PATH® Technique Patient Testimonials - Kevin

Kevin, CONSERVE® Total Hip with BFH® Technology Recipient through the PATH® Minimally-Invasive Surgical Technique
Kevin is an engineer by trade, but for the past six years he has been a drag-racing enthusiast. Kevin began suffering from chronic hip pain in January 2005. His condition deteriorated to the point where he was limping badly, he could not sit down comfortably or lift his leg. Despite the pain, as a diehard drag racer, Kevin wanted to finish racing in the circuit before committing to any treatment or surgery. When he finally arrived at Dr. Stephen Riffenburgh’s office in August 2005, he was promptly diagnosed with a broken hip. The untreated break was, unfortunately, about eight months old, and the hip had not healed properly. X-rays showed the growth of bone spurs, and the whole hip socket was impacted.

Kevin underwent his first hip surgery (left side, traditional incision) in December 2005 and spent three weeks recovering before he could place his entire weight on the new hip.

Nine months after the first surgery, in October 2006, Kevin underwent a second hip implant for his right side. This time, Dr. Riffenburgh chose to implant Kevin with a CONSERVE® Total Hip with BFH® Technology using Wright’s patented PATH® minimally-invasive technique. This metal hip replacement was designed to wear less than traditional metal-on-plastic (polyethylene) components, and BFH® Technology reduces the risk of dislocation while increasing his hip’s range of motion, allowing Kevin to continue his active racing hobby.

As Kevin describes it, the second surgery was a “totally different experience”. He spent less than 72 hours in the hospital and was ready to walk completely unassisted just three days after discharge. It took only one week for Kevin to recover to the point where he was able to place all of his weight on the newly operated hip, and in 10 days Kevin was back to work full time. Kevin believes the PATH® surgical technique “made all the difference in the world” compared to the experience of his first surgery, which took much longer to heal as the surgical incision was longer and caused greater trauma to the surrounding tissue. Amazed by the accelerated recovery, Kevin feels that he is able to relate to tennis legend Jimmy Connors, who also underwent the same hip replacement procedure patented by Wright: “Me and Jimmy Connors; we’re your biggest fans.”

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.