Hiking with a New Hip

One Patient's Success Story

Eighteen months ago, 63-year-old Ann Loos finally decided to have hip replacement surgery to relieve the chronic pain she was experiencing. She could no longer take part in her favorite activities such as gardening, taking long walks and hiking with her husband. Even rolling over in bed had become difficult.

“I have always had an active lifestyle... walking, biking, fitness center workouts and classes, gardening and lifting young grandchildren,” says Ann. “Several years ago I started to experience occasional hip pain, which was diagnosed as bursitis/osteoarthritis. I started physical therapy and had cortisone shots, which helped in the short term, but over time the pain became worse.”

After researching hospitals and interviewing several doctors, Ann decided to make an appointment with Hany S. Bedair, MD, Medical Director of the Kaplan Joint Center and Chief of the Division of Arthroplasty, Newton-Wellesley Hospital to learn more about her pain relief options.

“I decided on Dr. Bedair and the Joint Center at Newton-Wellesley Hospital because it was a more intimate venue with a great reputation,” explains Ann. “I felt I would get more personal attention before and after my operation.”

The Kaplan Joint Center, a collaboration of Newton-Wellesley Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital, offers nationally renowned surgeons who perform a wide variety of surgical procedures for the hip, knee and shoulder, including joint replacement, minimally invasive arthroscopy and revision joint replacement. Patients come to the Center from all over the Northeast for surgical treatment of such orthopaedic disorders. Dr. Bedair’s expertise revolves around improving the practice of orthopaedic adult reconstruction. He is actively involved in clinical work, providing treatment for patients afflicted with arthritis of the hip and knee. In addition to providing clinical care and teaching, he has been conducting research on outcomes after hip and knee replacement surgery. Through his lectures (at the local, regional and national level), written works (peer-reviewed original research, topical reviews of the literature and book chapters in well-regarded texts), clinical research and involvement with professional societies, he has sought to improve the care for patients with arthritis of the hip and knee.

Dr. Bedair met with Ann and conducted a thorough evaluation.

“Ann and I discussed the pain that was limiting her activities,” says Dr. Bedair. “Her hip was stiff and her Xray showed advanced osteoarthritis. The hip joint is a ball-and-socket joint, which is designed to allow a wide range of motion and withstand considerable wear and tear. The joint has a cushion of cartilage that helps prevent friction as the hip bone moves in its socket. With age and injury, the cartilage can wear down or become damaged.” To relieve Ann’s pain, Dr. Bedair recommended a hip replacement.

“Arthritis leads to inflammation of the hip joint and breakdown of cartilage,” explains Dr. Bedair. “Hip pain gradually gets worse as arthritis progresses and patients may report stiffness and reduced range of motion. Diagnosing the cause of hip pain begins with talking to the patient to understand his or her pain and listening to the medical history. Based on Ann’s history, physical exam and X-ray, I recommended a hip replacement operation.”

Ann decided without hesitation to schedule her surgery.

“The pain was really limiting my normal activities, even walking and sleeping were painful,” says Ann. “I decided to be proactive about getting my hip replaced. My mother has had two hip replacements so I felt it was inevitable that I would have it done eventually.

Ann’s surgery went well and her recovery even better! “I spent three nights in the Hospital and felt that my recovery went smoothly and quickly. I definitely received the personal attention I was hoping for,” says Ann. “Once I was home Dr. Bedair and his nurse practitioner, Judy, responded quickly to the few concerns and questions I had.”

The team at the Joint Center uses various minimally invasive surgical techniques, which leads to decreased recovery time.

“We offer various conservative muscle and bone-sparing techniques and new, improved pain management methods that result in easier, faster recovery from joint repair and replacement and faster return to regular activities,” says Dr. Bedair.

Ann was diligent about her physical therapy. Ten days after her procedure she was walking more than a mile with her crutches and three weeks later she was doing stairs without assistance.

“Ann was an ideal patient. She listened to our suggestions and her recovery went very well!”says Dr. Bedair. “It is important to see a medical professional if hip pain causes discomfort or gets in the way of taking part in everyday activities. We can help you get back to a pain-free life!” Having her hip replaced gave Ann her life back and within six months she was back to all of her most loved pastimes. In fact, this spring Ann and her family completed a challenging 4,000 foot hike to the top of Mt. Jackson in the Presidential Range in NH.

“I come from a family of experienced hikers and they told me it would be a fun challenge,” says Ann. “The trail conditions that day were less than ideal, basically a river of ice and rocks. The hike took five hours and included a spectacular view at the top! It was the most difficult hike I have ever done. The next day the only part of my body that wasn’t sore was my new hip!”

Ann would encourage anyone living in pain to be proactive about seeking treatment.

“I tell anyone facing this surgery to seriously consider the Joint Center at Newton-Wellesley as his or her choice. After several years of chronic hip pain, I now rarely think about my hip. My husband and I felt cared for and cared about throughout the process. Kudos to Kaplan Joint Center!”

For more information about the Kaplan Joint Center at Newton- Wellesley Hospital, please call 1-855-KNEE-HIP (855-563-3447) or visit www.nwh.org/jointcenter.

Hany S. Bedair, MD

Medical Director of the Joint Center and Chief of the Division of Arthroplasty, Newton-Wellesley Hospital Dr. Bedair is board certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery and received his medical degree from Yale University School of Medicine. He completed his general surgical internship and residency in orthopaedic surgery at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Dr. Bedair completed an orthopaedic adult reconstruction fellowship at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago. He is a faculty member of the Harvard Medical School.