Centers of Excellence
Hip & Knee
For more than thirty years, joint
replacement surgery has had a profound effect on the quality of life
in patients with advanced arthritis. And now, new technologies may
offer further benefits to women who are candidates for knee replacement
and active adults age 60 and younger suffering from hip pain. Gender
specific knee replacements are designed to address scientifically
documented differences between the shape of male and female knees.
Hip Resurfacing, a breakthrough alternative to total hip replacement for qualified candidates, preserves more of the patient's natural bone, allows for a greater range of motion, and can decrease the chance of dislocation.
Our patients typically undergo a program of conservative management prior to surgery that may involve cortisone injections, hyaluronic acid supplementation (Synvisc or Hyalgan), bracing, and physical therapy.
The surgeons at Rockford Orthopedic have extensive training and experience with primary and revision joint replacement surgery of the hip, knee, shoulder, and elbow. Our surgeons regularly attend national meetings and conferences focused on joint replacement in order to further their knowledge and keep abreast of new developments such as minimally invasive techniques and alternative bearing surfaces.
Physicians:
Non-operative care:
Frequently Treated Problems:
- Osteoarthritis
- Birth deformity of hip or knee
- Painful joint replacements
- Arthritis following an injury
- Hip or knee pain of unknown cause
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Failed joint replacements
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is osteoarthritis?
A. Often called wear-and-tear arthritis, osteoarthritis is one of the most common forms of arthritis. The disease causes a breakdown of the cartilage that cushions the hip joint. As the cartilage breaks down, the result is bone-against-bone friction, leading to pain, eventual loss of movement, and the gradual weakening of unused muscles.
Q. How do I know if I have osteoarthritis of the hip?
A. Make an appointment with an orthopedic surgeon who will evaluate your individual condition.
- X-rays will show if you have cartilage loss, abnormal change in bone density, or bony projections or erosions.
- A blood test will be taken to rule out rheumatoid arthritis.
- Your hip will be examined to evaluate range-of-motion and any deformities.
- You will be asked to describe the pain in your hip and to provide your medical history รณ injuries, infections, ailments, and medications you are taking.
Q. What is the mini-incision hip replacement procedure?
A. Mini-incision hip replacement is a less invasive alternative to traditional hip replacement surgery. It involves a much smaller incision and specialized surgical instruments. The surgeon replaces the damaged portions of your hip with a prosthesis to give you smooth and painless movement. The three parts of the prosthesis: the socket, ball, and stem, are made of a combination of metal and plastic
Q. What are the benefits of having the mini-incision hip replacement procedure?
A. Results vary from person to person (due to factors such as weight, bone structure, and adherence to postoperative rehabilitation). The minimally invasive technique may offer you significant advantages over traditional hip replacement, such as:
- Smaller incision and scar, 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 inches, instead of the 10-to 12-inch standard incision
- Shorter hospital stay
- Faster rehabilitation These benefits may allow a faster return to work and daily activities.
Q. How do I know if I should have the mini-incision hip replacement procedure?
A. The new technique is not for everyone. Candidacy for the procedure is based on several anatomical factors that must be assessed by your orthopedic surgeon, including extent and pattern of arthritis and bone structure. People with the following factors typically are not candidates for this procedure:
- Obesity
- Recent history of deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
- Unstable medical conditions that may lead to a higher risk of complications
- Prior hip replacement surgery on the same hip
