I have just been for my one year check up on my bilateral hip resurfacing and everything looks perfect. I had reached the point where I had constant pain and stiffness in both hips that was affecting every aspect of my working and private life. I am a dressage instructor so having functioning hips is crucial. I had been told that I had to have a THR but felt I was too young and active and fortunately met someone who had had a HR done by Dr. Gross. Dr Gross told me I could do them both in the same week which would mean less time off work and I had them done in April 2012. I started back riding in October and was back to full strength by January 2013. My hips feel wonderful, pain free and mobile, and I have not been able to ride this well for probably the past eight year. As a result of properly functioning hips I have far less lower back pain. I am so grateful to Dr Gross and Nurse Webb for giving me my life back. Thank you!!

Cathy Z

I am so grateful that Dr. Gross was willing to take me as a patient for hip re-surfacing on my left hip. With that intervention, I have been active, full of life and productive in the community.

The photo taken June 3 by a volunteer at the close of the 'Tour de Cure' bicycle event to benefit diabetes research. (This is a national program and two such events were held in Alaska, one in Anchorage and the other in Fairbanks.)

There were three levels of participation, 100 km, 50 km and 25 km. Thanks to the hip that is now working, I am happy to say that I completed the 25 km route (along with about 500 other people), had a wonderful time, and raised $150 for diabetes research.

The other photo is of myself, a friend and our combined team of 4 huskies (mine here is the one on the far left), pulling out of a snow-covered slough to the west of my cabin 88 miles north of here. That photo taken in April of this year - spring comes late in this part of the country!

I have already recommended your medical facility to several others. Thank you so much for all you do.

V.C. Biomet Hip Resurfacing

At 5 months post op now, wow I love, love, love my new hip.  I feel as if I have been reborn.  Sounds corny but it is true. I have so much more energy now that it is not going towards how bad my hip hurts! The decision to do HR vs. THR was the best decision I have ever made.  The picture below was taken last weekend in Pawley's Island, SC just short of 15 weeks post-op.  I am pain free and am now able to enjoy the things I like to do.  I am a professor of physical education and athletic training, I also teach gymnastics and practice yoga.  Prior to surgery, I was a mess!  I could no longer do the activities I enjoy and daily life just plain hurt.  I am feeling fantastic now.   I love my new hip and hope for many pain free years out of it.  The difference between now and 6 weeks post-op is amazing relative to ROM and strength.  I am also looking forward to running and playing tennis again soon. When my hip went bad I thought my "physical life" was over.  Thank you for restoring such an important aspect of my life.  Please share this with Dr. Gross, he is amazing and I am so lucky he is in my hometown or I might have never done HR.

Sincerely,
L. C. RHSR uncemented 12/2011

I put together a short video showing me before and after my hip resurfacing. I wanted to share it with you.

I am two years post op TOMORROW. My hip is wonderful and not a day goes by that I don't think about how great it is to be pain free! Before my surgery, I could barely tie my own shoes and had constant pain 24 hours a day! I was taking anti-inflammatory medication non-stop, to keep the pain manageable. I was only 38 years old, and had three small children. I couldn't play any sports with my kids, the pain was too much. Being in constant pain was ruining my quality of life. Even when I went to bed at night, my hip would throb and make me miserable. I knew I had to do something and sought out a surgeon - and I am so glad I found Dr. Gross!

Now my hip is pain free. Even though it doesn't hurt, I still think about it every day though! Every time I put on my shoes in the morning I think about the "old" me..and really appreciate what Dr. Gross and Lee Webb did for me! I have been so active since my surgery it is wonderful. I have been jogging, bike riding, weight lifting, and even playing basketball!

Thank you for giving me my life back!!!

Please feel free to use this video on your website, or in any fashion you want. I made this video when I was about 8 months post op.... I'm now two years post op and feel even better!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KBeqQ-sH8Zo

-S.C. Temecula, CA, 2/23/11

Left Hip Resurfacing - Biomet uncemented

I am doing exceptionally well with my hip and want to share with you an achievement from last summer (2011) that would have been impossible without my resurfaced hip. Last August we went to Colorado for vacation and I successfully hiked to the summit of Pikes Peak at 14,110 ft. I hiked it alone on the Barr Trail which is a 13 mile hike with an elevation gain of 7400 ft from the trailhead to the summit. It took me 7 hours and 20 minutes to complete. The first 10 miles took me approximately 4 hours to hike and the last 3 miles above the tree line at 12,000 ft.It took me 3 hours to complete. This was the most difficut physical thing I have ever done and it was absoutely the most rewarding by far. My hip performed beautifully with zero issues.

I wanted to share that accomplishment with you and Dr. Gross as I would not have been able to do something like this prior to my
hip resurfacing.

Thanks again,

M H. HSR, 8/2007

Not sure how many 64 year old gals you have to show off Dr. Gross's work and both of your superb care :-). There are two NC state medals--one for a winning softball senior games team (55-60) and the other for winning the NC racquetball in my age group (60-64.) Both qualified me for the Nationals in 2013. The larger medals are for a first and second place in an Eastern National Senior Racquetball event. Bottom line--I couldn't have done ANY of this without this amazing surgery!

Hope all's well with everyone -- best always!  D.S.

I have played badminton since the age 9, and competitively for 50 years.  Over the years, I have won a couple of US National singles titles, several regional single and doubles titles, have coached little kids, big kids, and college level badminton teams.
In early 2010, it became difficult to play.  Osteoarthritis in my left hip made playtime extremely painful; my movements around the court became much slower and a noticeable limp and affect were evident.  In June of 2010, I stopped playing altogether, as it had become difficult to even walk.
My first appointment with Dr. Gross’s office was August 10 and we scheduled surgery for Nov. 1.  Within two weeks, post-operatively, I was walking 1.5 miles without crutches, a cane or even PAIN.  After following all the rules and exercises for 6 months, I slowly started to play badminton again.  I played in a doubles tournament at 9 months; won both masters doubles events event s with my partner.  At 11 months, I played in both singles and doubles master events, and won all events I entered. 
It is impossible to imagine the difference a year makes after having hip resurfacing ala Dr. Gross.  My “refreshed” hip is pain free; my range of motion, coordination, even lower back health are all, as good as, or better than they have been for several years.  Badminton is a sport requiring quickness, agility, impact, and leg/core strength at advanced levels of play.  My resurfaced hip is definitely up to the task.    

Bill M. Left Uncemented HSR 11/2010

It's been 7 months now since having my 2nd hip resurfaced, and just wanted to let you know things are going well. A couple of days ago I completed a rim to rim to rim hike of the Grand Canyon. (all the way across and back, 45 miles with approx. 11,000' total elevation gain)

Along the way, as could be expected, there were some little nagging discomforts--100+ degree heat, back fatigue, sore feet, etc. One thing I NEVER thought about was my new hip. I'd done lots of training over the last few months to train; lots of hills and very long hikes, (including a couple of 14,000' peaks in CO in July, at 5 months post-op) and throughout that process the hip felt very natural.

I just wanted to thank you all for the great work you do. I'm looking forward to lots more great adventures ahead, and I'll keep you posted along the way!

Terri G. Uncemented HSR

11 months following hip resurfacing surgery, that's me participating in the 2011 Escape From Alcatraz triathlon.  Diagnosed with osteoarthritis, plus osteopenia, in one hip, I began my rehab 3 months after surgery, doing swimming, indoor cycling and water jogging.  The first few months upon hitting the pavement, I would experience leg pain in the ITB area on the surgical side, which limited my distance.  Plus, for a few minutes, I would get a post-run limp .  Tho I did walk, on purpose, quite a bit at Alcatraz I had neither leg pain or a post-run limp.  Kudos to Dr. Gross and his excellent staff for restoring my ability to do triathlons.

RB
Right uncemented HSR Dr. Gross 7/7/2010

Hi Everyone – I wanted to give you all an update as to some of my activities since surgery on April 30, 2007.

As you know, I went skiing (downhill) in February 2008 and felt like my old self.  I had skied in pain in 2005 and 2006, not at all in 2007.  Now I was skiing like I did 10 years ago!

This summer I have been riding my jet ski, swimming, lifting weights and do pretty much anything I want.  

After Dr. Gross cleared me to play baseball (hardball) at my one year check-up (April 2008), I started to do some running on grass.  I also started throwing and hitting with great results.  I just now (September 24, 2008) finished playing in our summer baseball league (July – September).  We tied for the league championship.  I run the bases, play the outfield and run down fly balls and line drives.  I hit both right-handed and left-handed.  I am a former Division I baseball player and had played after college until I was unable to play because of my hip arthritis.  I really missed playing.  Now, I can play again and I FEEL GREAT!!!!  These photos were taken at our field.  I am holding the ball I hit for my first base hit after my surgery.  I now plan to go to Florida in November to play in the Roy Hobbs Tournament again after missing four years. 

So as you can tell, my experience with the Biomet Cementless ReCap has been GREAT!!!  Every day I am reminded of how fortunate I am to have been a patient of Dr. Gross and Lee Webb and I am thankful to them every day.  I share my experience with others I meet who are in pain and need the same surgery.  I know I received a great gift from a caring, gifted and innovative team.  Their talent and dedication are unsurpassed.  I will never be able to thank all my friends at Midlands Orthopaedics enough…but I will keep trying.

Bill DeBoer -- Biomet Cementless Rt.Hip April 07

I wanted to briefly share with you my progress so far.  I am at the 7 month post op date and have (for some time now) happily returned to playing basketball on a regular basis. 

I think about you, Nancy, Dr Gross, and everyone at your wonderful practice often, and words can't express how grateful I am to all of you for helping me get back to being an active participant in my life. Thank you!

Wes Byrd -- Biomet Cementless Rt.Hip July 2009

Hi Lee!  I am feeling great!! I wanted to share my story with you in hopes that it may inspire others with hope of a great future after Hip/Knee replacement. I had a right hip resurfacing and a left total knee replacement with Dr. Gross in the same week, one year ago.
At first, going through the initial physical therapy was tough.  But day after day, I was stronger and stronger and inspired to get better, I have 2 young boys and I wanted to actively be part of their lives!
I have been telling anyone who would listen that I was training and planned to compete in a Triathlon event! The competition was this past Saturday morning (9/25/10) my goal was to finish the race and secondly not come in last! MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!

Billy C. Right Biomet uncemented hip resurfacing 2009
Left Biomet Signature total knee 2009

Greetings,

This is me after a 1.2 mile (one way) 792' elevation change hike in
Glacier National Park!!!!!
This was in Canada-overlooking Waterton Lakes.
(Just one of many strenuous hikes we made)

1 year post op on right hip, Plus
5 months post op on the left hip.

I could not have done it without you guys, and Dr. Gross, too.

Back playing golf also.

Dave H. Bilateral Uncemented Recap

Dr. Gross and  Lee
  I want to thank you and your staff on the wonderful results I have had
since the Hemi-replacement on my left knee and the total replacement on
my right. Having been a runner, a two time Boston Marathon qualifier,
and Ultra- Marathoner I was very concerned that my running days were
over. You actually brought a new meaning of running to me. No longer
being able to run fast, I turned to pushing kids with disabilities. How
rewarding, no marathon in the world could give me the satisfaction that
I have while pushing these kids. I am overwhelmed with excitement from
looking at their faces every time I cross the finish line. I feel like
they can experience the wind pushing against their face, and the runners
high by just being involved. Runners greet them and make them feel like
just like another runner. The smile on their faces is priceless. I have
hopes of pushing one child for a Marathon 26.2 miles in the fall of 2010
 
 Thank You again and special thanks to Nancy who I keep up on my running
adventures. How can you hurt when pushing my new friends. they look so
forward to it. They im sure would love to feel the pain.
"Never Limit Where Running Can Take You"

Mike R. Right total knee and Left Unicompartmental knee

From the time I was a small child, I’ve loved being around and riding horses.  A few years ago, that had to be given up, along with many other physical activities due to severe osteoarthritis in my right hip.  Upon realizing that the joint needed replacement, I began looking for options—Mayo Clinic and local orthopaedic surgeons to name a few.  Thankfully, a colleague at my agency told me about her father, who traveled from Colorado in 2005 to Columbia, SC for hip resurfacing with Dr. Gross.  I immediately looked up the website, read everything and viewed the videos, then contacted Lee.  Within a few weeks, my prayers were answered and I have been riding horses again since spring of 2008.  On September 6 my husband took this picture of Ebony and me, a horse I ride in Wolf Laurel, NC where we have a retirement home.  Being able to do what I love and be physically active again is worth much more than any money could buy! Thank you, Dr. Gross, Lee, Nancy and all the TEAM at Midlands Ortho.

Connie G., Ponte Vedra Beach, FL
Right hip resurface, November 2007

Hello to everyone. My name is Vincent and I have just completed my 1st year follow up examination after receiving my Biomet Femoral Cement-less Resurfacing procedure performed by Dr. Gross. My check up was excellent and is just further evidence of how great I feel. With great appreciation I want to share my experience with Dr. Gross and staff and to everyone considering hip replacement / resurfacing surgery.

Background: I was a 45 year old 7 year retired natural professional bodybuilder at the time of my surgery (April 8, 2009). I worked full time in a computer chip manufacturing line and also won the WNBF Pro Mr. Universe in my spare time. At the top of my career I developed severe osteoarthritis in my right hip. I decided that competitive sports at that level were over but with 30 years experience in health and fitness I was determined to manage my condition as long as I could. My wife owns a large gymnastics school and we have two young sons so staying fit and mobile was important. I had a very active lifestyle but as the condition progressed so did my enjoyment for activity. I am not one to take any pain medication so it began to impact my life and my family greatly.

I am big on research and was always looking for alternatives to total hip replacement. As hip resurfacing began to come into the media spotlight I had scheduled a Birmingham resurfacing procedure at a prominent joint institution here in Pennsylvania were we live. I cancelled a week before the surgery because I just was not satisfied with whole experience. I began to research more and came across Dr. Gross. I can honestly say that I was totally impressed at the level of patient information, care, and skill level that was apparent from viewing his website. Both the website and communication with Ms. Webb and Ms. Smith totally informed me of the whole process. They were excellent. I scheduled the surgery after being evaluated by Dr. Gross and my family and I drove down to Columbia, SC from PA.

Surgery: The entire surgical experience for my family and I was tremendous. All of Dr. Gross’s staff, Ms. Webb, Ms. Smith, Midlands Orthopedics, Providence Hospital, and many others were just beautiful people to work with. I cannot express enough about the care that was given to me and my family prior, during, and after the surgery. Most of my pre-op tests were done in PA so we had extra time to spend with our children. We stayed at the Courtyard Marriott which is next to the hospital and a short drive from Midlands Orthopedics in Irmo. Excellent none-stressful arrangements are the result and an asset greatly appreciated by out of state patients. The surgery came and went and I lay in the hospital bed totally amazed that I had no pain or sickness of any kind. I was released on Friday after a Wednesday surgery. Everyone in Providence Hospital was great and I was extremely happy with my decision to come to South Carolina. We drove back to PA in a two day stretch making it easy for everyone. I felt no pain at all and took only 3 vicodin while traveling per Dr. Gross’s recommendation. I never took any other pain meds to date. Dr. Gross’s surgical talent is unbelievable, small four inch incision, superior pain management, super fast recovery, what else can I say.

Recovery: My recovery went really well. I will say that I did train for months prior to my surgery and got in the best possible shape I could. I knew that this would aid in a fast recovery. That being said Dr Gross put me on a slow down recovery program because I had osteopenia in my right femoral head with a T-score of -2.0 on my Dexa scan. He also prescribed calcitonin nasal spray for a year. All of this was done to minimize any chance for femoral neck fractures. I will admit that I did listen to all of his advice even though I felt like I could do a lot more. Six weeks on crutches and four with a cane. Again I will say that I had no pain at all. The very first day I was home I was walking 1.5 miles on crutches. In nine days I was driving to our gym and working out for my upper body. I did all of my PT exercises that were given to me at hospital at least twice a day. I never missed any PT training. I did have swelling in my lower leg that would occur from being up all day but icing and elevating at night would make it disappear. After three and a half weeks I had no more swelling at all. My wife and children were great helping me when needed but after a few days I was doing everything on my crutches.

At six weeks I was off crutches and walking 3 miles a day with a cane. My wife had a hard time keeping up with me. At 10 weeks I was off of my cane and walking as normal with only a very slight limp. At four months I felt totally normal to do anything. I was cautious because I did not want to stress my femoral neck while healing. Dr Gross informed me that the bone will heal up to one year and then stop. Therefore I was keeping high impact activities such as sprinting or jumping to a minimum. At five months I was very strong and completely returned to any activity I felt like doing. I have enclosed some pictures hiking the PA Appalachian Mountains and bodybuilding at about five months post op.

Conclusion: My decision to go to South Carolina and have a hip resurfacing procedure done by Dr Gross has been very rewarding. It has given back to me the ability to do everything I enjoyed doing prior to my osteoarthritis. With two young boys and a wife who will enjoy hiking, biking, hunting, fishing, weightlifting, running, and just about anything else with their dad, who can put a value on that. Dr. Gross is simply a brilliant surgeon that is consistently expanding his skills with new state of the art procedures and technologies. He surrounds himself with an extremely knowledgeable compassionate support team that makes his entire life changing service unsurpassed in the medical industry.

Dr. Gross, Ms. Webb, Ms. Smith, and team thank you for everything.

May God Bless You All.

Vince M Uncemented Recap 4/8/2009

How are you, Lee and Dr. Gross? I pray you are all well.

I am doing just great. Started riding my horse about 2 months ago, and just like Dr. Gross promised, I can do things on my horse that I could never do before. I am a dressage rider, so being flexible in my hips and seat are critical to cuing my horse to do her maneuvers. Now I can do these things thanks to you’all!! 
I am also walking 2-4 miles daily. Working on yoga stretches, etc. No pain, but much gain!!  Here I am on my bike during a vacation to Florida in February. Now that summer has come to Wisconsin, I’m up to about 35 miles per trip. I will be riding in a 2-day 150 mile benefit for lymphoma in July 2010, so I’m working to get myself in shape (especially my backside, if you know what I mean!).

Please give my best wishes to all. I am anxious to see you’all again!

Cathy T.Bilateral uncemented Recaps R 5/13/2009; L 7/6/2009.

I had surgery to resurface my left hip in March 2005 at the age of 39. I was extremely active for my entire life. I was a gymnast in high school and started running in college. I continued to run after college and started teaching high impact and step aerobics. I did high-impact type cardiovascular exercises for 2-4 hours per day, 6 days a week. After 10 years of wear and tear on my hip, I couldn't run anymore and limped when I walked. I began road biking because it didn't hurt. Eventually even road biking hurt. A local sports medicine orthopedic surgeon took an X-ray and said I had no cartilage in my left hip. He suggested a hip replacement. A second surgeon agreed with the first. I was devastated. I continued to live in pain because I didn't want to have a hip replacement. A friend told me his son had his hip resurfaced and was surfing 8 weeks later. Another man brought me an article about hip resurfacing and Dr. Gross. I cried because I knew there was hope that I could again have an active lifestyle. I sent my X-Rays to Dr. Gross in November 2004, and when he called me at home a week or two later to discuss my case, I was 90% sure I was going to have him resurface my hip. After all, what doctor calls someone at home to discuss their case? I met with him in January 2005 and scheduled the surgery for March 2005.

Since the surgery, I no longer limp and almost feel as good as new. My main forms of exercise are road biking, the elliptical trainer, walking, spinning and swimming. I've also been able to run a little (3-5 miles, once per week), ski (snow and water), weight lift, hike and yoga (although I'll probably never be able to do some of the moves). In September 2009, I competed as part of an all-female team in the Augusta 1/2 ironman. I was the biker on the team and completed the 56 mile course in 2 hours and 54 minutes (19.3 mph average). After I ran the bike to my team-mate in the transition area, I jumped up and down because my time was pretty darn good and because I felt great. Before the surgery, I probably would have averaged closer to 15 mph since my hip would hurt if I pushed too hard.

I honestly believe Dr. Gross, Lee Webb and their team gave me my life back. Not just my physically active life, but my mental life. I'm happier and I no longer snap at people because my hip hurts. I've found exercise is the best way for me to relieve stress. With age, I learned to work out smarter because I want this hip to last!

J.L. Biomet Cemented, Left March 2005

My life has been centered on being a professional sports instructor for almost forty years; teaching high level snow skiing eight hours a day, seven days a week, for going on forty winters; and teaching high level windsurfing many hours a day in Hawaii for over 25 summers.
 After hundreds of hours of research and a few orthopedic consultations, I discovered and visited Dr. Gross and Lee Webb in 2007. I was extremely impressed by their degree of caring, their striving for the highest level of perfection, and their unending patience and dedication to what is best for their patients. I decided that they were my team when the time was right. My research made me confident in the uncemented Biomet resurfacing procedure developed by Dr. Gross.
The experience in South Carolina was wonderful from start to finish; very sincere and caring people, and a relatively pleasant and painless surgical experience.
At exactly six months, I excitedly got back on skis, and spent the first day skiing advanced runs in powder and mixed conditions. There were initially some sore and scary moments, since I did not exactly start off nice and easy like Dr Gross had suggested, but it was very wonderful and exciting to feel that the new hip was going to work. I immediately went back to my regular eight hours a day teaching schedule for the entire season, and the new hip performed very well in all conditions. I celebrated the end of my “new hip” season with a week of helicopter skiing up in the Canadian Rockies. The first year has had lots of little twinges, aches, and sore times from the soft tissue healing; but already during this first season, the joint has less pain, and much more range of motion than before. Other activities like walking, jogging, and biking are better than in many years. This summer, I am looking forward to lots of windsurfing, surfing, and maybe getting back into tennis for the first time in years.
I am filled with respect and gratitude for Dr. Gross, Lee Webb, and the rest of their team; and would highly recommend them to anyone wanting to get a second chance for a bad hip.

John C. Biomet Uncemented, April 2008

My story is very similiar to that of many of other patients. I was an avid runner for many years and  developed severe arthritis in my right hip by my mid forties. After waiting a few years and giving up just about all my outside activities, I dedided that surgery was inevitable. I spent a lot of time on the Internet exploring hip resurfacing and various surgeons and decided on Dr. Gross.  My local surgeons in the Pittsburgh area either didn't recommend resurfacing or had very little experience. After talking with Dr. Gross on the phone I was sure I did the right thing.
The entire experience went exactly as I was told it would. I couldn't believe the lack of pain after the surgery. The hospital was spotless and the entire team was courteous and professional. It is so rare in today's world to encounter such precision. 
My recovery went well and I went from crutches to a cane at about a week. I followed the exercise program and used the ice machine as much as possible. It is truly fantastic.  My walking progressed rather slowly until I tried a 4 mile walk and developed a bit of bursitis which was managed with a few weeks of Celebrex. I learned not to overdue it and listen to my body. I realized some were running at a few months but I wasn't ready. I began using the elliptical machine as well as walking and started cycling as soon as the weather broke.  I can now ride 30 miles and am exercising at least 4-5 times per week. My recent backpack trip downt the Pacific Coast was quite an experience. My boys and I hiked for 3 days, along the beach and thru the woods, about 25 miles total with heavy backpacks.I initially thought my hip wouldn't take the extra weight, especially climbing steep rope ladders, but I had absolutely no problems and felt great. I could never have done it a year ago!!
Suffice to say that I am extremely happy with my new hip and because of everyone at Midlands Ortho I have my life back. I always tell anyone I meet to get it done as soon as possible. It is truly lifechanging.

T.S. Biomet Uncemented, Right, Sep 2008

For 10 years, I struggled with the aftermath of a corticosteroid-induced AVN episode in my left hip, leaving me with bone-on-bone severe pain and large cysts within the femoral head. I'd been an active triathlete since 1985, and had completed the Canada Ironman 6 months before a cortisone injection for poison oak led to early AVN and the total loss of cartilage in my left hip. (My right hip has remained completely healthy). Triathlon, running, XC skiing, backpacking - are all essential for my psychology and happiness, and a standard "total hip" was too depressing to think about. I dropped my research in astronomy and spent hundreds of hours learning everything at the University of California San Francisco Medical Libary about bone, cartilage, hips, hip surgery, and AVN. Through SurfaceHippy on yahoo groups, I discovered Dr. Gross and decided his improved design of a femoral cap was my best option for returning to an active life. His design promised a much stronger bond between metal cap and bone than competing designs, and the porous ingrowth surface would provide a strong bond with my bone. This interface could even be expected to heal (with care) from minor traumas which would instead lead to ultimate failure in a cemented cap. While waiting for the availability was longer than I'd planned, I'm very happy with the results. In my office visits and correspondence, Dr. Gross was clear, detailed, informative, non-condescending, and gave me options on how to deal with my severe osteoporosis. He was clearly excited and enthusiastic when discussing hip prostheses and design criteria. This was very telling for me. I did not want a 9-to-5 doc who would assembly-line a hip for me with old technology. While my bone quality was not strong, he felt (and I agreed) that the evidence suggested my osteoporosis was inactivity-induced, and that my bone quality would markedly improve once I could resume activity. He advised 2g/day of calcium with appropriate vitamin D. I'm extremely grateful that he allowed me to be one of the first of the uncemented Biomet ReCap patients - in June 2007. This too was important for me - I wanted a doctor who would respect my understandings, my choices, and give me an honest appraisal of the risk/reward for my options rather than force me into a choice which might be proven in the short term, but not provide the hoped-for longevity. I was clear that I understood the uncertainties and believed this design was the best for me, and he honored my wishes.
My enthusiastic thanks to Dr. Gross and his excellent and professional staff in making my trip to South Carolina and surgery such a wonderful life-changer for me!

Rick N- Biomet Cementless Left Hip June 2007

Dr. Gross performed surgery on me on January 30th 2008. 345 days later I finished the Disney half marathon in under 2 hours. In fact my time was within 5 seconds of the time I ran just three short years ago. The hip feels great and I'm negotiating with my wife Sally about the upcoming Pittsburgh Marathon. She wants me to be cautious and I want to be 21 years old again. I'm back to playing hockey twice a week again. I'm still building back my strength and speed, but I play without pain or even a thought of my hip. Really the only time I think about it is when I pass through airport security.

I'm looking forward to better things to come. But I wanted you to know that I thought a lot about each of you during my training for the race. In fact my Ipod playlist for the race included at least on selection from the Eagles just for Lee. Truly I can't express in words how grateful I am for your care and skill. My active lifestyle is back and like many of your patients, I still have more mountains to climb and dragons to slay. I couldn't have done it without you.

Mike T - Feb 2009

I can't believe it's been almost 3 years since I had my right hip resurfaced and 2.5 years since my left hip was resurfaced.  It turned out better than I ever imagined.  When you're frozen and in pain, it's hard to imagine that you will ever feel normal again, let alone be active and enjoy the things you once did before osteoarthritis set in.   When being able to do the things you love is taken away...and then given back, it's a feeling like I've never experienced.   I am Grateful everyday for the life I have gotten back and I enjoy every minute of it.  Today, I hike, spin, practice yoga, do some light jogging and walk with friends.  I went skiing in Colorado this past Christmas and at Thanksgiving I ran a 5 K...and I thought to myself...I wish Dr. Gross and Lee could see me now!!  My mantra that has driven me through all of this is...

"Life is not measured by the number of breathe's we take,
but by the number of moments that take our breathe away". 

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for allowing me to once again experience moments that take my breathe away.  I will be forever grateful.  

Linda S- 1/2009. Bilateral: Right - 3/06; Left  - 10/06

I did a tremendous amount of research when I found out my hip had problems, spoke to a lot of people and there is no doubt in my mind I chose the right doctor. Thank you all so much for giving me the ability again to do those things I love to do again. I remember Dr. Gross telling me I was only the fourth person he had installed a cementless device in and I don’t regret that decision at all either. Not only is everyone very skilled at their job, but all of you are terrific and good people.
I was hunting the following August with my wife (surgery was on March 28) and in November I was back to snowmobiling. This is a picture of myself snowmobiling in December of that year and as you can see I am not a person to stay on the trails. I love the deep powder and once again I can enjoy the powder with no pain in the hip. I can also wrestle with my grandkids again and you can put no price on that. My world has become what it used to be.

Thank you very much.

Tom A.-L Biomet Uncemented, 3/28/2008

I attached a photo from a short 4 mile hike in Rocky Mountain National Park last weekend (Nov. 2008) in Colorado. I never would have done that hike nor the other one in Lake Louise, Alberta in early October without my resurfaced hip. The October hike started way down below at that big building. Please feel free to show these photos to your prospective patients who are still pondering whether resurfacing is worth the trouble.

Thanks.

K L - L Hip 10/17/2007

Please include this picture as part of my 5-year follow up for Hip-resurfacing surgery.  I am on the right with my youngest daughter, Cassie, on the bottom left.  We are skiing black diamond runs at Moonlight Basin in the grand state of Montana.  
For most people, our legacy is not created by the degrees we earn or the money we make.  Ultimately, it is the memories we leave our children and our grandchildren. Thank you and Dr. Gross for giving me the opportunity to make some of those memories.

- Ed W.

I am in the process of completing my 4-year follow up after you and Dr. Gross resurfaced my left hip (June, 2004). At the time of my surgery, my youngest son, Jack, was undergoing chemotherapy for leukemia. He has now been declared "cured"!! This past August I rode in a charity bike ride
called the Pan Mass Challenge (www.pmc.org <http://www.pmc.org/> ) and raised over $13,000.00 for the Dana Farber Cancer Institute / Jimmy Fund Clinic (the hospital that saved his life). I am enclosing a photo of Jack and myself.

- Jim.

Wishing Dr. Gross, Lee and staff a Healthy and Happy 2009. You guys are always in my thoughts as I journey forth without pain. Thought I'd share with you what your great work has done once again. This was taken of me Christmas morning at our mountain. We have gotten hammered with snowstorm after snowstorm, and someone has to ski this stuff. LOL. Also found out Dr. Gross has done a number of skiers in Crested Butte, where I used to live. We should have a reunion there!
Again, may I wish a year of happiness for you all...

- S P.

I wanted to let you know a few success stories since I had my hip resurfaced by Dr. Gross. In August of 2006, approx. 1 year after surgery, I met my goal of climbing my first Colorado 14 thousand foot peak called “Grey’s Peak”. 1 week later I got pregnant and we are expecting our first child in May. For years I could not consider having a baby due to the chronic and constant pain that I was living with. The surgery has changed my life back to what it used to be. I am happy, peaceful and can focus on so many other things now that my pain is gone. Please pass this on to Dr. Gross and thank him again for the wonderful job he did on me.

- Tara P.

This is the Grand Gulch in Southeastern Utah. There is wonderful ancient rock art and beautiful cliff dwellings to be seen. It was a cold day with the temps in the 30's. The hip gave me NO problems, especially since I was carrying a bunch of gear and food in my pack. My friend took this picture of me. Every step I take now in the canyons, I thank my lucky stars I found you guys. All the sounds and sights seem to be more enhanced when you are given a second chance.

- Shelly P.