SuperPath® hip experiences - Laureen

Laureen, a 70 year old resident of Boynton Beach, Fla., recently discovered a love of golf and routinely played several times per week. However, a deteriorating right hip forced her to give up the game and she feared that her hiatus may become permanent.

The pain started as a dull ache that became more uncomfortable over time. Despite the discomfort, Laureen went about her daily routine and resolved to live with the pain.

However, about a year after the trouble began, Laureen’s hip was so sore that she had trouble walking. Convinced that she needed to take action, Laureen saw her physician and received a cortisone shot to ease the discomfort. Over the course of the next few months she received three additional shots, but they provided only temporary relief. Shortly thereafter, the pain was so debilitating that Laureen could barely walk so she made the decision to see a specialist.

Laureen met with Dr. Elvis Grandic of Orthopedic Surgery Associates in Boynton Beach, who came highly recommended. Dr. Grandic told Laureen that she had a degenerative hip and advised her that she was a candidate for the SuperPath^® Total Hip Replacement procedure from MicroPort. Dr. Grandic explained to Laureen that with SuperPath^®, the implant is built inside the body, so the hip is not dislocated or twisted into unnatural positions during surgery, which is a common element to many other hip procedures. He also noted that the procedure was less invasive to the hip muscles when compared to the traditional hip replacement, so her muscles might enjoy minimal pain and a quickened recovery.

In April 2012, Laureen received her new hip. Two hours after the procedure, Laureen was sitting up in a chair and just 2 hours later she was up and walking. Two days after surgery, Laureen ditched her walker and started using a cane for support. She was walking without a cane just 24 hours later. She completed five weeks of physical therapy to regain the strength in her hip.

Today, Laureen is back on the golf course and couldn’t be happier. “My daughter is a physical therapist and was amazed at my recovery. She couldn’t believe how quickly I was walking by myself after surgery,” Laureen said. “Would I recommend the SuperPath^®procedure? Absolutely – I already have!”

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.