A Total Hip Replacement Keeps Alabama Man Dancing
Bob Pratico of Huntsville, Alabama had been taking narcotics and putting ice packs on his ailing hip for years. Pratico is an international ballroom dancer and staying off the dance floor was not an option. But trying to dance the fox trot, the waltz, and the quick step was extremely painful. Dancing for more than 30 years with his partner and wife Debbie, the 61-year-old knew something needed to be done. So after doing some research, Bob found Dr. William Kurtz in Nashville and got a total hip replacement at Saint Thomas Midtown.
Dr. Kurtz performed the direct anterior hip replacement. The minimally invasive surgery goes between the muscles at the front of the hip instead of the back. The worn out hip joint is replaced with a titanium implant. The surgery is typically faster and require less rehabilitation.
“I made it clear to him (Dr. Kurtz) I’m going to be his poster boy for this surgery” laughed Pratico. He wasn’t kidding. Just three hours after surgery, Bob insisted on walking. And he did. He walked right out of Saint Thomas Midtown on his own. The staff was in awe of Bob’s positive attitude and determination.
Three weeks after surgery, Bob and Debbie were back on the dance floor. The couple is practicing for the Amateur World Championships in Paris. The competition is in December. It coincides with their 40th wedding anniversary. “People will see me dance and they hear I had a hip replacement.. they’re incredulous. No one can believe it. I have a hard time believing it” said Pratico.
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