Simply stated, we combined all of the perspectives on this complex and often confusing subject. We have a chapter written by Francine Campone who’s had two hip replacements and coauthor Robert Holland who’s had two knee replacements done on the same leg. In addition to Dr. Hugate’s insight and knowledge, our friend Dr. Gianni Checa wrote the chapter on anesthesiology and Inger Brueckner, MSPT, wrote the chapter on Physical Therapy. Robert, Francine and Dr. Hugate also added their comments and insights throughout the book. Simply put, we discovered nothing of its kind in the marketplace and considering the difficulty of composing this work in such a manner as to be both comprehensive and yet easily understood, we clearly understand why.

Moreover, our book is as generically designed for the greater international audience as is possible while paying close attention to our U.S. market.

Dr. Hugate:

“I have been an orthopedic surgeon for 10 years and currently practice in Denver,Colorado. Every week I see patients in my clinic with painful hips and knees. I do my best to communicate all of the medical options and relevant points in an understandable way to my patients considering joint replacement surgery. Unfortunately, there are always some issues we’re unable to clearly discuss and define during the brief visits in my office. This can be frustrating for both patient and physician… but is an unfortunate reality. This is why a “handbook” resource like this is invaluable. In our writing (and your reading) of this handbook, no longer are we time limiting our discussion.”

Again, Dr. Hugate:

“I think you’ll find that this handbook is different from other information sources on joint replacement in a couple of very important ways. The first difference you’ll notice while reading this book is that it’s written by both patients and health care professionals. This is important, as most of the books available on this complex subject are typically written by one or the other. This handbook is also different in how it is written. It is written in plain language. We will not be writing this with a professorial tone or “talk down” to the reader like a parent to a child. We have made every attempt to use understandable language throughout. That is not to say that patients are incapable of understanding the issues, but when complex, technical, “medical jargon” is entered into the conversation… it can be hard for the layperson to follow. On the occasion that we need to use technical language to get our point across, we clearly explain what’s meant by the phrases chosen. We have also included a glossary to help better define the vocabulary.