Surgery – Archives

• Sleep Apnea and Hip Replacement Surgery
  Why is it Important to Diagnose Sleep Apnea before Hip Replacement Surgery?
  Author: Sandra Grauschopf - Date: 10/10/2006



• Mini-incision Arthroplasty May Have Worse Cosmetic Outcome Than Standard-incision Surgery
  Ironically, mini-incision hip arthroplasty may have a worse cosmetic outcome than standard-incision surgery.
  Author: C.S. Mow - Date: 21/05/2006



• Mexican-Americans Far Less Likely to Seek Hip Replacement Surgery
  Mexican-Americans ages 65 and older in Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and Illinois are less likely to receive hip replacements than non-Hispanic whites, according to researchers at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio.
  Author: Dr. Agustin Escalante - Date: 07/05/2006



• 30% Cost Savings and 30% Better Short Term Patient Outcomes in a Zimmer MIS Hip Technique Study
  Zimmer Holdings, Inc. (NYSE and SWX: ZMH), a worldwide leader in the orthopaedics industry, announced today the results from a Zimmer study of the cost effectiveness and patient outcomes associated with the company’s Minimally Invasive Solutions™ (MIS™) 2-Incision™ Hip Replacement Procedure. The research shows that, when compared to conventional hip replacement, the MIS 2-Incision technique, as taught worldwide at Zimmer Institute facilities, saves an average of 30% in costs while typically improving three month clinical outcomes by more than 30%.
  Author: Ray Elliott - Date: 05/03/2006



• Small Incision Total Hip Replacement Surgery
  This January, orthopedic surgeons at the Rothman Institute at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital will demonstrate a surgical technique that may be quicker, better and safer--when it comes to having a hip replaced.
  Author: Richard Rothman - Date: 12/03/2006



• Innovative ‘Ceramic-on-metal’ Hip Replacements To Undergo Clinical Trials
  A new type of artificial hip, more robust and longer lasting than conventional artificial joints, is to undergo clinical trials and could be available for patients within five years.
  Author: Jeff Nagel - Date: 05/02/2006



• Hip Revision Surgeries - Remake Life!
  Hip replacement implants have a long life span, but will eventually need to be changed. Due to the daily activity related wear and tear, the implant loosens, making mobility painful. In rare cases, bacteria may invade the bone tissue surrounding the implant, making it necessary for an operation. Hip revision surgeries aim to replace the old and painful worn out hip implant with a new one that eases movement at the hips.
  Author: Dr. Bharat Sharma - Date: 24/06/2005



• Hip Implant Coatings - The Marvel Nano Coat!!!
  Implants and replacements used in hip replacement surgeries are made of titanium. This metal for replacements has the advantage of being sturdy, light and resistant to wear and tear. The associated drawback is that it is identified by body tissue as unnatural and very often rejected. This may evoke an inflammatory immune response, leading to loosening of the implants and painful movements at the hips. The activity related stress friction also significantly contributes to this tissue reaction. Hip implant coatings were devised as a way out of this problem, by coating titanium with a tissue-friendly compound. The hip implant coating acts as an interface between living and nonliving surfaces, therefore improving the stability of the implant or replacement.
  Author: Dr. Bharat Sharma - Date: 24/06/2005



• Hip Implant Operations - Small Cut, Big Benefits!
  With medical science refining itself every moment, hip implant operations are becoming more applicable. Surgeons are now in a single opinion for the use of the minimally invasive approach for hip replacement operations and implants. The implants technique being practiced for around two years and has gained attention due to its innumerable benefits. The surgical replacement procedure involves a smaller incision of two to three inches, as compared to the twelve inches long incision in the conventional approach for replacements and implants. The surgeon operates on the hips through the muscle and soft tissue without severing them. The implant replacement is done and the incision closed. This hip implant operation technique requires one overnight stay and provides a quicker resumption of daily activities.
  Author: Dr. Bharat Sharma - Date: 20/07/2005



• Hip Replacement Incisions - A Cut For Active Life!
  Hip replacement incisions vary with the approach undertaken. The conventional type of hip replacement involves a cut of about ten to twelve inches to facilitate easy access to the hip joint for an easy replacement. The incisions for implants in hips damage a lot of muscle tissue and the recovery is relatively difficult. However, there are variations, depending upon the technique.
  Author: Dr. Bharat Sharma - Date: 11/09/2005



• Hip Surgical Procedures - Ready, Set, Go!
  The hip joint is a vital part of our skeletal system and is the main joint for the body’s locomotion. The hips are a ball and socket type of joint and the acetabulum forming the socket houses the femoral head as ball. The femoral head moves in the acetabulum to provide mobility. Damage to any of these components may result in painful movements and restriction in activities involving the hips. Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, congenital deformities, tumor and external injury may damage the joint. When the pain becomes intolerable or there is significant limitation of activities, hip surgical procedures are recommended to salvage quality of life.
  Author: Dr. Bharat Sharma - Date: 25/09/2005



• Safe Hip Replacements - Hip Out Of Harm’s Way!
  Hip replacement surgeries are the procedure in which dysfunctional hip joints are replaced with an artificial hip implant. The surgery is performed by giving a twelve inch long incision, severing through the muscle and other soft tissue and approaching the hip joint. The implant is placed by preparing a surface on the left over healthy bone. The long incision makes the wound more prone for infection. The approach is through the soft tissue and hence the damage to it is vast. This in turn takes a longer time to heal and provides less support to the implant. The rehabilitation also takes an extended time. The patient takes more time to return to his normal activities. Hence, implants with smaller incisions are safe hip replacements.
  Author: Dr. Bharat Sharma - Date: 09/10/2005



• Minimally Invasive Procedures - Cut Less, Gain More!
  A Diseased hip can be replaced by hip replacement surgery, but the outcome depends on the type of procedure involved. Minimally invasive procedures are better at providing good results. A minimal cut of three to four inches is beneficial in many ways. The minimally cut skin is less prone to infections, reducing the chances of post operative complications. In minimally invasive procedures, the surgeon inflicts less damage to the supportive soft tissue, thereby increasing the rate of recovery. However, in the traditional approach the surgeon gives a bigger cut in order to invade through the tissue and replace the hip. Minimally invasive surgeries require less hospitalization time and provide a shorter rehabilitation phase.
  Author: Dr. Bharat Sharma - Date: 16/10/2005



• Hip Replacement Operations – Get Operated On And Get Active!
  The hip joint combines the components of the pelvic bone and the femur bone. The hip joint tends to wear down and cease working. Hips become stiff and painful, with restricted movements. Even the daily activities of life like walking, climbing and dancing are also hampered. The condition may be due to any injury or disease of the bones. In these cases, hip replacement operations and implants provide notable relief from pain and discomfort. Until a few years ago, only seniors were considered for the implant surgery, but with the invention of better replacements and implants, young people can also get their hips operated on.
  Author: Dr. Bharat Sharma - Date: 04/01/2006



• Mini-Incision Hip Replacements - Mini Incision, Huge Gains!
  Hip replacements are capable of changing painful, difficult movement into easier moving joints. A significant relief is attained for patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and other disease condition affecting the hips. When the pain becomes intolerable and daily activities are restricted, the replacement of hips is the only remedy. The advances in hip replacement have made the surgery more acceptable and appealing. Of late, mini-incision hip replacements have been tried worldwide and have shown promising results. This is a relatively newer technique, and not many experts are available to practice this implant procedure.
  Author: Dr. Bharat Sharma - Date: 11/01/2006



• Hip Replacement Surgery – Hope For Hip Pain
  Hip replacement surgery is beneficial in those with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and fractures of the bones forming the hip joint, all conditions where conservative medical therapy is either not possible or inadequate. Hips may need replacement when any of these conditions are present, and there are implants that work as well as normal hips.
  Author: Dr. Bharat Sharma - Date: 16/04/2005



• Minimal Incision Replacement – Quicker, Better And Safer
  Hip replacement comes to the rescue in situations where mobility is decreased. Minimal incision replacements of hips is a newer concept that is receiving increased attention from many hip replacement surgeons. Studies have demonstrated that minimal incision hip replacements and implants are quicker, better and safer.
  Author: Dr. Bharat Sharma - Date: 22/04/2005



• Small Incision Replacements – Less Pain, Faster Recovery
  For the patients of arthritis, hip replacement impants are the treatment of choice. Until now, the traditional method of total hip replacement was used that involved a long incision for the implant and its associated complications. New technologies have now made small incision replacements of hip possible.
  Author: Dr. Bharat Sharma - Date: 23/04/2005



• Major Joint Replacements – Do They Need Major Incisions Too?
  Replacement of major joints such as the hip and knee joints are carried out following loss of joint function and pain, secondary to a disease process such as osteoarthritis or injury. Until recently, major joint replacements required surgical incisions as long as ten inches. A long incision not only exposes the patient to an increased risk of infection by delaying healing but also leaves an ugly scar after healing. Joint replacement and implant surgeons have begun to use smaller incisions that produce more cosmetically acceptable results and reduce the hospitalization time.
  Author: Dr. Bharat Sharma - Date: 24/04/2005



• Hip Replacement Fixatives – Stem Cell Magic Prevents Implant Failures
  Patients undergoing hip replacements have either a cemented or an uncemented implant, based on the age of the patient and the integrity of the bones. Cemented implants need hip replacement fixatives like the acrylic glue or polymethyl methacrylate to bind the replacements implant to the underlying bone. Generally, elderly patients with weaker hips and are given cemented hip replacements.
  Author: Dr. Bharat Sharma - Date: 23/06/2005



• Hip Implant Fixation - Anchoring The Implant
  A hip implant consists of a femoral component including a metal ball and stem fitting into femoral shaft and a plastic acetabular cup. The hip replacement implant fixation can be cemented, non-cemented or hybrid. The cemented type fixation for hips uses a material that percolates into the small pores in the bone. The non-cemented type replacement implants for hips have microporous components in which the natural bone tissue can grow into. The hybrid type of replacements for hips includes both types of fixation methods. Hip implant fixation, by the anchoring the implant to the bone, strengthens the joint interface, enabling the joint to withstand extreme stress.
  Author: Dr. Bharat Sharma - Date: 24/06/2005