CSMC Offers Minimally Invasive Hip Surgery

Arthritic hip pain sufferers now have two minimally invasive alternatives to traditional hip replacement that is making surgery, recovery and rehabilitation faster and easier on patients. Richard D. Berkowitz, M.D., an orthopaedic surgeon with Coral Springs Medical Center, is one of the first physicians nationwide trained to perform the new procedures and is one of only a few in Florida doing them.

The Zimmer Minimally Invasive Solutions™ (MIS™) mini-incision hip replacement procedures use specialized instruments and adapted surgical techniques to replace the damaged portions of a hip joint with the same high-quality and clinically proven implants used in a standard hip replacement. The new techniques allow the implant to be inserted through two 1 ½- to 2 inch incision muscle sparing incisions or a single 3 to 4-inch incision, rather than the standard 10- to 12-inch incision. This results in less muscle and tissue being disrupted during surgery, which can, in turn result in less postoperative discomfort, smaller scars, shorter hospital stays and faster recovery period.

“Just about anybody who is a candidate for traditional hip replacement is also a candidate for the minimally invasive procedures but each patient must be evaluated for the type of procedure that is right for them,” said Dr. Berkowitz. “A patient’s medical history, current health status, weight, bone structure and degree of arthritis are considered when determining whether hip replacement is necessary and which type of procedure is right for a particular patient.”

Jacqueline Montag, a 58-year-old patient of Dr. Berkowitz underwent a muscle sparing, two-incision minimally invasive procedure almost 4 months ago and is very pleased with the results. “Before the surgery I was limping and only walking short distances under severe pain,” said Montag. “After four weeks on a cane, I was able to start an exercise routine of walking and swimming without any problem or pain and have also just completed a 5K walk.

According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, approximately 30 million people in the U.S. suffer from osteoarthritis. That number is expected to increase as the baby boomer generation ages and as people continue to live longer. Osteoarthritis is a disease which causes deterioration of the cartilage in the hip joint, allowing bone to rub against bone. The friction generated by the bones rubbing together causes severe discomfort and debilitating pain and stiffness, making it difficult to walk or exercise.

With time, a person’s activity level decreases as their pain increases. The resultant inactivity, causes the muscle controlling the hip to weaken, leading to a greater risk of injury.

Mini-incision hip replacement is an option for almost all patients who are candidates for traditional hip replacement. Factors that may rule it out for a particular patient include prior hip replacement on the same hip, obesity, a recent history of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and other unstable medical conditions.

Coral Springs Medical Center is a facility of the North Broward Hospital District. The District, providing service since 1938, is a nonprofit community health system offering a full spectrum of healthcare services. The District encompasses more than 35 healthcare facilities including Broward General Medical Center, North Broward Medical Center, Imperial Point Medical Center, Coral Springs Medical Center and Chris Evert Children’s Hospital at Broward General Medical Center. The District is a medical safety net for Broward County residents.

About The Author:

Diana Guayara 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.