Restoring Strength: A Veteran’s Triumph Over Hip Pain

By Carrie Anna Strange

Northern Miller, 70, of Alcolu, South Carolina, started experiencing unbearable hip pain. “I struggled to lie down comfortably at night, and even daily movements became a challenge. I was constantly adjusting myself when lying in the bed, trying to find a way to ease the discomfort,” recalled Northern.

Retired from the U.S. Army as a nuclear biochemical sergeant after 20 years of service, Northern later became the JROTC instructor at Lake City High School and retired again after 23 years in that role. He continues to serve as the pastor of Trinity Full Gospel Church in Manning. But once the hip pain became excruciating, he could no longer maintain his busy, active lifestyle.

Northern decided to meet with Dr. Rodney Alan, an Orthopedic Surgeon with McLeod Orthopaedics in Manning. During his appointment, Dr. Alan conducted a comprehensive evaluation, where X-rays revealed advanced osteoarthritis in Northern's right hip joint. The images showed significant wear and tear, with the cartilage almost entirely worn away, leading to bone-on-bone contact.

Initial treatments involved a series of steroid injections and topical cream, but despite these efforts, the pain gradually worsened. “I experienced physical wear and tear over the years. My active lifestyle had taken a toll on my body, and it eventually caught up with me.”

Dr. Alan and Northern then discussed in detail the next treatment option - surgery. Dr. Alan ordered comprehensive pre-operative testing to ensure Northern was in good overall health and able to recover successfully from hip surgery. Once this was confirmed, Northern was scheduled to undergo total hip replacement surgery at McLeod Health Clarendon.

First, Dr. Alan made an incision in the back of Northern’s hip and moved the muscles connected to the top of the thigh bone to expose the hip joint.

“Using a posterior approach allows better exposure for complex hip replacement surgeries with significant deterioration of the bone,” said Dr. Alan. “During the procedure, I replace a portion of the femoral head, the top part of the thigh bone, with an artificial hip prosthesis. Then I remove the cartilage in the hip socket, or acetabulum, and reshape the socket to fit the ‘cup,’ also known as the acetabular component. Replacing both the ‘ball’ and ‘socket’ of the hip constitutes a total hip replacement.”

Just hours after surgery, Northern took his first steps with his new hip. Walking and other forms of movement after surgery help to improve circulation and reduce swelling.

“To my amazement, I went home the same day. When I left the hospital that evening, I was able to put full weight on my leg right away,” said Northern.

“I began physical therapy at McLeod Rehabilitation Clarendon shortly after surgery. Within a couple of months, I was back to doing most of the things I love, and now, I can do everything. I am 70 years old, so I remain cautious and mindful of my movements. As a pastor, I am constantly on my feet, moving around the pulpit, and staying active, so it was important to me to get back to my normal routine.”

Part of that routine includes time spent at the McLeod Health and Fitness Center Clarendon, where he focuses on walking and light weightlifting to stay in good shape.

Looking back on his experience, Northern noted how refreshing it was to visit a doctor who genuinely knew him, not just as a patient number, but as a person. “Dr. Alan always greeted me by name, and it was clear he remembered my medical history without needing to constantly reference a chart,” Northern said.

“That personal touch and level of care made me feel truly valued. The hip replacement surgery has truly transformed my life. Thanks to Dr. Alan, I am no longer held back by pain and can enjoy my life to the fullest. I am grateful for the care I received and look forward to what the future holds. Dr. Alan and McLeod Health Clarendon made all the difference in my recovery, and I could not be more thankful.”