Laszlo and his wife, Rita, travelled on vacation to Hungary with their children in the summer of 1989. While the couple was visiting friends and family in Budapest, Laszlo took a motorcycle ride alone that would change his life. The night was dark, the road was not lit, and the new pavement and curves contributed to Laszlo having a major accident. Crashing onto his right side, he broke his collarbone, four ribs and punctured his right lung.

Despite Laszlo’s collapsed lung, the couple flew back to their home in the Chicago area so he could seek treatment. Fortunately, Laszlo recovered from his ordeal. The years passed, and in 2007, it became apparent that the injuries he suffered in his accident 18 years ago led to the development of osteoarthritis and pain in his right shoulder. Laszlo, now 68, would have to undergo shoulder replacement surgery because he wasn't able to use his right arm anymore.

“My wife and I have our own business. We manufacture products for ice skaters and hockey players,” explains Laszlo. “The pain in my right shoulder was so great that I couldn’t pack boxes to ship our orders or lift anything.”

The turning point came when the pain in Laszlo’s shoulder became so great that he couldn’t carry a suitcase during one of his family vacations. “I knew I had to do something or I’d end up feeling as useless as my right arm had become.”

Laszlo consulted an orthopaedic surgeon and they discussed his options. They agreed that he would benefit from a total shoulder replacement and selected the Global® AP® Shoulder System from DePuy Orthopaedics, Inc.

The new DePuy Global® AP® Adjustable Neck Shoulder Replacement System is the latest advancement in a line of implants from DePuy Orthopaedics that dates back almost 20 years, with an extensive clinical track record. The Global AP shoulder implant is adjustable to match an individual’s unique anatomic requirements for the best possible fit and helps restore the smooth natural motion of the shoulder. The Global AP is made from high-tech titanium metal alloy and advanced medical-grade plastic. These new implant materials are designed for longer durability and have demonstrated an 85% wear-reduction compared with traditional materials.¹

Laszlo’s surgery went well. He worked very hard at rehabilitation therapy at a local center. “During the first month, I went three times weekly, in the second month I went twice weekly, and by the third month, I went once a week. It was hard work, but my therapist did not ask me to do anything impossible. Also, I continued my rehab exercises at home on my days off from therapy, which helped me to make good progress.”

Laszlo is pleased with his new shoulder. When asked what he can do now that he couldn't do before, he says, "Everything! My right arm is no longer just hanging there!" He's able to lift weights, travel, pursue his business, and he feels "back to normal" again.

As with any medical treatment, individual results may vary. Only an orthopaedic surgeon can determine whether an orthopaedic implant is an appropriate course of treatment. There are potential risks, and recovery takes time. The performance of the new joint depends on weight, activity level, age and other factors. These need to be discussed with your doctor.