Hristiyan Kourtev

I have had hip dysplasia all my life. Since I was a kid I was told that my hip joints will get worse with time and one day I will need hip replacements. 2 years ago I couldn't take it any more. I was in pain every time I walked. I found myself getting more and more complacent and less active. I felt like an old man, yet I was still 30.

I finally decided to take the step and went for a consultation. I visited several hospitals, but I had know about HSS for a long time. It is famous all over the world. I visited Dr. Della Valle and the way he answered my questions and explained everything in detail made me feel very comfortable. Some of the other doctors I saw before I went to HSS even got a little bit irritated as I asked questions and had an attitude - I know what I'm doing, just trust me.

I decided to trust Dr. Della Valle and in the spring of 2013 I had my right hip replaced. I recovered successfully and loved my new hip but I still had pain and now that I was through the whole process I wasn't that afraid so in the spring of 2014 I had the other one done. I recovered from the second surgery even faster than the first. Not sure if the conditions were different, or that I was already stronger and more active but in 2 weeks I was ready to start walking without any aids although I had to keep using my crutches as a precaution.

I just want to say that Dr. Della Valle did an amazing job and I feel like a new man. Also the HSS staff tried to accommodate me however they could, the hospital was clean.

In 20 years or so when these hips wear out I know where I'm going to have them replaced.