Vinny, LINEAGE® Acetabular Cup System
Having worked his way up the martial arts “ladder” to seventh-level black belt, over the past 40 years, 54 year-old Vincent “Vinny” is more than familiar dealing with grueling pain. He was diagnosed with osteoarthritis in his left hip 15 years ago, but five years ago the pain had grown so unbearable that he couldn’t climb stairs. Finally, in March 2002, Vinny took action. He visited Dr. Geoffrey Van Flandern of New England Baptist Hospital, and received Wright’s LINEAGE® Acetabular Cup System.

Vinny had some initial hesitations about his first major surgery, especially after well-known sports writer Dick Schaap died after complications from a hip replacement surgery months before Vinny was scheduled to have his surgery; however, Vinny’s close friend and martial artist legend Bill “Superfoot” Wallace had greatly benefited from hip replacement surgery and assured Vinny that having the surgery was a must if he wanted to continue performing martial arts at such a high level. Vinny did additional research on Dr. Van Flandern’s hip replacement recommendations and chose Wright’s LINEAGE® Ceramic-Ceramic Acetabular Cup System because of its durability.

Although Vinny felt strong enough to resume training soon after his surgery, Dr. Van Flandern warned him that the scar tissue around his left hip still needed to solidify. Luckily, it turned out that Vinny’s daily exercises helped his scar tissue harden at a faster rate, allowing him to fully jump back into his demanding training schedule just three months after the surgery. Now, Vinny teaches karate at a University in Massachusetts.

Vinny firmly believes that the LINEAGE® Ceramic Implant is “perfect for anyone who wants a more robust life.” No one is able to tell which hip is real, and in fact, his left artificial hip has a greater range of motion than his right hip. Because of the LINEAGE® System, he is able to participate in a select martial arts camp this summer will feature two karate masters from Okinawa—known as the best in the world. Vinny attributes his great results to the technologically-advanced LINEAGE® Ceramic Implant as well as the mental strength he has developed through his many years of martial arts training. Vinny wants young active adults who are frustrated with joint pain and afraid of surgery to realize that surgery like his can “turn back the clock 20 or even 30 years. It will allow you to stay fit and feel good about yourself.”

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.