Dave

Georgetown, Texas

Dave, a 72 year-old resident of Georgetown, Texas, is an avid tennis player. In fact, for over forty years, Dave has spent much of his free time on the tennis court. However, after pain struck in his right hip in early 2013, Dave feared that he would have to give up the game that he loved.

Dave was playing a friendly game of tennis when he noticed a slight twinge in his hip. “My initial thought was that I pulled my groin muscle, so I called it quits for the day,” he said. Though the pain was persistent, it was more of a dull ache, so Dave continued his day-to-day routine and didn’t let it stop him from getting back on the court.

However, the discomfort in Dave’s hip got progressively worse over the next several months and it started to affect more than just his tennis game. “One day while on the court, I went to grab a ball and pain just surged through my leg, I thought it was going to give out on me,” he recalled. Shortly thereafter he decided to consult a chiropractor, who worked prescribed a regimen of stretching exercises. Though that provided some relief, it was temporary, and the pain soon returned with a vengeance. “I remember thinking that I’m going to need a wheelchair pretty soon. That’s when I knew that I needed to go see a specialist,” Dave explained. Having finally reached his tipping point, he scheduled a consultation with Dr. Clifton O’Meara at Georgetown Orthopedics.

An X-ray showed that Dave’s right hip was bone on bone and knowing that his condition would only continue to get worse, Dr. O’Meara informed Dave that he would require a hip replacement. He explained that Dave would be a good candidate for the SuperPath®Total Hip Replacement technique by MicroPort, a method whereby the implant is built inside the body, so the hip is not dislocated or twisted into unnatural positions during surgery and nearby muscles and tendons are not severed, which is a common element to many other hip procedures. Dr. O’Meara indicated that this approach often results in minimal postoperative pain and a fast hospital recovery, compared to the traditional hip replacement surgery. Dave scheduled an appointment for surgery that day.

In April 2013, Dr. O’Meara replaced Dave’s right hip using the SuperPath® technique. Dave went in for surgery in the morning was standing by that afternoon. The following day, Dave walked the halls of the hospital and just two days after hip replacement surgery, Dave was able to go home.

Over the next couple of weeks, Dave used a walker for additional support while getting around, though he didn’t necessarily need it. “It just gave me peace of mind. I knew I could walk on my own, and sometimes I did, but I would take the walker around with me just in case,” he said.

On the verge of completing his five week physical therapy plan, Dave’s therapist can’t believe the progress he’s made it such a short time. Now walking unassisted, Dave is ready to get back on the court. “I can’t wait! I would have never thought that I would be able to play again so soon with the pain that I was in. Dr. O’Meara and the SuperPath®technique have been a blessing.”

The SuperPath® technique, from MicroPort, is a surgical method whereby the implant is built inside the body, so the hip is never twisted into unnatural positions during surgery — a common element to many other hip procedures. The SuperPath® technique enables surgeons to take into account each patient’s unique anatomy, select the most appropriate implant and selectively release a single tendon during surgery, only if necessary.

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.