Hear What Patients Have To Say / Patient Success Stories
Dewey Earwood
Years of competing in notable tournaments interrupted by progressive pain in both hips.
Dewey Earwood is an inspiration to many in the South Carolina martial arts community. He has been a "patron of martial arts" for over 30 years, and as President of the South Carolina Karate Circuit, Dewey attends many national and world tournaments and currently manages three karate studios where he instructs karate classes full-time. The self-disciplining sport of Karate may explain the zealous and steadfast nature of the 56 year old, who has experienced three hip surgeries within the past three years.
Years of competing in notable tournaments such as the Las Vegas Legacy International and the Guatemala Games were interrupted by progressive pain in both of Dewey's hips. His left hip, the more painful of the two, would suddenly lock up, causing Dewey to take smaller steps. "When I began waking up in agonizing pain during the night, I decided it was time to see a doctor." Dr. Gross of Midlands Orthopaedics, in Columbia, SC, diagnosed Dewey with osteoarthritis in both hips. He suggested surgery as soon as possible since little cartilage remained in Dewey's joints. In August of 2000, Dewey had his left hip replaced and his right hip was replaced three months later. Within a few days following each surgery, Dewey was back in his 7,000 square foot facility coaching karate. "It's hard to keep me down," Dewey says.
Dewey was devoted to his physical therapy. He did everything his physical therapist asked him to do, which included various leg lift exercises with leg weights. Within a year after his revision surgery, Dewey's energy level returned to 100%, and he was able to resume his normal physical activities. "I just have been blessed. I have nothing to complain about, nothing," says Dewey.
Dr. Gross tells Dewey that his phenomenal results are due to his excellent physical condition. Dewey keeps both his upper and lower body in shape by lifting weights three days a week. He avoids doing squat exercises or activities that require repeated pounding, like running on pavement and playing tennis. However, the M2a-38™ hip implant is designed to provide enhanced range of motion and a low wear rate which allows Dewey to continue what he loves doing best: Karate.
Although he chooses to no longer compete himself, Dewey was recently asked to be the U.S. coach for the World Team in June 2004 in Spain. "I can't say it enough, but God has blessed me so much. I'm also thankful for my experienced surgeon, Dr. Gross," Dewey says. Also in December 2003, Dewey was voted "The 2003 Martial Arts Sensei of the Year" by Kids Karate Television Online, a premier online forum highlighting young martial art athletes around the world.
He tells future hip replacement patients, "Number one, don't give up. Number two, do all your therapy and don't cut it short. Don't let a hip replacement put you in a chair and make you think you can't do anything. It's important to me to share my experience with others if I can help them not give up."
This article is meant solely as a human interest story and is not meant to constitute medical advice.
While the patient in this story is a true joint replacement recipient, his results are not necessarily typical, indicative, or representative of all joint replacement patients. Joint replacements have been used successfully in achieving restored mobility to many patients. However, as with any implanted device, there are factors affecting performance which ultimately result in variable outcomes, including levels of mobility and pain. These factors include, but are not limited to, the patient’s pre and post-operative health conditions, weight, activity level, and adherence to instructions regarding the use of the affected joint. Due to these variables, it is not possible to predict specific results or patient satisfaction. For additional information regarding joint replacement, refer to the patient risk information located at the top of this page and talk to your orthopedic surgeon.
The persons named in this article have consented to be named and have given Biomet, Inc. the exclusive right to use their personal and medical information for educational purposes.
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