Larry, CONSERVE^® Total Hip with BFH^® Techology Recipient

Larry has an extremely active lifestyle: he is a soccer coach, practices karate and runs. More than 20 years ago, he had ACL surgery in his right knee. Following the surgery, he began favoring his right leg at the expense of his left. By the time he was 41, he had developed osteoarthritis in his left hip.

The pain was severe, but Larry doesn't like to take medications, so he pursued treatment through acupuncture and physical therapy. When these proved insufficient, Larry sought counsel from Dr. Shapiro and, based on his recommendation, Larry had his left hip replaced on March 22, 2006.

Prior to the hip replacement, Larry “really couldn't do anything.” He says that the hip pain was like nothing he had experienced before, and unlike the pain from his knee injury, there was nothing he could do to escape it. He was in pain just standing or walking, and even while sitting or lying down. Larry had reached a stage where he was no longer able to withstand the pain, and his resolve to avoid medications broke down: he was taking aspirin every night just to get to sleep. He wasn't able to run or practice karate, and while he had always been in terrific shape, he didn't want to lose his athletic abilities. He wanted to have the hip replacement as soon as possible.

Dr. Shapiro chose to implant Larry with the CONSERVE^® Total Hip with BFH^® Technology. This hip replacement is designed to wear less than traditional metal-on-plastic (polyethylene) components, and the large femoral head increases range of motion and possibly reduces the risk of dislocation, allowing Larry to carry on in his active lifestyle, pain-free.

Following his surgery, Larry has already begun to see his muscles building back up, and says that while he's still not in prime shape, he is “1000 times better than before.” He is now active again. At 44, he felt like an old man, but now says that the hip replacement made a world of difference.

Larry compares the impact of his hip replacement to that of the laser eye surgery he's had: “I couldn't see well at all, and when I had eye surgery, suddenly I could see again. The hip surgery was the same: the impact was immediate and enormous.”

Before the surgery, I couldn't run, I couldn't play soccer. Now, there's no pain in the joint at all. Hip replacement gave me my life back.”

These results are specific to this individual only. Individual results and activity levels after surgery vary and depend on many factors including age, weight and prior activity level.
There are risks and recovery times associated with surgery and there are certain individuals who should not undergo surgery.
Only a physician can tell you if this product and associated procedure are right for you and your unique circumstances. Please consult with a physician for complete information regarding benefits, risks and possible outcomes.