I am a 52 year old female and had right hip resurfacing at the Hospital for Special Surgeries on July 6, 2007 with Dr. Edwin Su. Prior to that surgery I had had arthroscopic surgery to my right hip in 2002 for a labral tear that I had probably had for 30 years. I was a gymnast in college and had on and off pain since then. After the arthroscopic surgery at the HSS I diligently worked to get the range of motion and seemed to progress but never became pain free. I had right foot issues and got orthotics to correct that problem and since then I deteriorated and became bone on bone . I found my way to Dr. Su of the Hospital for Special Surgeries by way of Dr. Bryan Kelly also of HSS seeking his advise since I had found I had another labral tear , a hip impingement and bone on bone OA of the right hip. Dr. Su gave me the option of either a THR or hip resurfacing. I wanted hip resurfacing, but was concerned because I had had a reaction to bone cement when I had a temporary crown 10 years ago (when I did not know I was going to need a hip replacement) . The temporary crown was made of bone cement. My tongue and cheek became irritated and the dentist said that I was probably allergic to it and that it was bone cement the same cement they use in hip replacements. I remembered it and asked Dr. Su about a potential allergy . He felt it was unlikely but was able to find me a clinical trial out of Wayne state to send blood samples to. They were testing allergic responses to surgical material. I was found to be allergic to bone cement and Dr. Su was able to get me Biomet cementless devices which were just being manufactured. So I am extremely happy I had the crown! It is amazing how things happen for a reason. I was Dr. Su’s first cementless procedure. I believe he has done another since then. It was a little scary since Biomet only sent one implant. They are still working on their availability of sizes. It fit like a glove Dr. Su said. So the surgery went very well.

The HSS is a wonderful Hospital. I had a room on the East River and was able to watch the boats go by, it was very peaceful. My body felt truly at peace, with the pain of OA gone! The staff were very attentive, with Dr. Su checking in daily. I went home after 3 nights. My recovery went well and was able to walk on the beaches of the Outer Banks ,NC. on day 10, up to a mile at a time(with crutches). I was limp free at a month(even though I had been limping for 5 years). I was back to work teaching as a physical education teacher at 7 weeks. I now am playing volleyball, demonstrating skill while I teach, tennis, golf, coaching soccer ( running up and down the field). I am still working on my strength of my glutials and some of my range of motion. I continue to improve and am very grateful to have my life back. I love my new hip. Dr. Su took great care of me answering my questions and taking care of my needs. He is a great surgeon.