Of course, this was shocking news to someone who thought he was simply suffering from muscle spasms. But, Dr. Daluga encouraged Joe by telling him that whereas there was nothing that could have prevented the situation that he now found himself in; there was new technology that could “make Joe as good as 20 years ago.” And, Dr. Daluga further promised to have Joe back on his feet within two weeks.

The new technology in hip replacement that Dr. Daluga was speaking of was the recently FDA-cleared ceramic-on-ceramic hip replacement technology from Wright. Dr. Daluga felt strongly that ceramic-on-ceramic hip implants were the best solution for Joe, as he was a younger (55 years of age), active patient with approximately 30-35 years of active lifestyle ahead of him. With new ceramic-on-ceramic implants, Dr. Daluga assured Joe that he should be able to do everything that he used to do, with the caution that he preferred that Joe not jog. “You won’t believe how good you’re going to feel,” Dr. Daluga told Joe.

Joe’s response? “Dr. Daluga was absolutely right! It’s remarkable.” After deciding to opt for a single surgery for both hip implants in February of 2003, Joe was able to take three steps the morning after surgery – and ten more that afternoon. “There was a feeling of pressure, but the pain was immediately gone,” Joe relates. The next day, Joe walked twenty steps. After that second day, Joe went into physicial therapy for rehabilitation. “Some of the exercises that they demonstrated, I thought I’d never be able to do – but, within two days I could do them and walk the hallway, too.”

By strictly following the rehabilitation guidelines, Joe was back to work, part-time, within two weeks of the surgery. Within four weeks, he was able to work full-time again. And, at the ninety-day post-operative check-up, Dr. Daluga was so impressed with Joe’s physical condition (including his flexibility and walking gait), as well as the bone ingrowth around the implants, that he gave Joe approval to partake in any activity that he wished. With that news, Joe promptly returned home and began practicing his golf swing again. Within two more weeks, he had returned to playing his typical 18 holes each Saturday and Sunday – weather and travel permitting.

According to Joe, “I hadn’t realized how much my pain was actually affecting me, but post-surgery, my wife has commented on how much better I look. I no longer walk stooped over. Both she and my kids tell me how remarkable it is that I can do so much more now. They agree that I look and act much younger than before surgery. They wish I had done it a year ago.”

“Since my surgery, I have been contacted by two potential patients asking for advice and information regarding my experience with ceramic-on-ceramic hip implants. I tell them that they should have no fear, that they should feel comfortable with their doctor, follow the rehabilitation guidelines, and they will not believe how good they can feel again.”

For more information on Wright’s LINEAGE® Ceramic-Ceramic Hip – www.wmt.com/ceramic

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.