Carl Savino
Hip replacement recipient
“My life has practically made a 360 degree turn.”
Up until the age of 51, Carl Savino had endured the pain of degenerative hip disease and the resulting negative effect on his life.
The disease, called Perthes Syndrome, is a deterioration of the circulatory system on top of the femur. Because of poor circulation the top of the bone flattens out and arthritis and pain becomes a permanent fixture.
While waiting to make up his mind about what to do about his problem, Carl’s hips deteriorated to a point where he felt surgery was his only hope.
After discussing the potential benefits and risks of surgery with his doctor, Carl took his doctor’s advice and was glad he did. Since surgery, “My life has practically made a 360 degree turn. With the help of physical therapy, I started to walk. I played a round of golf, first time in my life on Sunday.” But there are other benefits as well, somewhat intangible but of even greater impact. “I remember people saying to me, ‘you know we used to see you before your surgery and it always looked like you were in pain and you were grimacing and there was a certain look you had. And you’re just, your aura has changed completely…’”
Carl has his own explanation for the change. “I feel like a little boy who has gotten a bicycle for Christmas. And this little boy always wanted a bicycle and he finally got it. And he rode it and he rode it and he had this feeling that it was too good to be true… it’s a great quality of life and thank you to my doctor and to Stryker for their improving my life as much as they have.”
All surgery carries risk. See your orthopaedic surgeon to discuss your potential benefits and risks. Not all patients will have the same post-operative recovery and activity level. Individual results vary.
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Hip Replacements
Hip joint replacement is intended for use in individuals with joint disease resulting from degenerative and rheumatoid arthritis, avascular necrosis, fracture of the neck of the femur or functional deformity of the hip.
Joint replacement surgery is not appropriate for patients with certain types of infections, any mental or neuromuscular disorder which would create an unacceptable risk of prosthesis instability, prosthesis fixation failure or complications in postoperative care, compromised bone stock, skeletal immaturity, severe instability of the joint, or excessive body weight.
Like any surgery, joint replacement surgery has serious risks which include, but are not limited to, pain, infection, bone fracture, change in the treated leg length (hip), joint stiffness, hip joint fusion, amputation, peripheral neuropathies (nerve damage), circulatory compromise (including deep vein thrombosis (blood clots in the legs)), genitourinary disorders (including kidney failure), gastrointestinal disorders (including paralytic ileus (loss of intestinal digestive movement)), vascular disorders (including thrombus (blood clots), blood loss, or changes in blood pressure or heart rhythm), bronchopulmonary disorders (including emboli, stroke or pneumonia), heart attack, and death.
Implant related risks which may lead to a revision of the implant include dislocation, loosening, fracture, nerve damage, heterotopic bone formation (abnormal bone growth in tissue), wear of the implant, metal and/or foreign body sensitivity, soft tissue imbalance, osteolysis (localized progressive bone loss), audible sounds during motion, and reaction to particle debris. Hip implants may not provide the same feel or performance characteristics experienced with a normal healthy joint.
The information presented is for educational purposes only. Speak to your doctor to decide if joint replacement surgery is appropriate for you. Individual results vary and not all patients will return to the same activity level. The lifetime of any joint replacement is limited and depends on several factors like patient weight and activity level. Your doctor will counsel you about strategies to potentially prolong the lifetime of the device, including avoiding high-impact activities, such as running, as well as maintaining a healthy weight. It is important to closely follow your doctor’s instructions regarding post-surgery activity, treatment and follow-up care. Ask your doctor if a joint replacement is right for you.
Stryker Corporation or its other divisions or other corporate affiliated entities own, use or have applied for the following trademarks or service marks: Mako, Mobile Bearing Hip, Stryker, Together with our customers, we are driven to make healthcare better. All other trademarks are trademarks of their respective owners or holders.
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