Local CEO, Lifelong Athlete Staying in the Game After Hip Replacement

For a man who’s spent a lifetime playing on the tennis court, treading through acres, and working hard in the boardroom, slowing down was never an option. At 78, Mike N. is a president and CEO of a large agribusiness firm and former national tennis competitor, and he was facing the challenge of a second hip replacement.

Having previously undergone a successful procedure with a now retired local doctor, Mike sought the same level of expertise for his left hip. His primary care physician meticulously researched hip specialists in the Rogue Valley and recommended Harvard–trained hip and knee replacement specialist Dr. Jeffrey Jancuska at Southern Oregon Orthopedics.

"Recovery was really no problem at all," Mike recounted. "I was able to walk with a walker, get to my car, and my wife drove me home. I think I was home for a week and then back to work."

Within a mere two to three months, Mike was back on the courts and the greens, resuming his active lifestyle with tennis, golf, and pickleball. He faced no restrictions, a testament to the success of the procedure and his own determination.

A dramatic incident tested the resilience of his new hip. While playing pickleball, he took a severe fall, landing directly on his surgical hip.

"I thought, boy, this is going to be bad," Mike admitted. Despite the initial shock and subsequent swelling and bruising, he managed to continue playing, winning seven more games. A follow-up visit with Dr. Jancuska revealed no damage to the hip, a testament to the strength and precision of the surgical work. "He must have done a good job," Mike said, "because that was a bad fall."

Beyond the surgical expertise, Mike was deeply impressed by the overall experience at Southern Oregon Orthopedics. He appreciated Dr. Jancuska's professionalism, willingness to answer questions, and vast experience, noting the surgeon's impressive volume of 650 hip replacements in 2024 alone.

"Dr. Jancuska was great," Mike stated, "and I found that his office staff was excellent and very attentive." He also commended the surgery center staff for their efficiency and care. The positive experience has led Mike to enthusiastically recommend Dr. Jancuska and Southern Oregon Orthopedics to numerous friends experiencing hip problems.

"To me, that's the ultimate compliment when you're willing to refer friends to a doctor," Mike said.

"Fortunately, the hip replacement wasn't a major event for me," Mike added. “I got through it all in good shape, so I'm very thankful for still being able to do the things I love to do like golf and pickleball and tennis without any pain—so, it's a blessing.”

From the boardroom to the pickleball court, Mike’s story highlights the transformative impact of expert orthopedic care. It shows how so many can maintain their active and fulfilling lifestyle by overcoming joint pain, and that same level of care is available to every patient who walks through the doors at Southern Oregon Orthopedics.

For world-class specialized knee and hip treatment, please schedule an appointment with one of our experts at Southern Oregon Orthopedics in Medford by calling (541) 779-6250 or in Grants Pass by calling (541) 472-0603. You can also request an appointment online today.