Testimonials

 The following are some of Dr. Downer‘s patients‘ own words about their experience with the anterior approach hip replacement surgery:

 “I was referred to Dr. Downer by a friend who was skiing better and faster than he had in a long time. I researched the anterior hip approach and it seemed like the way to go. I was back on my feet and back to work in ten days, and now I am skiing just like my friend – better, faster and without pain. I am also now back to riding horses and competing in shows with them, which I love but had to give up because of hip pain. This is a great procedure.” (Chris, Yakima WA)

“I am a surgeon and as such I am especially particular as to whom I will let operate on me. I was very interested in an anterior approach hip replacement because it has a tremendous track record in the right hands. Because there is very little muscle trauma with this surgery, the recovery is easier in terms of pain and there is rarely a need for physical therapy.

An anterior hip replacement has less risk for dislocation after surgery than other approaches and therefore the worries that patients who undergo the conventional surgery have of guarding their hip against excessive flexing while sitting are eliminated. Finally, this approach uses a special table that allows for more precise implant placement and decreases the chances for leg length discrepancy as well as other technical problems associated with conventional posterior and lateral hip replacements.

When I found Dr. Downer, I was thrilled that someone close to my home was doing this surgery. The surgery has gone as well as I could have ever expected. He and his team at the office, the OR and on the postoperative hospital ward did a terrific job.” (Brian, Kirkland WA)

“This is a summary of my hip replacement surgery, performed by Dr. Downer in May 2010. I am 62 years old with an athletic build, am an avid golfer and recently have become an active cyclist. I met with Dr. Downer about six months before my surgery – he was the fifth doctor I saw previous to having my hip replacement done. I met with very popular surgeons in Bellevue and Seattle before seeing Dr. Downer. Each one came highly recommended.  They all used the posterior method of hip replacement.

However, I learned in my research about the anterior method of hip replacement – not as well known, but with a much shorter recovery time and just as good of results. From my golfing experience I remember that Tom Watson had anterior hip replacement surgery in Santa Monica, California, only six months prior the British Open in 2009, a tournament in which he led until the last day. That was amazing to me. When I inquired about who in the Northwest did this procedure, the same doctor kept coming up – Dr. Phil Downer in Ballard.

So I made an appointment and checked him out. I liked his direct approach – easy going and efficient, but also straight to the point. He sized up my situation in short order. I needed a new hip, but as long as the pain was not overbearing, he advised that I wait until it was sure. A few months later, when I could not walk my dogs around the block, I set a date. The surgery was very successful. I could not have pictured a better result and the hospital stay was just one night. Follow up was good and I really had no issues to deal with.

In ten days, I was on a spin bike.  In two weeks, I was down to one crutch. In three weeks, I was walking with no help whatsoever and back to my spin class – just cruising for a couple of weeks, but it was not long before I was doing the whole class. I had a six-month check-up. Nothing could be better. Check that one off the list. I have referred many friends to Dr. Downer and they have had similar experiences. I highly recommend him. (Byron, Bellevue WA)

“I’m 68 and have enjoyed good health, except for moderate to severe arthritis in both knees and right hip. Dr. Downer replaced the hip on October 26, 2011. I’d never had major surgery before, so was apprehensive, even though I’d spent considerable time educating myself about what to expect.

Following my procedure, I felt a little shaky/woozy and needed narcotic painkillers and a walker for about a week. I switched to Tylenol and a cane for another week or so. After that, there was minimal pain and steady, speedy improvement.

Now, nearly two months later, I’m totally pain free, walking easily and naturally, even doing some dancing! Dr. Downer is a highly skilled, caring surgeon who listens carefully, explains thoroughly, and deserves your trust and complete confidence.” (Patient comment, December 2010)

The following are comments from a focus group about the anterior approach hip replacement surgery (October 2007):

“I got into the surgery process and the surgery was very easy. I was up and walking probably within — if not that afternoon, certainly the next day. No physical therapy after, no extreme pain, no limitations, just – it‘s like I hit the jackpot or something.“

“It was wonderful. It was absolutely wonderful. I was walking stairs with a therapist within 3-4 days.“

“I had two visiting nurses that came. They came on two different trips. The first one was all exercises, and what to do. The second one came to set up my shower and things like that. And then she says — ‘You know, I think I‘m going to call your doctor because I don‘t know how much you‘re able to do as far as bending over and stuff.’ And when she called, they [the doctor‘s office] said — ‘There‘s no restrictions with this type of operation on what you can do,’ — which I think is the most marvelous thing!“

“Even in the hospital, the physical therapist and the nurses and such were amazed. They had me up in 2 hours.“