Larry Litwin thought his days of umpiring were over. After all, what good is an umpire who can’t bend down to brush off home plate? But the Winslow Township, N.J., man found a solution in overcoming pain in his hips and, today, is again yelling “Out!” instead of “Ouch!” on the diamond.

Litwin, 61, developed osteoarthritis in both hips after years of wear and tear on his joints. A public relations professional and associate professor, Litwin enjoyed umpiring baseball and softball games on the side. But the pain and debilitation associated with osteoarthritis threatened his enjoyment.

In 2006, Litwin visited an orthopaedic specialist. Dr. William Hozack of the Rothman Institute diagnosed his injuries and recommended replacing both of his osteoarthritic hips at the same time – called bilateral hip replacement surgery.

Having never undergone major surgery, Litwin was apprehensive at first. But after speaking with Dr. Hozack, his mindset changed.

Said Litwin: “Dr. Hozack helped me get mentally prepared by walking me through what the surgery and rehabilitation would be like. We went to the Rothman Institute’s new NovaCare Complex to give me an understanding of post-surgery rehab.”

Hozack performed the surgery Aug. 9 last year, using ceramic and titanium implants. Litwin was back to work part time Aug. 26. Today he has no pain and can ride 15 miles on his bike. And, to his surprise, Litwin is back behind the plate umpiring college and high school softball games in New Jersey, elated over his ability to move down the line and backup other umpires.

He added: “I’m moving like I did 20 years ago. Other umpires watching the game said they couldn’t believe how I sprang out from home plate.”