When faced with the daunting prospect of a hip replacement at the age of 56, Suzanne Ulmer, an occupational hand therapist and sports enthusiast, found herself grappling with doubts. She felt far too young to have to undergo such a major orthopedic procedure and had grave concerns about how it could impact her quality of life. She spent months searching for effective, alternative solutions. She tried physical therapy and steroid injections, only to find that neither offered lasting relief. Eventually, time and poor treatment outcomes led her to seek the opinion of a specialized orthopedic surgeon, leading her to The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge and the office of Dr. Joseph Broyles.

Cartilage Regeneration or Hip Replacement

Suzanne initially hoped to undergo cartilage regeneration treatments with Dr. Broyles - a specialty in which he is a leader and well-respected researcher. However, with Dr. Broyles’ expertise and guidance, it became clear that a replacement would be the most appropriate option with the greatest positive impact. While her knowledge of the procedure, owing to her previous experience working with hip replacement patients, added to Suzanne’s anxiety, the exceptional care Dr. Broyles' nurses and assistants provided put her at ease.

Seamless Pre- and Post-Operative Care

Today, nearly two years later, Suzanne recounts how Dr. Broyles and The Bone and Joint Clinic left no stone unturned in ensuring her comfort and well-being throughout her surgical journey. The pre-operative nurse meticulously went over every detail, addressing Suzanne's concerns and ensuring she was fully prepared for the procedure. Post-surgery, a nurse visited Suzanne's home to monitor her recovery, assess her mobility, and provide any necessary assistance. Having a direct line of communication with the nurse further bolstered Suzanne's confidence in her recovery process.

"Dr. Broyles, his nurses, and his assistants were all fantastic! They took wonderful care of me, and everything went off without a hitch!"

SuperPath Surgery and Recovery

Suzanne underwent the SuperPath hip replacement procedure on August 9, 2021. While the first few weeks were undoubtedly challenging, her determination and the excellent care she received paved the way for a remarkable recovery. Incredibly, she was walking on the day of surgery, and just nine months later, she participated in a basketball tournament during the senior Olympics.

The Rewards of Overcoming Fear

Today, Suzanne enjoys an active and fulfilling life, free from the limitations that once plagued her. Occasionally experiencing stiffness after strenuous activity, she is grateful for the immense improvement in her overall mobility and quality of life.