January 30, 2025

Stories That Move Us: Beth Sperry’s Life-Changing Hip Replacement Journey

Beth Sperry has always been active—playing multiple sports throughout her life and competing in volleyball during her time at Ball State University. Later, she continued to stay active by coaching volleyball, enjoying gardening and golf, and serving as a life group leader at her church. But everything changed when severe pain in her hip began to affect her mobility. “I couldn’t walk without limping, it made everything harder,” Beth shared. As the pain worsened, even simple activities like walking or standing for long periods became unbearable.

After suffering for over two years, Beth decided it was time to seek treatment. Her first visit to a doctor was disappointing. “The doctor didn’t order the imaging I needed, and I didn’t feel like he was listening to me,” she said. That’s when she turned to our team at Central Indiana Orthopedics for a second opinion.

Beth started her treatment at Central Indiana Orthopedics Physical Therapy where therapist Damon Stansberry quickly recognized that Beth’s pain wasn’t just muscle strain. After recommending she see a specialist, Beth met with Dr. Brian Camilleri, who ordered the necessary imaging. The results revealed a torn labrum and femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), both of which were limiting her range of motion and causing pain. During surgery to address these separate issues, Dr. Camilleri discovered significant arthritis in Beth’s hip joint—something that hadn’t shown up on the initial MRI. While her surgery successfully treated the labrum tear and impingement, Dr. Camilleri informed Beth that the arthritis would likely require a hip replacement in the future.

Knowing she needed to address the arthritis, Beth scheduled an appointment with Dr. Brent Damer for further evaluation. Dr. Damer explained how hip replacement surgery could help Beth regain her quality of life. Beth shared her concerns about her scoliosis potentially complicating the surgery and how Dr. Damer took the time to explain the procedure and how advanced surgical options like the Mako robotic-arm assisted technology could improve precision and minimize recovery time. “Dr. Damer answered all my questions and really made me feel confident about moving forward with the surgery,” Beth says.

In December 2022, Beth underwent a total hip replacement with Dr. Damer and the results were immediate and life-changing. “The surgery was a success,” Beth said. “I was able to walk without pain, and my limp was gone.” Her recovery was fast, and within weeks, she was back to doing the things she loves. She could walk with her family without pain, coach volleyball without discomfort, and even run drills with her players. “I had been in pain for so long, I didn’t realize how much I was missing out on. Now, I can do everything I used to do, pain-free,” she shared.

Beth’s journey is a great example of how expert guidance and hip replacement surgery can make a significant difference in a person’s life. At Central Indiana Orthopedics, we take pride in offering personalized care—from our orthopedic surgeons to our physical therapists—ensuring that many of your orthopedic needs are met under one roof. “I love that the doctors and physical therapists at CIO work so closely together,” Beth said. “As a coach, I know how important teamwork is, and CIO does this so well.”

If you’re living with hip pain, let us help you take the first step toward a pain-free life. Call 800-622-6575 to schedule an appointment or learn more at ciocenter.com/mako.