Todd M. Mendham, NJ

I have been participating in sports and athletics since I was a young child. As an adult, I would run, lift weights, play tennis, and play golf. Exercise has been a huge part of my life. I was also very fortunate to have never broken a bone or spent a night in the hospital.

About three years ago I started getting hip pain that eventually changed the activities in which I was able to participate. Despite over a year of physical therapy and medication, I eventually gave up running and was only able to play doubles tennis. I also began to limp and was in constant pain. Eventually, I was unable to get through a full night of sleep without the pain waking me up.

Like most active 50-something individuals, I was concerned about my quality of life post-surgery. Giving up running and certain activities would have a huge impact on my life. I knew I needed to find the right procedure and surgeon to increase my odds of getting back to normal.

Both my parents and many friends over the years had surgery at HSS. Based on their successes there was never a doubt as to where I would go for my surgery. The biggest question was which surgeon at HSS would I use. After a variety of recommendations and a review of my insurance, I was left with a handful of choices. The first two doctors I visited, both very well regarded and experienced, told me that I would feel much better; but I would probably only get back to most, not all, of the activities I did before surgery.

The third doctor I visited, Dr. Friedrich Boettner, however, said that based on my age and bone structure, he believed he had the surgery to get me 100% back to where I was before. He recommended hip resurfacing, rather than a full hip replacement. After a lot of research it was clear that this surgery was for me.

Dr. Boettner and team performed my surgery on February 1st. My recovery period and experience was exactly as Dr. Boettner told me it would be. And I am happy to report that as of June, I was back doing everything I love. I play can play 18 holes of golf (walking), can play hours of singles tennis, and have run six miles on a variety of occasions -- all without pain. In fact, my surgically repaired side is more flexible and hurts less after activity than my other side.

All I can say is that Dr. Boettner is a miracle worker. He and his staff did a fantastic job and helped me get back to the life I was used to living. Thank you, Dr. Boettner.