Click here to view a listing of all stories

Joint Replacement Surgery Offers Hope to Younger Patients

Advances in joint replacement technology have led to viable surgery for younger patients who can rid themselves of pain and return to the full functioning life they once knew. John first realized something was wrong at age 25 when he began experiencing severe hip pain. It was later diagnosed as avascular necrosis, a serious bone disorder in which the joint or bone actually “dies” due to a disruption of blood flow. John’s doctors treated him surgically with temporary success in an effort to keep him functional for as long as possible. For 20 years his pain was controlled by anti-inflammatory drugs and weight control. Ulcers From Ibuprofen By the late 80’s, John was developing ulcers from the enormous amounts of ibuprofen he was consuming. In 1998, when he returned to the orthopedist who had originally diagnosed and treated him, he received the grim news that his hip was in such a deteriorated state that the bones were grinding together, resulting in his increased pain. For the next couple of years John took medication twice a day but soon he was in so much pain he was having trouble moving his leg or even sleeping at night. A subsequent MRI, CT scan and bone scan revealed that his femur had totally collapsed. He was referred to Dr. Femino, who told John that the surgery would be demanding but that the outcome would be positive. Undergoing Surgery John underwent surgery, receiving a metal-on-metal hip implant that is expected to last more than 20 years. (Earlier implants had an expected longevity of about half that time.) After four days in the hospital and five days of therapy at a continuing care facility, he was sent home to recuperate. Three months after surgery John was back at the gym, pursuing an exercise routine that included a 15 minute mile on the treadmill and working with weights. In fact, he was back doing the same things he did before his surgery—working, exercise, yard work -- only now he was doing them pain-free. “My quality of life just went through the roof,” John says, explaining the way he felt about having the surgery. Everyone is so happy I had it done – they can see just by looking at my face how much better I feel.”