Mike: Hip Revision / Replacement Study

As a baby, Mike was diagnosed with a congenital hip disorder and spent his childhood in a body cast and on crutches. The head orthopaedic surgeon at Children's Hospital Boston took an interest in Mike's case, and got his parents' permission to enroll him in a research study.

As an adult, Mike had both hip joints replaced, but they still caused him pain. Recently, Mike's wife heard about another study, this time at Dartmouth-Hitchcock. Mike signed up and learned right away that because his replacements had shifted, both hips would need to be replaced again.

In the study, orthopaedic surgeon Dr. Ivan Tomek was testing the durability and reliability of a new material that allows bone to re-grow in the hip socket.

Hip replacement surgery had come a long way since Mike's last operation. "I was amazed at the change in procedures and how fast everything went after I had the surgery," he said. He went home three days after the operation.

As part of the study, during every follow-up visit, Mike fills out questionnaires and has X-rays to ensure that all is well.

"When my wife approached me about this research study, I jumped at it because I felt that if it's going to benefit me, it's going to benefit somebody else too," Mike said. "The way I look at it, I wouldn't have these hips today if somebody didn't help out and do some research."

Now that his hips are healthy, Mike looks forward to hiking and playing with his grandchildren. "I plan on doing that because I feel great," he said.

For more information about Dartmouth-Hitchcock's Joint Replacement Program, visit http://bit.ly/dh_jnt.

Want to become involved in the study that Mike talked about? Visit http://bit.ly/dh_stryker.