Bud Chatfield Returned to What He Loved FAST After Hip Replacement

The pain in his left hip was familiar, and as it increased, Charles “Bud” Chatfield didn’t brush it off. He recognized the symptoms of osteoarthritis, and he knew exactly where to turn for help.

Having lived in Attleboro most of his life, Chatfield has relied on Sturdy Health for his care, including a hip replacement of his right hip back in 2018. So when the 67-year-old began feeling that telltale stiffness and soreness creeping in on his left side, there was no debate about what to do next.

“I knew I was going to need a hip replacement because I had one before,” he said. “And I knew I would get the help I needed at Sturdy Health.”

An appointment with Sturdy Health orthopedic surgeon Andrew Porter, MD, confirmed what Chatfield suspected: The arthritis had worn away the cartilage cushioning his left hip joint, leaving bone rubbing painfully against bone.

“Dr. Porter told me, ‘Yeah, you’re going to need a replacement,’” Chatfield recalled. “He asked if I wanted a cortisone shot, but I said no — I’ve been there and done that.”

Bud had delayed his first hip replacement, enduring nearly a year of discomfort while trying to manage the pain, with injections just to push off the inevitable.

“With the first hip, I probably spent a year just trying to deal with it,” he said. “With this second one, I knew what I was feeling, and I knew I could trust Sturdy to do a good job. I waited maybe just three or four months before choosing the surgery.”

“Osteoarthritis of the hip is a progressive condition where the protective cartilage gradually wears away, leading to inflammation, stiffness, and that classic bone-on-bone pain,” Dr. Porter explained. “When conservative treatments like medication, activity modification, or injections no longer provide meaningful relief, and the pain begins to interfere with everyday activities, a hip replacement can be a highly effective solution. Our goal is to relieve pain, restore mobility, and help patients safely return to the activities that matter most to them.”

Dr. Porter performed Chatfield’s second replacement using an anterior (front of the hip) approach, which allows for a smaller incision size, muscle/tendon sparing, lower dislocation rate, and faster recovery.

The surgery was followed by something that still amazes Chatfield: He was up and walking within an hour.

“They had me do a few laps around the floor, sit a bit, then get up and do a few more,” he said. By 4 p.m. that same day, he was heading home.

“It’s not that they want to boot you out,” he said with a laugh. “They know you’ll rehab and recover better in your own home and your own bed — once they’re sure you’re ready, of course. And they’re wonderful through the whole process, answering questions and telling you exactly what you’ll need to do.”

Rehabilitation was another bright spot.

“I’ve had zero issues,” he said of the visits to physical therapy that took place at Sturdy. “I completed my last rehab in February, and I’m going like crazy now.”

He credits the physical therapy team, along with the entire staff, for making the experience both productive and personal.

“When you go in twice a week for 12 weeks, you get to know the people,” he said. “When it’s time to leave, you’re a little bummed. They truly take your health seriously and are so caring.”

As he wrapped up therapy, he joked with the staff that he hoped to see them out at a restaurant sometime.

“They said, ‘Oh Bud, we know you — just stick your head in anytime,’” he said. “And you know what? I will.”

For Chatfield, quality of life was the driving force behind his decision to have hip replacement surgery. A lifelong social golfer and former member of Highland Country Club, he’s eager to return to the course this spring. More importantly, he wants to keep up with his growing family — his wife, Dafne, his daughter, Brianna, son-in-law, Justin, and his grandchildren, Julian, 3, and Ava, 1½.

“These days I enjoy babysitting and spoiling the grandkids,” he said. “It’s about quality of life — getting out, having fun, golfing, spending time with family, and traveling.”

Dr. Porter says that’s exactly what attracted him to medicine.

“Patients like Mr. Chatfield are why I went into orthopedic surgery and joint replacement. To see someone go from constant pain and immobility to being able to regain their quality of life is a fantastic thing,” he said. “With today’s technology and techniques, patients can get back to doing what they love FAST.”

Chatfield retired after 38 years as a sales manager with Hilco Vision, but he remains deeply rooted in the Attleboro community. He attended local schools and says Sturdy Health has been part of nearly every chapter of his family’s life. His daughter and grandchildren were born there. In 2024, when he underwent a quintuple bypass elsewhere, he returned to Sturdy for eight weeks of cardiac rehabilitation.

Across departments, he says, the care has been consistent.

“Whenever I go there, it’s ‘Hi, how are you?’ They’re so good to you,” he said. “We are very lucky to have Sturdy in our town. A lot of people don’t realize that until they need them.”

His praise for Dr. Porter is equally enthusiastic.

“He was absolutely awesome. Very personable, a good guy, and he answered all my questions,” Chatfield said. “When I saw him six to eight weeks after surgery, he told me I was doing unbelievably well. I recommend him 100 percent.”

Now, with both hips replaced and his recovery on track, Chatfield is focused on the future — tee times, family trips, and time with his grandchildren.

“My message is simple,” he said. “If you go to Sturdy Health for anything, you’re going to get 10 out of 10 in medical service and 10 out of 10 for nursing and rehab care, too.”