Landmark Hip Studies Conducted at Sewickley Valley Hospital

Dr. James D'Antonio, president of the North American Hip Society and the author of numerous landmark clinical papers and speeches on hip disease and hip replacement surgery, has conducted clinical research at Sewickley Valley Hospital, a Heritage Valley Health System facility for the past twenty-five years. Three of these studies have been one of a kind prospective studies and include beginning in 1988, the evaluation of the first synthetic bone coated titanium coated hip prosthesis introduced in the United States. This titanium hip prosthesis has greater than a seventeen-year follow-up and is now recognized as a state-of-the-art hip implant for its long-term success. When this implant is combined with newer bearing surfaces, there is the anticipation that total hip replacements will routinely last 20-30 years.

D'Antonio currently serves as lead investigator for a new study on a highly wear-resistant polyethylene, and is the co-lead investigator for a Food and Drug Administration study on the use of ceramic bearings and titanium implants for total hip replacement surgery. In 1996, Dr. D'Antonio and his co- investigators began the first national study using ceramic-on-ceramic bearings and in 1998 were the first to use the new generation of polyethylenes with lower wear. These improved bearing surfaces have significantly lower wear than the metal-on-polyethylene that was used for 40 years and promises to greatly extend the longevity of hip replacement surgery.

"Through Dr. D'Antonio's groundbreaking clinical research and development of new hip replacement implants, he has set the standard for state-of-the-art hip replacement surgery," said Norm Mitry, president and CEO of Heritage Valley Health System. "We are very proud of his leadership efforts." Surgeons and researchers around the world travel to Sewickley Valley Hospital to visit, study and work with Dr. D'Antonio.

"I have been fortunate to work with some of the leading hip surgeons in North America and with Sewickley Valley Hospital," said Dr. D'Antonio. "The administration has always supported me and supplied me with the proper tools to be a successful surgeon and conduct meaningful research."

"In addition to performing hip replacement surgeries at Sewickley Valley Hospital, Dr. D'Antonio has been published in more than thirty different journals and books, served as chairman for major hip meetings nationally and internationally and has presented more than 140 clinical papers and speeches throughout his career," said Dr. Dan Brooks, Chief Medical Officer. "He has also been instrumental in developing new equipment that provides for more accurate and greater ease of hip and knee replacement surgery. The scope of his accomplishments has future implications for patients not just here, but worldwide."

By the end of 2005 Dr. D'Antonio will have written 38 publications in major journals on hip replacement surgery. Topics in these publications include the longevity of titanium implants, experience with hydroxylapatite- coated hip implants, experience with new ceramic and polyethylene bearings, landmark papers creating a classification system for bone loss around the hip written for the Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. All of his clinical research and surgeries are performed at Sewickley Valley Hospital, a community-based health facility home to national research focused on providing excellent patient care through the advancement of technology and collaborative study.

As president of the distinguished, 98-member North American Hip Society and a member since 1992, D'Antonio this year in September hosted the organization's semi-annual President's Meeting in Pittsburgh. With a record 92 members in attendance, the meeting focused on the results of current research being performed by the members that will alter the future of hip surgery. The Hip Society is an exclusive group of surgeons invited to join based on their contributions to hip surgery and record of medical publications. Through an affiliation with the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, the president of the Hip Society is charged with not only arranging for education of the society members, but also for planning educational opportunities on hip replacement for other surgeons throughout the world.

Born and raised in Aliquippa, Dr. D'Antonio is a graduate of the School of Engineering of Rutgers University and the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. D'Antonio has been a member of the Board of Directors of the North American Hip Society since 1998. He is also the former president of the Society for Arthritic Joint Surgeons, is a member of the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons, the American Medical Association, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, the Pennsylvania Orthopaedic Society, and the Eastern Orthopaedic Society. He has served as a member of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Hip Committee for six years. D'Antonio also holds a patent for a femoral sizing guide for total knee arthroplasty.

Also see; artificial hip repair.

About The Author:

Dr. James D'Antonio is a successful author and regular contributor to http://www.hip-replacement-care.com. Information on hip replacement; the cause, diagnosis, symptoms, surgery and treatment for recovery and rebuilding your body.