Tom Hip Resurfacing Dr. Vail 2001
In 1995 I was diagnosed with a bone on bone situation in my right hip. At the time I was 56 years old and extremely active, which included regular physical fitness. Due to my lifestyle and age my doctor felt I was too young to have a replacement since the normal procedure has a limited life which meant I would probably need to have it replaced one or more times in my lifetime (heredity indicates longevity). So I went on the Ibuprofen diet, hoping to get by for several years more. In early 2000 I gave up and scheduled an appointment with a local orthopedic surgeon. The weekend prior to that appointment I saw a story on one of the news programs about a ballet dancer that had both hips re-done with a new procedure and was back to dancing. I cancelled my appointment and proceeded to track this gentleman down. I was successful and learned of Dr. Amstutz and the Orthopedic Hospital in L.A.
Further calls and I finally connected with Mark Adams who was administering this experimental program with the Wright C+. Unfortunately the waiting list was too long for me to participate, but Mark told me if I could hold on they would have other surgeons trained later in the year.
I did and in September when I checked back with Mark they had Dr. Thomas Vail certified to do this procedure at Duke Hospital. Since I live in Asheville, NC that hospital was perfect. I contacted Dr. Vail’s office, was approved for the surgery and had it done on January 17th, 2001. I was 61 at the time and received a Wright C+. I was out of Duke Hospital on the third morning, rehabbing two days later and back to work in 10 days.
This procedure is nothing short of a miracle. My right hip functions virtually the same as my left, I have no pain or soreness ever, and my legs are exactly the same length, which I think is one reason why my hip functions so well.
Based on the doctor’s recommendation the only changes I’ve made is I no longer jog or play tennis, but I still work out 5 mornings a week, hike, bicycle, swim, golf, ride motorcycles, and horses to name a few of my regular activities. There is virtually no difference in strength or range of motion between my right and left sides.
I had it checked annually for the first 10 years and the X-rays can be overlaid and they look like one. And as of 2 years ago there are no metal particulates in my bloodstream. I have friends with the regular hip replacement and they do not enjoy the same quality of life. I am convinced the “resurfacing” is a far, far superior procedure.
I have been truly blessed by the good Lord.
Regards Tom