Ken Hartmann New York, NY

About a year and a half ago, I thought I pulled my groin. No big deal. We all do it. When it hadn't healed after a year I figured maybe it was something else and made an appointment for an x-ray at HSS. At this point in my life, I was in the midst of a 50 pound weight loss and was working out everyday. (Running stairs, primarily! But also hockey and plenty of biking.) So when the words "hip replacement" were used, my jaw hit the floor. I was referred to Dr. Friedrich Boettner who took the time to explain in detail what was going on and the available options. In short, I had a condition called FAI and the cartilage in my hip was almost gone. Dr. Boettner recommended a hip resurfacing due to my age and desire to remain active. I was still a bit incredulous because I still wasn't in tremendous amounts of pain. But sure enough, as was accurately predicted, I can tell you EXACTLY where I was the moment the last bit of cartilage was lost and the hip joint was fully bone on bone. Ouch!! Not nice!! I had my surgery in early January and it was by far the best decision I ever made. Within two hours of waking up, the PT staff had me on a walker. Within 4 days I was on a stationary bike. Within 3 weeks I was back to work. (And as a bartender and chef who spends every moment moving on his feet, this was miraculous.) I can't thank Dr. Boettner, his assistant Michelle, and all the wonderful nurses and PT's enough for their care, attention, and support. Three and a half months post-surgery, I'm back on my bike, back working out, and most definitely back in the game!