Greetings from Houston, Texas! On
December 10, 2008 I had a Cormet Hip Resurfacing prosthesis using
the direct anterior approach performed by Dr. Stefan Kreuzer.  The
anterior direct approach (also known as “Smith Peteresen”) is
relatively rare in the U.S. as many surgeons have not yet been
trained with this approach.  The reported benefits of the direct
anterior approach are the avoidance of detaching the major muscle
groups from bone to access the femur as the muscles are spread
versus being cut or detached.  My incision is located on the front
of my thigh, beginning at groin height and going down about 5 1/2
inches.  I am now close to my two years mark and am happy to report
that I am doing very well…and am at 100%, and performing the same
activities as I was pre-surgery – with no pain!

Here is some information about me at time
of surgery:

*
I am 43 years old, very
athletic and am a competitive cyclist and triathlete.

*
In the three years
preceding my surgery, the past three years, my right hip became
progressively worse, losing range of motion, the loss of ability to
do basic life functions (tying shoes, lifting leg, etc.) due to
osteoarthritis. About 5 months prior to surgery, I got to the point
where I couldn’t even ride my road bike or ride a stationary bike
due to onset of pain that would start after about ½ hour into the
exercise.  While my pain level and loss of function appears to be
less than many others on who have had hip replacement on
SurfaceHippy, given my relatively young age, it was to point where I
had to get something done.

*
I researched different
surgical techniques and settled on the hip surfacing procedure
versus full replacement, considering my age and the minimal impact
of the procedure on my femur.  Once I decided on the hip resurfacing
procedure, I had to pick a doctor and the surgical approach
(posterior, anterior, cemented, uncemented, etc.)  While I am
definitely not an expert of these variables, I chose Dr. Kreuzer and
the direct anterior approach.

Post Surgery

*
Based on the outcome of my surgery, I would highly recommend
this procedure and my doctor, Dr. Kreuzer.

*
Following surgery, I didn’t have any formal physical therapy,
but used an indoor spinning bike to get aerobic condition and
strength back to my leg.  I combined it with a lot of stretching.

*
My range of motion is very good in my operated leg…even
better than my non-operated leg.  The range of motion was almost
100% right after surgery.

*
The only issue I have right now is nerve “deadness” on the
lower front and outside of my thigh beginning just below the bottom
of my incision (incision starts at the front and top of my thigh at
the top pants pocket and is about 5.5 inches downward from there).
There was damage to my lateral femoral cutaneous nerve which
innervates the skin on the lateral part of the thigh.  It doesn’t
affect mobility, but is dead to the touch at the skin.

*
I currently cycle (road cycling) competitively in Texas and
recently placed third place in a Texas state cycling competition.  I
have not lost any fitness or power due to the surgery, and probably
have gained a lot back due to the corrected hip.  I was able to
begin cycling following about 8 weeks after surgery.

In summary, I would highly recommend the hip resurfacing
procedure with Dr. Kreuzer.  More specifically, I recommend the
direct anterior approach given the fast recovery time.