There’s no place like home; Laredoan finds freedom from pain at Laredo Bone and Joint Center

8/31/2018

Fidel Edward Hale III thought he would have to go out of town when his doctor recommended surgery for the replacement of his left hip.

But after carefully researching his options, Hale realized there was no need to travel far.

Hale discovered he could get the same surgical treatment—once only available in bigger cities—in his hometown at Laredo Medical Center (LMC).

“I looked around in San Antonio, and after all my research, I came back to Laredo and decided to get my surgery done at the Laredo Bone and Joint Center at LMC with Dr. Arie Salzman,” says Hale.

The Laredo Bone and Joint Center at LMC was established in 2016 to offer excellent and consistent care for hip and knee replacement surgery. A team of five orthopedic surgeons, along with an administrative and clinical team, work with individuals—recognized not as patients, but rather as partners—to help them find their freedom from pain.

Additionally, LMC introduced in May a highly advanced technology system, which offers three robotic-arm assisted applications for total knee, partial knee and total hip replacements.

Hale was one of the first partners to benefit from the technology system, which enables surgeons to have a more predictable surgical experience with increased accuracy.

“What I found out is that LMC has a special floor dedicated for bone and joint replacement surgery,” says Hale. “I looked into it and it’s one of the best there is.”

“Believe me. I did a lot of research including looking at one of the best hospitals in the U.S. to get orthopedic surgery. But after reviewing my options, I came to the conclusion that LMC was the best choice for me,” says Hale. “I’m very pleased with the surgeon, and I had excellent nurses at my side right after surgery.”

Hale says that having loved ones present to support you through this experience is another important home advantage.

“On an operation of this nature, you need a lot of support and it’s very grateful when you see family and friends come to see you,” he says.

Hale, who had the operation in late May, is amazed at the success of his hip replacement surgery. In less than two months, he is now able to walk again without a walker or a cane.

“The pain was affecting me to the point that it became hard to walk. I couldn’t go swimming. I couldn’t go shopping. I was mostly confined to a recliner at home,” says Hale. “Now, if you see me walking, I can move very well and do a lot of things today I had ceased to do a year ago.”

Hale will need to get surgery to replace his right hip, too. His choice to get the surgery is already made up.

“I had a very good experience at LMC and I’ll be back,” says Hale.

To learn more, or to reserve your spot at an upcoming free Laredo Bone and Joint Center seminar, call Gladys Martinez at (956) 796-3009 or (956) 796-3223.

Photo Cutline: Fidel Edward Hale is on the right track to gaining back his active lifestyle, thanks to the Laredo Bone and Joint Center at Laredo Medical Center.

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