The Anterior Approach, New Hip Replacement Surgery
year alone- a number that is expected to grow rapidly as the baby boomer generation ages. Hip Replacement Surgery is one of the most successful orthopedic procedures performed today. But patient recovery is long and painful with strict limitations on patient movement during the recovery process. Today, Pennock Hospital along with Hastings Orthopedic Clinic, has significantly improved patient recovery and hospital protocols for hip replacement with the new Anterior Approach to hip replacement surgery.
Anterior Total Hip Replacement
An anterior hip replacement uses the same type of implants as traditional total hip replacement, however, the new anterior approach allows Dr. Heeringa the ability to access the joint in a special way, leaving the important muscles for hip function undisturbed. Pennock Hospital recently obtained the HANA™ Hip and Knee Arthroplasty Table – the only surgical table designed exclusively for Hip and Knee Arthroplasty.
With its unique capability to position the leg, the HANA™ enables the surgeon to replace the hip through a single incision, without detachment of muscle from the pelvis or femur. The table allows hyperextension, adduction and external rotation of the hip for femoral component placement – a positioning option not possible with conventional tables. The lack of disturbance to the lateral and posterior soft tissues provides immediate stability of the hip after surgery.
This way, the hip can be replaced without detachment of muscle from the pelvis or femur during surgery. The surgeon can simply work through the natural interval between the muscles. The most important muscles for hip function, the gluteal muscles that attach to the pelvis and femur, are left undisturbed and therefore do not require a healing process.
As a result of this anterior approach, Pennock Health can now offer a decreased hospital stay, faster recovery, more accurate leg length control, no muscle detachment, a small incision, and reduced pain and risk of dislocation.
Dr. Heeringa will be seeing patients at Hastings Orthopedic Clinic, Pennock Hospital, and Pennock Ionia Center. To schedule a direct appointment, please contact Hastings Orthopedic Clinic at 269-945-9520.
Hastings Orthopedic Clinic
Hastings Orthopedic Clinic works in conjunction with Pennock’s Pain Management Clinic. Dr. Leep, Dr. Merriman, Dr. Heeringa, and Dr. Horton treat patients experiencing a broad range of pain disorders including muscle pain, fibromyalgia, vertebral compression fractures, pain associated with osteoporosis, joint pain, back pain, neck pain, herniated discs, spinal stenosis, shingles and cancer pain. With a multidisciplinary approach, patients are independently diagnosed through various non-surgical procedures using a variety of highly specialized methods of treatment including medication management; therapeutic nerve block techniques and rehabilitation through physical and occupational therapy. The goal is to eliminate the pain and to help the patient change harmful behaviors for a healthy and functional lifestyle; ultimately improving the quality of life. Patients can benefit from visiting the Hastings Orthopedic and Pain Management Clinic.
For an appointment please call (269) 945.9520 or visit Hastings Orthopedic website at http://www.hoc-mi.com
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Patients Benefit From the Anterior Approach
Many people suffering from arthritis, hip pain and stiffness can now choose a less invasive procedure when hip replacement surgery is their treatment of choice. One of the least invasive surgical options is The Anterior Approach- a technique that minimizes the pain and time from surgery to recovery.
A Special Surgical Table Aids the Surgeon
A technologically advanced surgical table is used for The Anterior Approach. It works with the surgeon to minimize trauma under the skin by precise patient positioning not possible with conventional tables. For example, the patient's leg is extended downward to allow frontal access to the hip while minimizing tissue damage. It also allows for x-ray imaging during surgery to more accurately control implant placement and leg length.
*Hastings Orthopedic Clinic is a proud affiliate of Pennock Health Services