New Minimally Invasive Hip Replacement Offered

Posted on: 08/09/2011

Northeast Orthopaedics, LLP now offering smaller incision, quicker recovery hip surgery

ALBANY, NY – Northeast Orthopaedics, LLP located in Albany, Clifton Park, Delmar, East Greenbush, Latham and Troy continues to save lifestyles by offering a new revolutionary surgical approach to the hip that may minimize postoperative pain and increase function. The traditional approach to total hip replacement uses an 8 to 12 inch incision and cuts muscle and tendon. The anterior supine approach to the hip has been developed to allow the surgeon access to the hip joint with little, if any, soft tissue damage. The incision is only about 4 inches long.

"To me, the greatest benefit of the anterior supine approach to hip replacement is being able to preserve muscle function" said Dr. Frederick J Fletcher of Northeast Orthopaedics. "Usually it takes several months to heal and rehabilitate cut muscle tissue after hip replacement. This new approach speeds up the recovery."

Not every patient is a candidate for this operation. Bone deformity, previous hip surgery and obesity may require a more traditional approach to the hip. "Total hip replacement continues to be an extremely successful operation that takes away the pain from severe arthritis" said Fletcher. "The anterior supine approach is another advancement towards this goal."

Other key advantages of the Anterior Supine Hip Procedure:
• Accelerated recovery time and reduced pain, due to the minimal trauma to muscles, tendons and nerves
• Reduced scarring due to the use of a smaller incision than with traditional total hip replacement
• More rapid stability of the hip because the muscles are not disrupted during the procedure
Since the Anterior Supine Hip Procedure is easier on the muscles and avoids soft issue trauma, many patients experience reduced rehabilitation time, compared to the six to eight weeks of rehab that is typical with traditional hip replacement procedures.

Dr. Fletcher is accepting appointments for the Anterior Supine Hip Procedure. Patients can call 518-453-9088 to find out the best treatment.