Joint Replacement
Hip Replacement Surgery
Total hip replacement surgery is one of the most common orthopedic procedures and has greatly advanced since its development in the 1960s. The development and use of surgical tables, computer navigation and the latest surgical procedures all contribute to providing patients a healthier lifestyle after surgery.
The need for hip replacement surgery is expanding with the age and weight of the adult population and is performed on over 300,000 Americans each year.
Innovative New Procedure - Anterior Approach
The anterior approach has proven extremely successful with reducing recovery and rehabilitation time, increasing the range of motion after surgery and reducing the possibility of dislocation when compared to traditional hip replacement surgery.
| Potential Advantages Include | Anterior Approach | Conventional Surgery |
|---|---|---|
| Average Hospital Stay | 1 to 2 days | 3 to 10 days |
| Smaller Incision | 4 to 5 inches | 10 to 12 inches |
| Less Muscle Trauma | Muscles separated | Muscles split |
| Faster Recovery | 2 to 8 weeks | 2 to 4 months |
| Reduced Pain | X |
|
| Reduces Tissue Healing Required | X |
|
| Reduced Risk of Dislocation | X |
|
| More Accurate Leg Length Control | X |
|
| More Rapid Return to Normal Activities | X |
|
Some information above provided by OSI.
Disclaimer: All patients have varying degrees of disability prior to surgery, as well as inherent differences in their overall capabilities. The outcomes described herein speak for the majority of patients with normal hip deterioration and average capabilities for their age group.
The anterior approach is often referred to as "tissue sparing" due to the reduced length of the incision and eliminating the need to cut into the muscles. Only a handful of Bay Area orthopedic surgeons are specially trained in this procedure, one of whom is Palo Alto Medical Foundation's Bernardo Ferrari, M.D.
Dr. Ferrari has experienced first hand how truly liberating this surgery is for patients. With this less-invasive technique, many patients are up and walking just a few hours after surgery. Dislocation rate has improved from 5% to .6% while providing a much more functional joint without the need for hip motion precautions. Recuperation time is shorter and within a few weeks of the operation patients can often walk, sit and stand comfortably. For most patients, it is the first time in years they have been able to do these activities without pain.
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