A Major Advance in Hip Replacement

"It takes about three months for most patients to recover from traditional hip replacement surgery. Patients who undergo anterior hip replacement procedures can usually walk independently, drive and return to their normal activities within a few weeks because we do not have to cut into muscle." – Alain Elbaz, MD

A referral from a friend brought Grimes to see Alain Elbaz, MD, an orthopedic surgeon in the Champions area. Dr. Elbaz determined that Grimes was an ideal candidate for a new state-of-the-art procedure at Methodist Willowbrook Hospital. This minimally invasive surgery would allow Grimes to recover faster and more easily than traditional hip surgery.

In the past, hip replacements were not considered a desirable treatment for hip pain for younger adults and baby boomers due to the damage caused to muscles, premature wear of the implants and a lengthy rehabilitation period. The recovery often included having to use elevated toilet seats and other aids due to limited and painful movement. For active and working adults, this was not an attractive option. The new anterior hip replacements have changed all of that.

"It takes about three months for most patients to recover from traditional hip replacement surgery," Dr. Elbaz says. "Patients who undergo anterior hip replacement procedures can usually walk independently, drive and return to their normal activities within a few weeks. This new operation allows us to replace the joint without cutting or detaching any muscle. This results in less pain and swelling, and shorter hospital stays. Since we do not have to cut muscle, the new modern hardware aligns better with joints and preserves the length of patients' limbs, making joints last longer and feel more natural."

With an anterior hip replacement, you can return to your favorite activities more quickly.

Grimes and his wife, Susan, have a grown daughter and son and five grandchildren – all girls. "I enjoy spending time playing with my granddaughters," says Grimes. "And thanks to Dr. Elbaz and my new hip, I can now keep up!"

Extensive Experience Creates Confidence
Gary Kumler, 61, began feeling pain in his lower joints in late 2005. "Like a lot of people my age, I had a new, recurring pain," says Kumler. "As it continued to worsen, I was having difficulty walking my dog and even going down the small hill in front of my house to get the mail. I decided to do something about it."

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Kumler was immediately impressed with Dr. Elbaz's patient, understanding manner and extensive experience with anterior hip replacement surgery. Dr. Elbaz confirmed that Kumler would eventually need hip replacement surgery, but the decision when to have it was Kumler's. A partnership of respect and trust developed immediately between doctor and patient.

Kumler identified three key reasons why he chose Dr. Elbaz for his surgery:

1. Experience. Dr. Elbaz has extensive experience in the specific procedure Kumler needed.
2. The latest technology. Methodist Willowbrook has invested in unique technology including an innovative table – called the PROfx hip and knee arthroplasty table – to perform anterior hip replacements.
3. New procedures. Dr. Elbaz performs anterior hip replacements because this new surgical procedure means less trauma for the patient and faster recovery times.

"My advice to anyone facing joint replacement surgery is to find a surgeon you’re comfortable with who uses the latest technology, equipment and procedures," comments Kumler. "Then get it over with!"

Kumler's anterior hip replacement was performed mid-December 2006. Kumler is pleased to announce, "I can go up and down that hill outside my house all day long – without any pain!"