Quality Hip Care

Some of the latest techniques for hip care and replacement

You’re living longer, and you want to stay active as long as you can. If you’ve been advised that you need a hip replacement, Desert Care Network offers:

• Coordinated, multidisciplinary care from assessment through recovery and rehabilitation
• Preoperative classes that help you know what to expect in the hours, days and weeks following surgery
• Minimally invasive surgical techniques to help you recover more quickly

During surgery, your hip joint will be replaced with an artificial one that is often made of metal and plastic parts. The surgery is only done after other treatment options have failed, and an assessment has shown that it is necessary.

A minimally invasive approach 

Today, hip-replacement patients can go home a lot sooner than before. That’s because you can take advantage of a dedicated team of orthopedic nurses and physical therapists, on-site rehabilitation and minimally invasive surgery.

A surgical technique called the anterior approach has been a significant breakthrough in full and partial hip replacements. It allows your surgeon to reach your hip from the front, rather than the back. This way, your hip can be replaced without detaching the gluteal muscles from the pelvis or femur – leaving them undisturbed and with less surgical trauma. The anterior approach lets you immediately bend your hip freely and soon bear your full weight. This means a rapid return to normal function.

Desert Care Network has also developed a technique called the direct superior approach. The technique involves just one small incision and one small tendon detachment in order to gain access to your hip socket. With this technique, surgeons are able to reach your hip joint without disturbing as much of the hip structure itself. This makes the hip more stable during and after your surgery. The new technique has been taught to surgeons throughout the country.

Another technique is called a hip arthroscopy. This is a surgical procedure that gives your doctor a clear view inside of a joint. This helps them diagnose and treat your joint problems. During the arthroscopy, your surgeon inserts a small camera – called an arthroscope – into your hip joint. The camera displays pictures on a screen, and your surgeon uses these images to guide miniature surgical instruments.

Because of these minimally invasive techniques, the average hospital stay following hip replacement is just two nights – with some patients staying only one night and checking out the next afternoon.

Following your hip replacement, rehabilitation will be the most important key to getting back to your active lifestyle.

Are you ready to regain your mobility? To find out more, visit www.DesertCareOrtho.com.