Vicki

Georgetown, Texas

Vicki, a 63 year-old resident of Georgetown, Texas, considers herself a nature lover. Whether it’s sitting in a tree waiting for the perfect deer to cross her path or riding her bicycle through the back roads of the country, outdoor activities are how she enjoys spending her free time. However, after severe pain struck in her right hip a few years ago, Vicki feared that she would never be able to enjoy her favorite activities again.

In July 2011, Vicki had returned home from a long bike ride when she felt a pain in her right hip as she dismounted. Assuming it was a pulled muscle; she took it easy over the next few weeks and refrained from strenuous activity. The pain continued, but it was more of a dull throb, so Vicki dealt with the discomfort. Over the next year and a half however, the pain progressively got worse and consultations with a chiropractor and physical therapist offered only mild and temporary improvements.

In December 2012, Vicki’s condition had deteriorated to the point where she wasn’t able to comfortably climb into a vehicle, let alone climb up her tree stand. “The pain had gotten so bad at that point that I had to force my leg up to get into the car. I remember thinking that it would be easier if I could just physically lift my leg up and put it where I wanted it, but I couldn’t bring myself to do that,” recalled Vicki. Having finally reached her tipping point, she scheduled a consultation with Dr. Clifton O’Meara at Georgetown Orthopedics.

An X-ray showed an alarming lack of cartilage on Vicki’s right hip. Knowing that her condition would only continue to worsen, Dr. O’Meara informed Vicki that she would require a hip replacement. He also informed her that she was 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, which is a common element to many other hip procedures. Dr. O’Meara indicated that this approach often results in a fast hospital recovery as compared to a traditional hip replacement and it spares hip muscles from being cut and causes minimal postoperative pain. Vicki scheduled an appointment for surgery that day.

One week later, Dr. O’Meara replaced Vicki’s right hip using the SuperPath® technique. Vicki went in for surgery in the morning and was walking around her room that afternoon. The following day Vicki walked the halls of the hospital and just three days after major surgery, climbed an entire flight of stairs.

Two days after coming from the hospital, Vicki felt secure enough to walk without assistance and stopped using her walker. After just four visits from her in-home physical therapist, Vicki was allowed to return to work. “Rehab really is early, it’s unbelievable. I highly recommend the SuperPath® technique,” said Vicki. “All of my friends and family know that I just had hip replacement surgery but they almost can’t believe it. I’m back to doing everything I’ve always done! I helped build a fence- – just one month after surgery. It’s amazing!”

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.