Patient Stories
Sutter Orthopaedic Institute
Ron - Back on the Bike
An avid cyclist, Ron grew concerned when he began experiencing pain in his groin about two years ago. "I thought it was a pulled muscle, but when my doctor took X-rays, my left hip was almost bone-on-bone," said the 60-year-old Applegate resident.
Ron's orthopedic surgeon, Todd Christensen, M.D., told him that he would likely need a total hip replacement surgery down the road to relieve the arthritis pain caused by the upper leg bone rubbing against the pelvic bone. In the meantime, Ron had his doctor's full support to continue cycling. The high school world history instructor continued to log miles on both the roads and the trails and found that the more he cycled, the better his hip felt.
Despite the temporary relief Ron experienced from cycling, his hip pain worsened over time. Following another visit to Dr. Christensen and more X-rays, the decision was made to schedule Ron's hip replacement surgery. Dr. Christensen performed the surgery at Sutter Auburn Faith Hospital in August, replacing Ron's hip with a titanium ball and socket, which would permanently relieve the pain of bone-on-bone contact. The day after his surgery, he began physical therapy, first in the hospital, and then, through the Sutter Visiting Nurse Association, at home.
"The Sutter VNA was just terrific," said Ron. "Nurses and physical therapists came out to my home to check on me and I didn't have to make a single phone call to set it all up."
Ron added that his wife, Michelle, was a key part of his support during his hospital stay and his first week at home. "She had to give me injections and provided a huge amount of physical and emotional support," he said.
Within three weeks of his total hip replacement surgery, Ron had put away the crutches and canes and was walking without assistance. He continues work with a physical therapist to strengthen the new hip and improve range of motion and stability. Ron will eventually begin riding a stationary bike at home and hopes to get back out on the roads when the time is right.
"Every aspect of my surgery, from pre-op to the physician and office staff to the hospital staff, was just great. I felt very well-supported and cared for," said Ron. "I am very optimistic about regaining full mobility and am very much looking forward to cycling again."
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