From Constant Hip Pain to 3–4 Miles a Day: Cliff’s Robotic Anterior Hip Replacement Journey with Dr. Ron Hudanich

Cliff Noreen is no stranger to research and analysis. He spent his career in the investment management business analyzing companies and evaluating a lot of information as an investment analyst, portfolio manager and in senior management. So when years of hip pain began interfering with his everyday life—and even started affecting his back—he approached finding an orthopedic surgeon in much the same way.

For Cliff, the turning point came on the golf course.

“I couldn’t even reach down to get a golf ball out of the hole,” says Cliff. “That’s when I knew I had to do something.”

Finding Dr. Ron Hudanich

Cliff and his wife spend much of the year in New Hampshire, so friends initially encouraged him to find an orthopedic surgeon closer to home. But after doing his own research online, Cliff discovered Dr. Ron Hudanich and was impressed by the patient testimonials and results he found.

“We live in New Hampshire about half of the year, so my friends told me I should just go to an orthopedic surgeon in Boston,” says Cliff. “But my wife and I did our own online research and found Dr. Hudanich. We were initially really impressed by his testimonials and results.”

The couple traveled to Orlando in August 2025 to meet with Dr. Hudanich. For Cliff, the consultation confirmed that he had found the right surgeon for his hip replacement.

“Dr. H is not your typical surgeon. I liked that he was humble and confident, but not arrogant,” says Cliff.

Choosing Robotic Anterior Hip Replacement

By late fall, Cliff and his wife were preparing to head to The Villages for the winter. The timing seemed ideal for his first hip replacement. Recovering in Florida also meant avoiding the cold, snow and ice of New Hampshire during the early stages of his recovery.

Cliff underwent his first hip replacement with Dr. Hudanich in November 2025.

“We chose the anterior robotic hip replacement because the recovery is so much easier without cutting the muscle through your buttocks,” says Cliff.

Dr. Hudanich specializes in muscle-sparing approaches to hip replacement, including robotic-assisted direct anterior hip replacement. For Cliff, the approach was an important part of his decision to move forward with surgery. Of course, he also researched Stryker Corporation, which manufactures the hip replacement implant and the robotic system that Dr. Hudanich uses in his surgeries and was impressed with what he found there as well. 

A Successful Recovery—and a Second Hip Replacement

Cliff emphasizes that recovery still requires patience and a commitment to following your surgeon’s and physical therapist’s instructions. But his progress after his first surgery gave him the confidence to address his other hip just two months later.

“You must have a lot of patience with your recovery and follow all the protocols, but I did so well, I was able to do my other hip in January 2026,” says Cliff.

His rehabilitation has continued both in Florida and New Hampshire. He says the support from his physical therapy teams has helped him rebuild strength and get back to an active lifestyle.

“They explained that you lose leg strength with the surgery, and that needs to be rebuilt. I started with simple chair sit-to-stand squats shortly after surgery. I’m now doing two to three leg strengthening workouts per week and able to walk three to four miles per day, which is something I couldn’t do before. The recovery in my leg strength has been very encouraging,” says Cliff.

Getting Back to the Activities He Loves

For Cliff, the real measure of his recovery has been what he can do now that he couldn’t do comfortably for years.

This summer, he was able to spend time at his lake home in New Hampshire riding a jet ski—an activity his hip pain had previously made difficult. And his back doesn’t really bother him anymore.

After years of limiting his activities because of hip pain, being able to get back on the water was a meaningful milestone. His next goal is to get back into hiking in the New Hampshire mountains. 

More Than Just a Surgeon

Cliff says his positive experience extended beyond his surgeries and included the entire team at Greater Orlando Orthopedic Group.

“My experience with Greater Orlando Orthopedic Group was very positive, and it’s not just Dr. Hudanich,” says Cliff. “It’s the whole team of medical professionals who handle all the details and follow-up. They responded quickly to any calls. The support is really good.”

For Cliff, the decision to travel from New Hampshire to Central Florida ultimately came down to the research he did and the confidence he gained in Dr. Hudanich and his team.

“Ironically, Dr. Hudanich told me in one of our last meetings that he was going to Boston to teach his robotic direct anterior surgical approach to a group of doctors in Boston,” says Cliff. “It looks like my research was spot on. These procedures changed my life.”

If hip pain keeps you from the activities you enjoy, talk with an orthopedic specialist about your treatment options.

To schedule a consultation with Dr. Ron Hudanich, call (407) 977-4130.

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