At the time, it didn’t seem like such a bad fall. I was able to quickly get back to my feet. The pain in my elbow was really bad and the swollen nature if the dislocation was such that I didn’t even notice the pain in my hip. Over the next week or so, as treatment on the elbow had begun, I begin to notice more and more pain in my right hip and had developed a significant limp.

The initial diagnosis of the hip was a minor fracture of the acetabulum. Physical therapy was the prescribed treatment. After months of PT, it was not getting any better. In fact, the pain was increasing and motion was becoming more restricted. Injections of the hip did not produce any better results. Eventually, the diagnosis came back that the injury to the hip produced a significant onset on existing Osteoarthritis. Before the injury, I never knew the arthritis was present. A total hip replacement was the only answer.

The doctor I was seeing was very good. However, he only did posterior surgery. From what I was able to learn, the anterior approach was the much better way to go. “Everyone” was recommending I travel to Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) in NYC. Not being a fan of dealing with travel into the city, not to mention the cost of a trip, I searched for a doctor in my area (Somerset, NJ).

My search led me to Dr. Stephen Kayiaros at University Orthopaedic Associates, right in my town. The fact he had trained at HSS led me to call for an appointment immediately. At my first appointment he confirmed the diagnosis and determined I was a good candidate for outpatient surgery. I must say that I was completely impressed by his knowledge and how he carried himself (despite his very youthful appearance, he knows his stuff!).

The day of the surgery came. I was in surgery at 7:30am and back in my own home by noon. The incision was minimal. The recovery went extremely well. Very quickly I was back to my pre-injury self. My range of motion with the right hip is great. To be able to do the “little things” like putting on my shoes and socks without pain or effort is wonderful.

It’s only been six months but I am very pleased with the results. Dr. Kayiaros and all the staff have been great! From the receptionist when you first walk in the door, to his Physician’s Assistant, to the nurses, to the x-ray technicians, to the insurance specialist, to his assistant who scheduled my surgery, all the way to the final desk… everyone was pleasant and great to deal with, I am very pleased with them all and highly recommend them.