Darwin, LINEAGE® Ceramic Hip Recipient
Darwin is no stranger to physical pain and discomfort. His wife and friends joke about him being the bionic man, due to the number of injuries and surgical procedures he has endured over his lifetime.

Darwin is a 70 year-old Korean War veteran who, in the course of his years in service, earned two purple hearts for courage and determination. Darwin received nine injuries while in combat, including damage to his left hip when an explosion threw him down a rocky mountain. Despite the constant pain, Darwin chose to remain in Korea and fight, believing he was meant to be there with his comrades. Ultimately, he was forced to go home when shrapnel from a land mine damaged his legs.

As a result of his war injuries, Darwin will continue to have a series of serious medical complications. The most recent complication has been increased debilitating pain in his hip, which has limited daily activities such as walking, getting in and out of bed, and even bending over to tie shoes.

Darwin consulted with his orthopaedic surgeon, Dr. Samuel Hakki, about his increasingly uncomfortable and debilitating hip pain. Dr. Hakki advised a total hip replacement, but explained to Darwin that he had an increased chance of complications of hip surgery. Darwin understood the risks and agreed to the operation performed by Dr Hakki - the pain was that great.

The total hip replacement surgery was scheduled in July 2003, and Darwin was implanted with recently FDA-cleared ceramic technology - the LINEAGE® Ceramic-on-Ceramic Total Hip System. The new ceramic materials are longer-lasting with low wear rates equating to improved hip function. This means that Darwin's ceramic implant has a reduced risk of implant failure in the future.

Now, less than 6 months after the procedure, Darwin's hip is fully recovered. Darwin has not had any problems with his new hip. He is able to walk, bend to tie shoes, and get in and out of his favorite chair with absolutely no hip pain. Darwin claims that his new hip feels even better than his original hip felt before the war. He has more freedom and range of motion with his hip than he can ever remember and would recommend the ceramic hip to anyone.

"The hip replacement was the easiest of all my surgeries and if my right hip started to bother me, I would have it replaced with a Wright ceramic hip, in an instant!"

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.

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