Elton Welham, a 71-year-old patient at MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center, had been struggling with severe arthritis over the years. The condition progressively worsened, and his hip joint was completely destroyed, leaving him in constant pain and significantly limiting his mobility.
For several months before his surgery, Elton had consistent difficulty with his mobility. Walking short distances became a strenuous task, and simple daily activities were increasingly challenging. An Orange County resident, despite visits to several area hospitals, Elton was unable to find the care he needed to feel confident in hip-replacement surgery. The inadequacies left Elton feeling frustrated and in search of a medical team that truly understood his condition and could offer him a viable solution.
Choosing MemorialCare for a New Beginning
Ultimately, Elton was redirected to Saddleback Medical Center, a decision that marked a turning point in his journey to recovery.
“It was unbelievable how quick and proactive the team at Saddleback Medical Center was with my condition. They saw the urgency of my condition and found time to squeeze me in for a procedure to the first available date they had.”
- Elton
Elton was assigned to David A. Molho, MD., an experienced orthopedic surgeon, whose extensive experience in hip replacement surgeries and his commitment to patient-centered care immediately put Elton at ease.
Where Experience Helps Determine Best Course of Treatment
Upon examination, Dr. Molho identified that Elton’s hip discomfort was due to severe hip arthritis.
“With Elton’s case, an anterior hip replacement procedure, was the best option. He already had severe deterioration in the hip, alongside arthritis in the hip. Therefore, this minimally invasive procedure was ideal for Elton, as it promised a quicker recovery and reduced post-operative pain,” said Dr. Molho.
Anterior hip replacement is a minimally invasive technique that includes a small incision near the front of the hip to allow for removal of damaged bone and cartilage, and it is replaced with an implantation of an artificial hip without damaging surrounding muscle and tendons. Following this procedure, patients tend to leave the hospital sooner than they would with other approaches.
Preparing for Surgery
A few days prior to his surgery, Elton participated in a series of pre-operative courses over Zoom offered by Saddleback Medical Center.
“I found the pre-operative courses really helpful, and I appreciated knowing what to expect and being fully prepared beforehand for the surgery to come,” Elton recalls.
The classes, designed by the Joint Replacement Center provide educational classes that go over the importance of immediately beginning joint replacement therapy as soon as the day of or day after surgery. The education doesn’t stop there, it continues into the therapy and post-operative sessions to teach patients what they need to do to recover and how family and friends can help them get back to their daily activities.
Elton also appreciated the accessibility and support provided by the team at Saddleback Medical Center. “They were very helpful in answering any questions I had prior to going into surgery,” he says.
The Day of Surgery
Dr. Molho performed Elton’s surgery on July 1, using the minimally invasive procedure they had discussed and walked through. After the procedure was completed, Elton was able to go home that same day.
“I had my surgery on Monday, I was able to walk with my walker by Tuesday,” says Elton. “Dr. Molho had to tell me to slow down and give myself time to recover, but I just felt like a brand-new man.”
Although these procedures are minimally invasive, it is still recommended to allow the hip to recover to have the best outcome. Elton’s case was no exception, as his hip replacement surgery was slightly different than others due to other conditions.
“Elton’s case was a little bit more difficult than other hip-replacement surgeries,” says Dr. Molho. “He had a pelvic fracture, adding to the hip arthritis, resulting in Elton needing this procedure done immediately. The anterior approach was the most appropriate. We avoided cutting into his glutes and kept his procedure as minimally invasive as possible.”
These hip-replacement surgeries allow patients to have a rapid recovery, walking immediately. Many patients go home the same day. Elton was deeply thankful to the Saddleback Medical Center team and Dr. Molho for their quality work and respect for his time.
“I felt confident in their care. I didn’t have to wait long to be treated, and they exceeded by the original expectations I had before my procedure. My procedure couldn’t have gone more magnificent.”
- Elton
Post-Surgery Care and Recovery
Following his surgery, Elton met with Dr. Molho for a post-surgery follow-up care visit. Dr. Molho was able to see how well Elton was recovering. From there on, he had a seamless recovery and continued using his walker early on. Elton is now able to walk without his walker and go on evening strolls in his neighborhood.
Elton mostly looked forward to being able to take his son, Jackson, to the beach and resume going on bike rides.
“My son loves the beach and to ride bikes,” says Elton. “I wasn’t able to do that for a while but now I’m finally able to and having these moments with my son mean everything to me.”
Elton was navigated through his hip-replacement journey from beginning to post-surgery by his joint-replacement coordinator at MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center. The joint replacement coordinator is responsible for guiding patients each step of the way during hip replacement surgery. The joint replacement coordinator acts as a personal “nurse navigator,” and will steer the way through pre- and post-surgical procedures, ensuring patients have the support and care needed throughout their whole recovery process.
A Future Full of Possibilities
Elton’s experience at Saddleback Medical Center is a testament to the power of patient-centered care and expertise in orthopedic surgery. What began as a search for relief from chronic pain turned into a story of recovery and the return to activities that he loves.
Reflecting on his journey, Elton is filled with gratitude towards Dr. Molho and the entire MemorialCare health team.
“They didn’t just treat my hip; they treated me as a whole person. Their care and dedication have given me back my life, and I couldn’t be more thankful,” says Elton.
Elton’s story is a reminder that the right medical care can make all the difference, not just in physical health but in overall quality of life. For those considering hip replacement surgery, Elton’s advice is simple:
“Don’t settle for anything less than the best. Saddleback Medical Center gave me my life back, and they can do the same for you.”
With a new hip and a renewed sense of freedom, Elton looks forward to many years of activity, fun and special moments with his family.