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

For the past 20 years, Fort Lauderdale resident Dan, 40, has committed his endeavors to developing the highest expertise in the art of traditional Japanese karate. His hard work was rewarded when he was invited to be part of the U.S. Karate Team in 1998. Dan trained and competed with the team for the next three years, but was eventually forced to withdraw due to severe pain in his hip.

While training six days a week and competing on a monthly basis, Dan attributed his aches and pains as a normal consequence of the intense physical activity. He was able to mentally zone out all pain during training to focus on winning, but this strategy eventually took its toll on his body.

After securing a third consecutive invitation to the US National Team destined for the 2000 World Tournament in Tokyo, Japan, Dan started experiencing sharp pains in his right hip. After three days of intensive team training, he was barely mobile. Initially his physician thought his hip pain was from excessive inflammation or a tissue tear and prescribed anti-inflammatory medication. Unfortunately, Dan never felt any relief.

Knowing he couldn't continue to live in such agony, he visited an orthopedic surgeon who recommended having an MRI, which showed the beginning stages of avascular necrosis - a type of hip disease caused by the loss of blood supply to the bone. The surgeon prescribed stronger medication and recommended that a follow-up MRI be taken 6 months later. Dan continued his training with less intensity and the addition of rehabbing exercises.

Prior to Dan's follow-up visit, his fear was magnified when his brother, an ER doctor, informed him that an inevitable hip replacement would end his karate career. Fearing his hip may have deteriorated to the point of needing surgery, Dan skipped his follow-up visit and continued his training hoping all of the physical activity would alleviate or eliminate his pain.

Several years later the pain had worsened and Dan's ability to move became more restricted. Dan once again sought medical help. Through pain management therapy and the exploration of non-surgical alternatives, he found temporary relief with stronger anti-inflammatory medications and direct cortisone and lubrication injections. The temporary treatments were just that, temporary, and his pain continued to get worse. Within a year Dan could hardly walk without limping, and even simple tasks such as tying his shoes became a struggle.

In addition to his limited mobility and flexibility, Dan gained 30 pounds. His wife, also a physician, started noticing that his health was declining. Blood tests later confirmed that he developed type II diabetes. With his health deteriorating, Dan could not ignore his condition any longer. He decided to have his hip replaced as soon as possible.

By chance, he attended a business meeting where an old friend asked about his hip and mentioned that a colleague had a hip replacement six months earlier and is now back leading an active lifestyle. Dan researched his options on the internet, discussed options with his family and had consultation with a local orthopedic surgeon.

Ultimately, Dan decided to have the CONSERVE® Total Hip with BFH® Technology because it could be implanted using the minimally-invasive PATH® technique which preserves important soft tissue during surgery which can quicken recovery time. Dan also liked that this hip replacement was designed to mimic the natural motion of the hip providing greater range of movement and a reduced chance of dislocation for active patients like him.

Dan was able to walk with assistance a couple of hours after waking up from his surgery and was released from the hospital the very next day. Within two days Dan was walking unassisted, taking only over-the-counter medication to alleviate his pain and walking up the stairs of his house by himself. After a few weeks of physical therapy he was back in the gym. Four months later, he went on a vacation in Vail, Colorado with little difficulty.

Dan can't believe how quickly he recovered and is looking forward to enjoying the rest of his life pain-free. Through exercise and proper diet management, blood tests confirmed that his diabetic indicators were well under control. His cholesterol levels had reduced significantly and he'd lost more than 35 pounds.

Dan looks forward to being physically active again as well as being able to train and teach karate. "I'll probably never compete at a national level again, but for me, Karate was never about competition. It was the ability to focus the mind to move quickly, powerfully, and efficiently. To achieve this, it not only requires complete focus of the mind, but total connection of the entire body as well. Now, I am able use my entire body again."

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.