Back in Motion: An Active Life After Hip Replacement
Author: Dr. Robert Rupp
For longtime local Bill Smaine, the mountains have always felt like home. A former competitive skier from New Hampshire, Bill moved to Lake Tahoe in 1985 after landing a ski coaching job at Heavenly Mountain Resort. He quickly built a life centered around shredding snow-covered peaks and winding singletrack trails. But after decades of skiing, cycling, and mountain biking, his body began to feel the toll — first in his knees, then in his hips.
In 2018, Bill underwent reconstructive knee surgery. “It was six weeks of non-weight bearing,” he recalls. “That’s when I started to feel the hip issues really creep in.”
Eventually, an X-ray confirmed what he had suspected about the cause of his pain: the cartilage in both hips had worn away.
His first hip replacement was in Reno, but as a loyal Tahoe guy, when it came time for the second, he wanted to go with people he knew and who knew him.
Bill notes the small-town vibe: “When I go to Barton, I’m spending time with friends. I know the nurses, the physician assistants, and the doctors. That kind of familiarity makes you feel very comfortable. You’re not just a number.”
In October 2024, orthopedic surgeon Dr. Robert Rupp performed Bill’s total hip replacement using the Stryker Mako Robotic-Arm Assisted System — an advanced technology that allows for greater precision in joint alignment and placement.
“The Mako system allows us to tailor the procedure to the patient’s anatomy in real time,” says Dr. Rupp. “Performing the procedure through an anterior surgical approach helps with recovery, joint function, and long-term use.”
While the Mako technology did help with Bill’s smooth recovery, he also highly recommends taking time to prep and exercise before surgery.
“Pre-op preparation makes a significant difference,” he says. “If you’re scheduled for orthopedic surgery and you’ve got some weeks to get ready, take the time to get in shape.”
Bill made sure he was in “tip-top shape” before surgery. Since the day he committed to surgery, Bill was in communication with his care team in person and via MyChart, Barton Health’s integrated, online patient portal.
“They reached out right from the get-go about how to prepare in the weeks prior, what to do the night before and the morning of, and what pain management to plan for afterward. It was organized and easy to follow.”
Bill started physical therapy before his stitches came out. The timeliness helped him maintain mobility and stimulated both the body as well as the mind. “The big thing is to follow instructions from your surgeon, their physician assistant, and your physical therapist. They know how to support you through recovery.”
Twelve weeks after surgery, on Christmas Day, Bill clicked into his skis and took his first turns since his surgery. “It felt incredible,” he says.
Now, a year later, Bill has navigated the healing process and returned to his favorite activities. Even after being a Lake Tahoe resident for 40 years, he still lives the lifestyle he came for: skiing, biking, and soaking in the Sierra sunshine.
Dr. Robert Rupp is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon and program director of the Lake Tahoe Sports Medicine Fellowship. He is a sports medicine specialist treating shoulder, hip, and knee conditions in Carson City, NV and at the Barton Center for Orthopedics & Wellness in South Lake Tahoe, CA. To learn more about orthopedic services available, call 530.543.5554 or go to BartonHealth.org.
