Ron
CONSERVE®PLUS Total Hip resurfacing
More than eight years ago Ron at age 53 started to notice a decline in his hips’ range of motion. Soon his back began to hurt, and he had a hard time bending over to tie his shoes or to pick something up off the floor. The pain, stiffness and muscle cramping increased. Frequently, Ron couldn’t sleep through the night without waking up four or five times. He consulted with an orthopedic surgeon about the back pain and was surprised to learn that his hips were the problem. X-rays showed that the cartilage in his hips had deteriorated and was almost gone. The orthopedic surgeon recommended a complete hip replacement when the pain became unbearable - telling Ron to call “when you are ready.”

Ron was considering total hip replacements when he learned about a new procedure, hip resurfacing, from a friend. His friend shared an article on Dr. Marty Stachniw and Wright’s CONSERVE® PLUS Total Hip Resurfacing procedure. Ron was immediately interested in this new procedure and did in-depth research on its success in patients. He found it had many advantages for younger patients over a traditional total hip replacement. During hip resurfacing, very little bone is removed to insert the artificial metal femoral head, allowing patients to retain as much healthy bone as possible. Since hip resurfacing nearly replicates the body’s joint dimensions, it typically allows patients to maintain a more active lifestyle. The large diameter of the cup and shell components of the CONSERVE® PLUS implant is designed to allow patients a greater range of motion than is generally experienced with a total hip replacement.¹

Ron decided to pursue the resurfacing option and made an appointment with Dr. Stachniw. Dr. Stachniw identified Ron as a candidate for hip resurfacing and conducted the first surgery on March 31, 2005. He scheduled the other hip for resurfacing six weeks later on May 12, 2005. Ron recovered quickly after surgery spending just four days in the hospital each time. Physical therapy started 6 weeks after surgery to restore muscle mass. “By late August I was walking without pain, playing golf and had resumed normal activities,” Ron explained. “I’m extremely satisfied and can again sleep though the night. My range of motion is as good as when I was 45,” Ron continues. “When able after surgery, I walked 1 to 3 miles a day to recondition my body, and in October 2005, I hiked three miles up Harney Peak in the Black Hills of South Dakota.

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.