Hip and knee joint replacement surgery has been performed for decades. New advances in surgical approaches and operating room equipment are helping patients to benefit from more rapid recovery than in the past.
One example is the direct anterior approach for hip replacement. This involves entering the hip from the front (anterior) side. This approach is unique in that it does not require the cutting through or detaching of any major muscle group. This means less pain and more rapid return of muscle control and function. Traditional approaches like the posterior approach, the lateral approach, or the anterolateral approach all involve detaching or splitting of major muscle groups about the hip. One recent study in the Journal of Arthoplasty showed that direct anterior approach hip replacement patients were able to walk more quickly without aids such as a walker or cane.
Another example of exciting new technology is computer assisted navigation for hip and knee replacement surgery. This technology has been described as GPS for surgery. It involves placing sensors directly onto the bone of the pelvis or knee and then referencing known and easily felt anatomic landmarks on the patient. This permits the computer to create a three dimensional model of the patient’s anatomy. This is then used to place cutting instruments with great precision to allow for removal of just the right amount of bone in the correct alignment to permit the best functioning of the prosthetic joint replacement components. This has long term benefits such as lower risk of hip dislocation and potentially better long term implant survival for the joint replacement. Dr. Savage is the first surgeon to widely use this technology in the South Austin region.
