Rick, CONSERVE^® Total Hip with BFH^® Technology via the PATH^® Technique Recipient

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At 57, Rick has been fortunate enough to turn his passion for karate and his experience as a 7th degree black belt into a rewarding career as a karate instructor. Just a few years ago, Rick started experiencing pain in his legs while performing certain martial arts moves. The pain worsened, causing Rick's left hip to audibly "crack" with each step. The pain in Rick's hip finally forced him to stop teaching and performing martial arts.

Rick tried massage therapy, acupuncture, ultrasound therapy and chiropractor sessions to ease the pain, but these therapies only worked temporarily. Rick began having difficulty with simple daily activities such as getting in and out of bed and putting on his shoes and clothes. After failing to find lasting relief, Rick went back to his doctor who diagnosed him with vascular necrosis and severe arthritis. By 2006, the pain was so intense that Rick was dependent on crutches.

Unable to deal with the pain and limited mobility, Rick consulted orthopaedic surgeon Dr. William Bose, who recommended hip replacement surgery. On June 5, 2007, Dr. Bose repaired Rick's damaged hip with Wright's CONSERVE® Total Hip with BFH® Technology using the PATH® Tissue-Sparing Surgical Technique. Incredibly, just one hour after surgery, Rick was able to stand and walk without being in excruciating pain for the first time in four years. A month post surgery, Rick could walk completely unassisted.

While Rick isn't capable of performing martial arts quite yet (date of profile: October 22, 2007), he knows that it's only a matter of time before he'll be back on the mat. He has been doing physical therapy and is now able to lift weights, stretch and even cycle on a stationary bike. Rick is grateful to be able to walk and have his mobility back. Before the surgery, he was in an unbearable amount of pain, and now Rick has hope for the future.

"I've had to deal with a lot of pain - broken bones and injuries - as a result of my job as a martial arts instructor. This procedure was a piece of cake. It was less painful than a root canal," says Rick. "To feel zero pain, after recovery, is like a fairy tale."

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.