Nothing can stop 68-year-old champion powerlifter Bernard ‘Budgie’ Mullan: not even hip surgery. Just weeks after undergoing an operation at UCH, the 12 times-world champion was back in training for another top title. Budgie went on to win Silver in the 2011 world powerlifting championship.
Budgie was referred to UCH after suffering discomfort and lack of movement. Specialists diagnosed serious arthritis. He said: "I took in my powerlifting book to UCLH to show them photos of what I did and said I was top of my profession and wanted to stay there!"
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Consultant orthopaedic surgeon and ISEH Director Professor Fares Haddad suggested hip resurfacing surgery, which removes less bone than a standard hip replacement. Instead of removing the entire ball of the ball-and-socket hip joint, a metal cap was inserted to protect the worn cartilage. “Two weeks after the operation I had got rid of my crutches and was back in training, in the gym. I was amazed” said Budgie.
In March 2012 Budgie was diagnosed as requiring further surgery, this time to his right shoulder. Following rehabilitation he returned to lifting, once again setting new British records.