Hip Replacement Surgery

04 December 2017 / By Andrea

What to expect

Dr. Berger’s minimally invasive outpatient method has revolutionized hip replacement surgery. His advanced anterior approach allows him to replace the invaluable hip joint without cutting the patient’s muscles, ligaments, or tendons. This enables him to perform the surgery without dislocating the hip or tearing the muscles surrounding the joint, a common disadvantage of traditional hip replacement surgery.

During hip surgery, Dr. Berger uses his innovative surgical tools to create a small, 3- to 4-inch incision along the side of the hip, revealing the hip joint. Dr. Berger removes the arthritic head of the patient’s thighbone, taking care not to dislocate the joint. With the femoral head removed, he prepares the acetabulum—the socket of the joint. Using a special sanding tool, he carefully smooths the socket surface. He then uses a reamer to prepare the thighbone, which creates space for the femoral component of the prosthesis.

Next, Dr. Berger inserts a shell into the hip socket. This piece is made of metal and has a rough, articulated outer surface that encourages bone to grow and attach to the shell, securing it to the hip. Dr. Berger lines the shell with a polyethylene liner that acts as cartilage and facilitates smooth, fluid movement. He then inserts the hip implant into the thighbone. This component also has an articulated surface that helps the bone attach to the implant.

Once all prosthesis pieces are in place, Dr. Berger tests the patient’s range of motion. He finishes the surgery by cleansing the inside of the hip with an antibiotic wash to prevent infection and then closes the incision. On average, the whole process takes just over an hour.

After surgery, the patient is sent to a recovery room where they are cared for by one of Dr. Berger’s nurses.  A physical therapist will assist the patient to walk, climb stairs, and will provide the appropriate assistive device, such as a cane. Once the patient has been thoroughly examined, they are discharged from the hospital the same day of surgery.

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