Mark, Hip replacement gives soldier a
new lease on life
Mark, 48, isn’t your average hip
replacement patient. At 5 feet, 10 inches and 170 pounds, the
physically fit U.S. Navy petty officer and former special education
teacher was serving in Iraq and running half-marathons before
debilitating hip pain interrupted his way of life.
“While
I was in Iraq, my doctor gave me medication to relieve the pain in
my left leg,” Mark recalled. “It worked for a while, but then the
pain came back.”
Mark shrugged off his pain, thinking it was muscle strain. When
he realized that the medicine his doctor prescribed for him wasn’t
relieving his pain, he knew he had to do something. In February
2006, at age 47, Mark was referred to an orthopedic specialist at
Kelsey-Seybold Clinic and underwent a total hip replacement.
Glenn C. Landon, M.D., chief of Orthopedics and Medical Director
of specialties at Kelsey-Seybold Clinic, replaced Mark’s left hip
joint with Wright’s CONSERVE® Total Hip with BFH® Technology, an
implant designed to mimic the natural anatomy and motions of the hip
while reducing the incidence of dislocation, using the PATH®
tissue-sparing surgical technique. Dr. Landon is helping people like
Mark get back on their feet, fully mobile and pain-free.
“Active,
young people like Mark can benefit greatly from hip replacement
surgery,” said Dr. Landon, who helped pioneer minimally-invasive
surgery in Houston in 2002. “A 50-year-old man doesn’t have to wait
until he’s 60 to have hip replacement. Patients in their 20s, 30s
and 40s can have greater life expectancy and have fewer limitations
on what they can do.”
The results of Mark’s procedure were dramatic.
“Before the surgery, I felt really lousy. It hurt when I walked,”
said Mark, who lives in Seabrook, Texas. “I felt much better
immediately after the surgery and used a cane instead of a walker.
The nurses told me I should slow down.”
Surgery didn’t stop the once-active soldier and schoolteacher.
Five weeks after the surgery, Mark was recalled to Washington, D.C.
to serve his country for five months.
A “Hip” Generation
Mark is in good company. He is one of hundreds of thousands of
Americans who have had
hip replacement surgery.
According
to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, more than 375,000
hip replacements are performed each year in the United States. As
the Baby Boomer generation ages in the next 30 years, this number is
expected to increase by more than 60 percent.
Years ago, patients Mark’s age weren’t considered ideal
candidates for total hip replacement because it was considered risky
and unnecessary. In the past, orthopedic surgeons recommended
postponing the procedure as long as possible to reduce the chances
of having a second replacement surgery. Dr. Landon says his patients
are as young as 23 and are undergoing the surgery to get them back
to their lives.
“New generation devices and implants are being engineered to last
longer, which is good news for patients. A new hip joint can last up
to 30 years,” Dr. Landon said. “As more Americans live longer, hip
replacement surgery will become the treatment of choice.”
The Promise of Hip Replacement
New-and-improved technology like the CONSERVE® Total Hip with BFH®
Technology is making total hip replacement a safe and viable
alternative for patients who suffer from chronic pain stemming from
premature arthritis or hip malformation.
“Hip replacement surgery has come a long way,” Dr. Landon said.
“The improvements allow for more precise reconstruction of the hip.”
Time is also a big benefit. Now, patients can typically recover
more quickly from surgery lasting two hours or less. They are
usually up and walking the next day.
Dr.
Landon added that studies are underway to look at the long-term
benefits of minimally-invasive hip replacement. Next generation
imaging and computer-assisted implant designs and materials are also
being developed to improve the procedure and to prolong the lifespan
of the materials.
“With better devices, we are seeing longer wear and less reaction
from body tissue,” Dr. Landon said. “We have solved a lot of
problems over the last three decades. It’s looking better and better
every year.”
Getting His Stride Back
Mark’s love of running has rekindled his interest in returning to
the sport. When he’s not working at his military base, he works on
an elliptical machine to regain his strength. “I’m a work in
progress,” he said. With better mobility and less pain, he is glad
he had the surgery and is optimistic about his future.
“I’m not as competitive as I used to be on the track, but I enjoy
the competition,” Mark said. “I feel much better. I’m ready and
better than ever. I’ll probably go back to Iraq at least one more
time.”
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.
“While
I was in Iraq, my doctor gave me medication to relieve the pain in
my left leg,” Mark recalled. “It worked for a while, but then the
pain came back.” 
“Active,
young people like Mark can benefit greatly from hip replacement
surgery,” said Dr. Landon, who helped pioneer minimally-invasive
surgery in Houston in 2002. “A 50-year-old man doesn’t have to wait
until he’s 60 to have hip replacement. Patients in their 20s, 30s
and 40s can have greater life expectancy and have fewer limitations
on what they can do.” 
According
to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, more than 375,000
hip replacements are performed each year in the United States. As
the Baby Boomer generation ages in the next 30 years, this number is
expected to increase by more than 60 percent. 
Dr.
Landon added that studies are underway to look at the long-term
benefits of minimally-invasive hip replacement. Next generation
imaging and computer-assisted implant designs and materials are also
being developed to improve the procedure and to prolong the lifespan
of the materials. 
