Scott
CONSERVE® PLUS Total Hip Resurfacing Recipient
According to Scott, who hails from California, “Nobody abuses their hips like I do.” At 45 years old, Scott has participated in bicycle races, backcountry skiing, and cross-country skiing for more than 20 years. However, because of a genetic predisposition to arthritis, Scott developed osteoarthritis in his left hip in his early 30s. By the time he was 36, his left hip joint was bone-on-bone.

Scott was beginning to fear the end of his cycling career, but learned about hip resurfacing and Wright’s CONSERVE® PLUS Hip Resurfacing clinical trial. During hip resurfacing, very little bone is removed to insert the artificial metal femoral head over the top of the femur, allowing patients to retain as much healthy bone as possible. This option seemed preferable to Scott to a total hip replacement because of his active lifestyle, so he began to research doctors in his area. Through an online community group, Scott found the Joint Replacement Institute of Los Angeles and Dr. Thomas Schmalzried, who was participating in the CONSERVE® PLUS trial.

Meanwhile, Scott tried to remain active as much as possible and although he had trouble driving and walking, he still rode his bicycle. “Riding a bike is very forgiving because you’re not bearing too much weight on your hip,” Scott explained. But knowing that his riding days were numbered, two years after he first heard about hip resurfacing, he finally decided to call Dr. Schmalzried. In May of 2002, Scott underwent surgery.

Scott remembers feeling an instant and dramatic reduction in pain after the surgery. In less than six weeks, he no longer had to use crutches or a cane to get around –in eight weeks he was back on his bike. One of Scott’s major goals was to bend his knee up to his chest. Despite the fact that he did not participate in traditional physical therapy, Scott reached this goal fairly quickly. “After a year and a half, it was just about fine-tuning,” Scott said. “Now, my range of motion is better than ever before.”

After spending fifteen years in California doing television and film production, Scott still participates in an occasional film project but spends the majority of his time with his teammates preparing for the next big race. He is grateful for the procedure and says, “It was the only option to get my life back.” His positive experience with the CONSERVE® PLUS Hip Resurfacing procedure is giving him hope for his left hip that is now painful.

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.