Patient Testimonials

David, CONSERVE® Total Hip with BFH® Technology Recipient

David had been a high school wrestling champion and remained passionate and involved in the sport well into adulthood. Arthritis in his left hip forced him out of wrestling in his mid-40s. But a hip replacement in December 2003 using the CONSERVE® Big Femoral Head (BFH® Technology) allowed him to return to the mat and win a national wrestling tournament in his 50-and-older division.

“I told him after six months of healing and rehab he was cleared for whatever he wanted to do,” said David’s surgeon, James Grimes, M.D., of Bakersfield, Calif. “When I heard he was entering a wrestling tournament I warned him of some problems he might have with certain positions. But he took it to the limit and obviously it turned out very well.”

Beginning in his early 40s, David’s arthritis began taking its toll by causing him pain and limited flexibility. Along with wrestling he had enjoyed an active outdoor lifestyle that included horse riding, fishing and hiking. But now he was limited.

“It seemed like it was getting worse by the month,” David said. “I had to stop wrestling and it was getting harder and harder to climb on a horse. I was beginning to walk with a noticeable limp.”

For a while he and his physician tried to treat the problem with anti-inflammatory drugs and other treatments. But the arthritis progressed, and it became difficult to do even the normal things, such as getting dressed.

“I thought, no way I’m going to be 50 years old and using a walker to get around,” he said. “There were too many things I wanted to do.”

So he did some research on hip replacement surgery and talked to Dr. Grimes about it. He said he wanted a new hip, one that would give him the most flexibility and durability available. And Dr. Grimes told him about BFH® Technology and an advanced surgical procedure that would preclude having to cut through any major muscles.

“The BFH® technology allows patients to have a very good range of motion without problems of joint dislocation. It was the perfect choice for David, considering the very physical things he wanted to do,” Grimes said.

After six months of healing and physical therapy, Dr. Grimes gave David the go-ahead with no restrictions, although he said there would be some risk associated with doing something as physical as wrestling. David began training for the Veterans National tournament held in New Orleans. And just 10 months after surgery David entered, wrestled, and won his division.

“It meant so much to me just to be able to do it, to train with other wrestlers and to get myself back into good enough condition to compete. It was a gift, and it was a huge thrill for me. It was like a miracle,” David said.

Today, David continues to train and coach wrestling part-time a state college in California, where his son is a student and wrestler. He also coaches on a volunteer basis at a local high school. He is riding horses again, as well as hopping across rocks and streams while fishing and hiking – all pain free.

“It might seem like I was young for a hip replacement,” David said. “But my choice was to have the quality of life while I’m still able to do the things I love to do. I’m very happy with my decision.”

Individual results may vary. These results are specific to this patient only. The activities described may be inconsistent with package labeling. Consult your physician for complete information regarding this product.

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