My Hip Resurfacing Journey – From Diagnosis to Full Recovery

[blobywan]

Hello everyone,

I'm 43 years old and live in Ludwigshafen, Germany. I'm a very active person — volleyball (middle blocker), mountain biking, swimming, snowboarding — and a father of three young kids.

About ten years ago, I was diagnosed with FAI, hip dysplasia, and osteoarthritis. It all started after an ice hockey training session when I felt intense groin pain. After five months of physiotherapy, my orthopaedist ordered X-rays and an MRI. The diagnosis was clear, and the question became not if, but when I'd need a joint replacement.

Thanks to self-massage and staying active, I managed to live mostly pain-free for years. During that time, I discovered the Surface Hippy forum and learned about hip resurfacing — which gave me hope.

Eventually, the pain worsened (surprise!), and I booked surgery for April 14, 2023, with Dr. Raimund Völker at Klinik Dr. Decker in Munich.

Pre-op concerns:
I had many questions and fears, but Dr. Koen Desmet and Dr. Völker reassured me — especially about returning to sports. Dr. Völker even said I could be back playing volleyball after 3 months. I personally planned for 9–12 months before jumping again.

Post-op experience:
Surgery: Smooth and professional. I only remember about 5 minutes of intense pain right after.

Day 1: I stood up.

Day 3: I walked around the clinic courtyard.

Day 4: I went home.

6 weeks: Two crutches, calm recovery.

Afterwards: Stationary bike, rehab, steady progress.

2.5 months: Bought a gravel bike — something I couldn't ride before due to joint position.

3 months: Played beach volleyball (planned to go slow... didn't work 😄).

6 months: Back to indoor volleyball.

Now, 2.5 years later, I'm more active, more patient, and simply happier. Living with constant pain is hard to describe — and the relief after surgery is life-changing. With three small kids, being active again was essential. My expectations were exceeded.

I received a Birmingham Hip Resurfacing (BHR) from Dr. Völker and can recommend it without hesitation. It may sound cliché, but it truly gave me my life back.

Dr. Völker and his team were fantastic — from the first consultation to follow-ups. I'm also grateful for this forum, which helped me realize that resurfacing was the right choice.

Dr. Völker was also the first in Germany to introduce the ceramic resurfacing implant "ReCerf" — a great option for even more patients.

I look forward to a pain-free future and hope my story helps others, just as online stories helped me.

Best wishes, Mathieu

[Pat Walter]

Congratulations and Thank You for sharing your story.  People like to read personal stories when they want to learn more about hip resurfacing.  I also shared your story on the main website.     Mathieu's Hip Resurfacing with Dr. Volker 2023 - Hip Resurfacing at Surface Hippy    I wish you the very best and hope to read an update sometime.     

Pat