‘I trust Doctor Goodrich and I’m back 100%’
September 15, 2025
What began as a friendly, full-contact football game to celebrate a 10-year high school reunion ended in a potentially life-changing injury for Berlin resident Dave Krouse.
Dave was running the ball when the tackler – and sudden pain – hit him hard.
It resulted in tears within the posterolateral corner (PLC) – a group of tendons, ligaments and soft tissues behind the knee. These structures connect the femur (thighbone) and fibula (small shinbone). Together with the hamstring muscles, they help to align and stabilize the knee.
“And after the hit, mine were all shot,” Dave said.
“We’re all close friends and the guy who hit me cried when he saw my injury. No one wanted to hurt or be hurt. We all had to work the next day. Except me. Now, I couldn’t walk.”
Dave, 29, deputy warden at the Somerset County Jail and a mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter, went for treatment at Conemaugh Memorial Hospital’s emergency room in Johnstown.
He was immediately referred to Dr. Richard Goodrich, an orthopedic surgeon at the Conemaugh Health System who specializes in trauma and complex sports injuries, robotic-assisted joint replacements, and complex arthroscopic sports procedures.
“They told me he’s the best around. But I was still a bit concerned,” said the married father of two sons, ages 2 and 7.
“I saw horror stories on the internet from other places and stories about patients never returning to full strength,” he said.
“My job requires me to hinder incarcerated people – many of them very large. I have two boys who love to play sports, and my hobby is cage fighting. I need all the strength and mobility I can muster.”
Leading up to the operation, Dr. Goodrich explained the surgery, showed photos of the procedures, and told Dave he could expect a full recovery.
“Doctor Goodrich was spot on,” said Dave with a wide grin. “I definitely thought there'd be a lot of pain and discomfort after the operation. But there was no pain at all. The lack of pain – and how quickly my knee bounced back – actually surprised me. It all goes back to Doctor Goodrich.
“His calm demeanor, professionalism and character gave me confidence. I trust Doctor Goodrich and I’m back 100 percent. And that’s what it all boils down to.”