A lifetime of athletics, distance running and martial arts as well as a genetic predisposition for arthritis led Ted Sumner to experience severe and sometimes crippling pain. The Kenpo Karate instructor led an extremely active lifestyle, teaching six days a week until three years prior to his first surgery for hip joint replacement. Before his surgery, the pain forced Ted to greatly reduce his physical activity. "I initially taught martial arts standing all the time, then [I moved] to a stool, and finally [I taught] from a chair, standing and demonstrating movement only when absolutely necessary," Ted recalls.

Ted is among the more than 40 million American adults diagnosed with some form of arthritis. In Ted's case, osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative arthritis, was the cause of his pain. As the joint cartilage wore away, bone began to rub on bone. "Pain is a terrible master. I lived in constant fear that the pain could intensify at any time to even more unimaginable levels. My entire life had to be planned around the pain," he remembers.

Ted refused to let pain rule his life. After reading about a new hip replacement procedure, Ted obtained a referral to an orthopaedic surgeon trained in this new approach. "This procedure involved the use of a longer prosthetic device that provides greater stability, and therefore less wear, creating the opportunity for greater activity," Ted explains. In 1998, Ted's left hip was replaced with an uncemented prosthesis. His recovery took 12 weeks until he could put his full weight on his hip, and another six months to return to a full activity level. In 2004, his right hip was replaced with a similar prosthesis. This time, however, Ted was bearing his full weight in only 4 weeks, and was able to return to full activity in four months. He is now free of pain.

Martial arts greatly aided in Ted's successful rehabilitation. Ted also was treated with special exercises to adjust his form and gait. Laser alignment and mirrors were used to correct and monitor his walking style. Ted has been able to return to his former active lifestyle--but now without fear of pain. Although restricted from running, Ted enjoys walks with his wife, weight lifting, mountain biking, swimming and, of course, martial arts.

Ted hopes that advancements in orthopaedic research will lead to prosthetic components that last longer and reduce shock on the joints. He would like to see less intrusive procedures and shorter rehabilitation times and, perhaps in the future, the development of replacement cartilage.