A Second Chance at Mobility: How One Man’s Patience and Persistence Paid Off

Eight years ago, Christopher Davis, 54, was in pain and learned he had arthritis in his hips, and that the condition would gradually reduce his mobility. Christopher was living in California at the time, and his doctor told him that he would eventually need surgery.

The good news was his doctor recommended an anterior approach to hip replacement—a method that involves a smaller incision, less muscle disruption, and a faster recovery. Unlike the traditional posterior method, which often requires an 8–10-inch incision and cuts through major muscle groups, the anterior approach uses a 2.5–3-inch incision and avoids cutting through muscle. Christopher loved the idea of having a less invasive surgery. But there was one catch: He’d need to lose some weight first. 

Motivated to improve his health, Christopher lost 30 pounds, and the weight loss made a difference with his mobility. His pain eased, and it seemed like maybe surgery could wait. So, Christopher waited—quite a few years.

Three years ago, Christopher moved to Ironton, Missouri. As time passed, the pain in his right hip returned and it became more persistent, and his ability to move became very limited. Christopher struggled to walk even on flat ground, let alone across the yard.

“I knew it was time to finally get a hip replacement,” Christopher says. 

But finding a surgeon who could perform the anterior approach, the procedure he wanted, proved to be another hurdle. 

Christopher’s first attempt to schedule the surgery led to disappointment. A doctor told him the anterior approach wasn’t an option. He called many physician offices, and none had experience with the anterior method. 

Then he found Jesse Beard, DO, BJC Medical Group orthopedic surgeon at Parkland Health Center. At Parkland, the orthopedic team offers more than just expert surgical care—they provide personalized treatment plans, advanced surgical techniques, and compassionate support at every step, from diagnosis through recovery.  

To his surprise, when he met with Dr. Beard, Christopher learned the physician was experienced in anterior hip replacement surgery. 

“Dr. Beard told me, ‘You really must get this done,’ Christopher says. “I was so nervous, but I’m glad I did it.”

Christopher underwent surgery on his right hip, and everything went smoothly. 

“The staff was amazing, and my experience at Parkland Health Center was wonderful,” Christopher says. “The care I received from the surgical team, nurses, and therapists made all the difference.”

Today, Christopher can move without the sharp pain that used to shoot down his leg. He's climbing steps more easily and balancing better. He's also moving forward with confidence. His left hip will eventually need surgery too, and he has no hesitation about who he'll turn to. "When it's time," he says, "I'm going back to Dr. Beard."

For more information about how our orthopedic surgeons may help you live a better and pain-free life,  visit BJC Medical Group Orthopedics at Parkland or call 573-760-8090.