"In 1998, I was diagnosed with Avascular Necrosis of the right hip. Being 36 years old at the time this was a devastating bit of news when I was told nothing could be done at that point other than a total hip replacement. I am almost 12 years post op right now and thanks to him and your fantastic hospital resumed my life as if nothing happened. I am able to do many of the same activities as I had before the surgery."
"Dr. O'Malley at Hospital for Special Surgery gave my left foot its first pain-free years in a long time. After having been misdiagnosed and mistreated in my home state for 3 years, and two top orthopedists telling me to have a bone fusion for the big toe, Dr. O'Malley suggested trying the least invasive procedure. Low and behold, that toe has been functional for no less than 14 years!!"
"I was an ardent yoga practitioner for many years and avid hiker until black ice brought me down. Not in an ashram or on a mountain but right on Fifth Avenue and 13th St. I realized what had happened -- a broken kneecap -- and that I couldn’t get up. I once thought I would never cross the street without crutches again, but now I’m back on the mountain!"
"After suffering for many years I decided that my only course of action would be surgery. I researched many doctors and hospitals before choosing the hospital for special surgery and Dr. Alexander Hughes as my physician. I had bulging discs, spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis, and arthritis. These conditions prevented me from standing for more than a few minutes and not being able to walk one block without severe pain."
"I could not have asked for a more sensitive and patient doctor to go through my symptoms, MRI, and options. I NEVER felt the least bit rushed during the office visit, which is rare in NYC, and he made it clear the surgery was, at this point, my decision."
"It was August 13, 2005 and what a perfect day it was to play soccer. I remember everything about that day. During my first game of the tournament; my teammate passed me a through ball, I ran onto it, and for some reason I still don’t understand I slid to get the ball, and as I did the other teams keeper came out to get the ball, and we collided. Here I was 65 pounds soaking wet, going up against someone who was twice my size, so you can bet the outcome wasn’t very good."
"I am 2 weeks post and am already walking without a cane. I know that the post op rehab therapy is key to my continued recovery. "

