garage at my residence. The only other person at home with me was my non-verbal autistic son. My wife was out of town taking a family member to the New Orleans Airport. I was basically alone and my mobile phone was not with me. As best as I can recall I somehow was able to drag myself inside our house. (our garage is separated from the house by a breezeway). When my wife returned she valiantly drove me calmly to the ER in Gulfport. Images were made and an ER physician noted no broken bones, BUT did recognize much tendon and ligament damage to my right knee. Through a string of events I was able to see a very competent orthopedic physician, Dr. George Salloum, MD. on 6/5/2025 for a consult and an MRI. He was able to evaluate the image on 6/09/2025 and surgery was immediately. recommended-which occurred on 6/11/2025. He was successful and the results favorable. He basically had to "reattach" my tendons to my knee cap. This experience has completely humbled me beyond recognition-and before this incident I was raised to always show respect and exhibit humility. This has brought things to a level that I didn't realize was possible. I was completely bedridden and dependent on others for everything. I have to wear leg brace 24/7 and an ice pack machine with my knee elevated. No walking, no independence, nada. My precious wife is the real hero with respect to my recovery journey-this I can state with absolute certainty. She has always been my rock but now she's surpassed all expectations. I recently saw my physician on 6/26/2025 and metal staples were removed from my knee wound and he stated all appears to be healing on schedule. I'm beginning PT and am walking carefully with the help of crutches. My work goal is to return to the office on 7/7/2025 as long as I can predictably transport myself. My physician thinks this is very possible.
I wanted to thank all of the folks, family, friends, my church family and my patients for all of the prayers I've felt. It means and meant everything to me and my family. My dental team are champions and my family beyond precious and supportive. For all those patients who are in the middle of treatment, please know you will be seen and completed.
God bless you all. Dr. Mark
