For nearly 3 years painful osteo-arthritis has made a 55-year-old feel 30 years older. He is getting a hip replacement using new FDA approved ceramic on ceramic material. It is designed for highly active patients. It will last longer and wear less than the current standard metal on plastic ball socket.

“I can’t walk any distance – it pains me. Any weight that compresses my joint just hurts too much so I can’t do anything active.”

As we get older, the normal function of the hip joint could be interfered with – you get hit playing sports – a car accident or arthritis. In his circumstance he has lost cartilage so instead of being a smooth joint, it is painful because it is not a smooth joint. To a hip that is worn, he has got bone spurs.

A new socket with its internal parts made from super strong ceramic will replace the worn out right socket in Steve’s pelvis. A stemmed metal implant with a ceramic piece at the tip will be placed on the bone as an anchor on Steve’s right leg to fit into the socket. The super strong ceramic pieces in the socket are the key compared to the current plastic and steel in the socket and the tip.

Main benefit or difference is durability what we are hoping is the difference is durability what we are hoping is the difference they will feel in 20-30 years that the hip will still be functioning and stable and not require revision surgery down the road.

So what is the expectation what are we hoping for? By May 1st to walk on the golf course, carry my granddaughter – I will be a happy camper. In May, we will check on Steve’s progress and pledge to play golf.

Twenty seven hundred patients like Steve have hip replacement surgery done every year in Colorado. The current metal on plastic is good traditional components that can last 10-15 years. This ceramic on ceramic is designed to last longer.

The ceramic costs 20% more, insurance should cover it. Your doctor can make a determination which one is best for you.

The Orthopedic Surgeons are: Dr. Ted Stringer & Dr. Jim Duffey. Dr. Ted Stringer can be reached at 719-574-8383