Elisabeth Post Marner

I fractured my hip (lower trochanter) skiing in January 2023. I was convinced to get the hip fracture repaired in a local hospital near the ski resort. The experience was painful and unpleasant. When I returned home to Connecticut I followed up with an orthopedist/hip surgeon at an orthopedic practice in Greenwich, Connecticut who claimed to be as good as HSS.

At my appointment, the surgeon reviewed my x-rays and said that clearly my lower trochanter has been fractured and a pin and plate have been inserted. He also said that at my age (70), although physically fit, it was “highly likely” that I would need assistance to walk for the rest of my life with a walker or cane. I asked if he could do a hip replacement/revision surgery and he said no it was not possible in my case. He also said in general he and his colleagues did not like to do revision surgery. He gave me a script for physical therapy and I went for two months but continued to be in considerable pain and could not walk on my own without a crutch.

Finally I got angry and decided to go to then head of the orthopedic trauma service at HSS. Dr. David Helfet looked at my x-rays and told me that the screw the surgeon put in was at the wrong angle and that clearly explained the pain and inability to walk properly. The screw was also moving and he recommended I get all the hardware out and have my hip replaced. Dr. Helfet recommended Dr. Robert Buly, who also determined that I had torn all my abductor muscles (something the other practice didn’t see) and needed them reattached. And I needed a bone graft.

After 6 weeks of staying stationary to allow the abductor muscles and bone graft to heal I walked without pain! Dr. Buly said I recovered beyond his expectations. I have been going for PT at HSS in Stamford CT with John Giametta since June and refuse to stop because he and his staff are extraordinary! I have recovered 90+ percent of my flexibility and have resumed all my sports

I was in a very dark place in January and thanks to Dr. Helfet and Dr. Buly I feel elated. Every day I thank them for making me walk again. I have been ocean rowing, hiking and riding my horse since June. I am so grateful to this hospital and so glad that I didn’t accept the prognosis of the other orthopedic practice.

Elisabeth Post Marner