'100% Transformed': Robotic Hip Replacement Surgeries End Julia's Years of Pain
After years of pain from hip dysplasia and arthritis, Julia regained mobility through robotic-assisted hip replacement surgery.
Julia Roberts could never get comfortable. She couldn’t sit or stand for long periods, making working or preparing dinner taxing. Walking the dog or going to the beach? Forget about it.
“It was like a deep ache all the time. I couldn’t participate in work meetings without getting up to stretch. I didn’t get a lot of sleep,” said Julia. “Anything that required me to walk a far distance would take me a long time, or I’d have to skip it. Flying was a nightmare.”
Last year, Julia underwent left- and right-side robotic-assisted hip replacement surgeries with Virtua Reconstructive Orthopedics that have her back in motion—pain-free.
Hip dysplasia, arthritis cause chronic pain
Julia was born with bilateral hip dysplasia, a condition that leads to the hip being dislocated or not stable in the joint. Surgery at 6 months old attempted to correct her hips, but Julia said she waddled, and her mobility was not the same as other kids.
Over time, she developed arthritis and overwhelming pain that impacted every part of her life. She visited several orthopedic surgeons before finding Virtua’s Greg Klingenstein, MD, who has advanced training in treating hip dysplasia. He confirmed she had “bone-on-bone” arthritis and needed new hips.
“Her previous surgery wasn’t curative. It stabilized her so she could have a productive childhood,” said Dr. Klingenstein. “The balls of her femurs were barely in the sockets.”
Robotic surgery provides personalized approach
In January 2025, Dr. Klingenstein replaced Julia’s right hip, followed by the left hip in April —both using the Mako robotic-assisted surgical system.
“Thanks to computer-aided modeling and the robot, we planned out the surgery precisely and implanted both new hips,” he said. “For patients with dysplasia, who lose anatomical landmarks, that modeling and enhanced precision is particularly important.”
Following both surgeries, Julia was home the same day and began physical therapy within days.
“I woke up, and I immediately felt better. I went home the same day in almost no pain. It was really mind-blowing,” said the 53-year-old Voorhees resident.
How hip replacement restored Julia’s independence
Today, Julia is pain-free and moving freely.
“I was so happy to stand at the stove and make a regular dinner, and even just go to the supermarket,” she said. “Before, I would grit my teeth and hold onto the cart like a walker. It became such a chore, we would do Amazon deliveries.”
She’s also back outdoors, traveling, and enjoying time with family and friends.
“It was remarkably simple. I kick myself that I didn’t have surgery sooner,” said Julia. “You don’t realize how much you accommodate for pain until you don’t have it. I feel 100% transformed.”
Orthopedic care focused on you
Virtua Reconstructive Orthopedics joint replacement specialists are expertly trained to treat your unique condition, using the most advanced approaches available. Call 609-267-9400 to connect with a Virtua Reconstructive Orthopedics navigator.
There's So Much More to Explore
