Virginia, LINEAGE® Ceramic-Ceramic Hip Recipient
When she was seven months old, physicians did not think Virginia, now 26 and a mother of two, would ever be able to walk. She had contracted pneumonia three times. The infection spread to her right hip, causing a deformity of the hip and socket. Doctors attempted to fix the deformity through surgery. After months in a body cast, Virginia went on to develop normally. She began walking at 20 months and lived an active childhood; she even played soccer in high school.

When Virginia was 17, she became pregnant with her first child. For the first time since infancy, she began experiencing pain in her right hip. As the pregnancy carried into the second and third trimesters, the pain worsened. After she had her son, the pain subsided, except when it rained. Virginia involuntarily became a “weathergirl” since she could predict when it would rain, based on pain that would creep into her right hip.

About two years ago, Virginia became pregnant with her second child. Her hip pain became significantly worse during this pregnancy. Unlike the first time around, the pain persisted even after she had her daughter. Virginia was only 24 years old and was distraught that routine activities, like getting out of bed in the morning and shopping at Wal-Mart, were becoming more and more painful. When it got so bad that it hindered Virginia and her husband’s intimacy, Virginia sought the advice of Dr. John Mays, an orthopaedic surgeon.

Dr. Mays explained that Virginia’s hip did not congeal properly and, as a result, she developed a bone spur and severe arthritis. Dr. Mays prescribed anti-inflammatories, but they made Virginia sick to her stomach and did a poor job of alleviating the pain. It became clear to Virginia that if she wanted to regain an active, pain-free lifestyle, total hip replacement surgery was inevitable.

Since Virginia was only 26, Dr. Mays wanted to provide her with an implant that would wear well and potentially last many years. He recommended Wright’s LINEAGE® Ceramic-on-Ceramic Total Hip Implant, a hip option with lower wear than traditional implants. Ceramic bearing materials potentially extend the lifespan of the implant by reducing the wear generated by the hip components, while also potentially lowering the risk of the implant loosening, which is related to traditional polyethylene (plastic) components wear.

Virginia had surgery on May 10, 2004 and she has seen significant improvements in her pain and mobility. With her physical confidence restored, she is able to chase her little girl around the yard and attend her son’s little league games. Virginia no longer takes everyday tasks like walking up stairs for granted, and she is glad she made the right decision to treat her condition.

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.