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 for educational use and is not meant to replace or promote one orthopedic surgeon's advice or practice over another. Individual results may vary. Surgery involves potential risks and requires recovery time. The life of any joint replacement will depend on your age, weight, activity level, and other factors. Only an orthopedic surgeon can determine if surgery is right for you. Please click here to search for a local orthopedic surgeon.

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