“Bouncing Back to Full Sports: Bay Area Tech Executive Thrives After Second Hip Replacement with Dr. Mast”

“I had a referral from a long-time friend who is an orthopedic doctor who said: “If you are 80 years old it wouldn’t matter as much who you go to for the surgery, but if you want to continue all the sports that you enjoy, you need to go to someone who specializes in active patients.” That person turned out to be Dr. Nicholas H. Mast. With that endorsement, Rob booked a consult with Dr. Mast and soon after had the first hip replacement.
Ron skiing with his wife after his second hip surgery (four months from the surgery!).

Meet Rob, a Bay Area technology executive with an unyielding passion for sports. From tennis to waterskiing, snow skiing, and even “wake surfing” behind boats, Rob embraced an active lifestyle until hip impingement brought him to a crossroads. Reluctant at first, he eventually sought help from orthopedic specialist Dr. Nicholas H. Mast, setting the stage for a remarkable comeback.

Initially dismissing the discomfort as a muscle pull, Rob delved into research, uncovering the need for further exploration. X-rays revealed extensive arthritis, and the suggestion of a hip replacement loomed. At 50, Rob hesitated, feeling he was too young for such a procedure. A friend, also an orthopedic doctor, intervened, advising him to choose a specialist for active patients. That specialist turned out to be Dr. Mast.

Following a consultation with Dr. Mast, Rob underwent his first hip replacement, driven by the desire to maintain his active lifestyle. The success of the surgery laid the foundation for Rob’s confidence in undergoing a second hip replacement when the need arose. 

Approaching the second surgery with less fear, Rob underwent the procedure with Dr. Mast. Post-surgery and recovery, he discovered a newfound liberation. Skiing, waterskiing, wave surfing, mountain biking, and running—all activities he loved—became integral parts of his life again. Understanding the need to protect the remaining hip before the second surgery, Rob had temporarily curtailed some activities. Post the second surgery, however, he experienced enhanced confidence, feeling capable of resuming his cherished pursuits. Pre-surgery training proved instrumental in expediting and improving his recovery.

Within three weeks, Rob walked half a mile post-surgery, progressing to 1-2 miles by the fourth week. Soon after, he resumed working out and engaged in various activities. A mere four months post the second hip surgery, he was back on the slopes, skiing with his wife.

“I had more confidence and felt that I could do just about anything I used to do, and that has been liberating because I enjoy my sports and activities in my free time!”

Rob’s story is a testament to the transformative impact of specialized care and determination in reclaiming an active and fulfilling life after hip replacement surgeries.
Ron skiing with his wife after his second hip surgery (four months from the surgery!). “I had more confidence and felt that I could do just about anything I used to do and that has been liberating because I enjoy my sports and activities in my free time!”  

Orthopedic Surgery San Francisco

About Dr. Nicholas H. Mast

Nicholas H. Mast MD, a private practice orthopedic surgeon in San Francisco, CA specializing in surgery of the hip and pelvis.

Dr. Mast is board certified in orthopedic surgery and trained by some of the very best in hip surgery. In addition to completing a residency in orthopedic surgery, Dr. Mast has completed advanced postdoctoral fellowships in pelvic and acetabular trauma and reconstruction.

He has done advanced training in the anterior approach for hip replacement. He has completed international fellowship training in hip preservation including periacetabular osteotomy and hip arthroscopy.

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