Revolutionary Hip Replacement Now Available at NLMC

Ruston, LA (July 30, 2008) - A revolutionary new hip replacement surgery is now available at Northern Louisiana Medical Center. The hospital recently obtained the hana™ Hip and Knee Arthoplasty Table – the only surgical table designed exclusively for hip and knee arthoplasty. On July 22 the first anterior hip replacement procedure at the hospital was performed by John Mays, M.D. “I was extremely pleased with the results of the surgery, but more importantly the patient was thrilled. The patient is doing exceptionally well and was up walking the day of surgery,” says Mays.

Compared to traditional hip replacement called a posterior-lateral approach which uses a single larger incision on the side of the hip and upper thigh, the new anterior hip replacement using the hana™ table is minimally invasive and involves one small incision on the front of the upper thigh. This technique allows the surgeon to work between muscles and tissues. Dr. Jim Finley explains, “I especially like this surgery table because key muscles are not detached during the operation. The Anterior Approach is known as a tissue-sparing procedure because it avoids cutting these key muscles and tissues and therefore minimized muscle damage,” he says, “As a result the patient typically has a quicker recovery and shortened hospital stay.” Keeping these muscles intact may also help prevent dislocations. Since the incision is in front, the pain of sitting on the incision site will be eliminated.

The Anterior Approach may make minimally invasive hip surgery possible for a wider range of patients, also, including larger, heavier patients. Because this surgery enters the body closer to the hip joint, with far less tissue between the skin and the bones of the hip, more patients may be candidates.

“NLMC is always looking for new technologies and medical procedures that will benefit our patients,” said Doug Sills, chief executive officer. “This table is a worthy addition to our resources and will also be used for other types of orthopedic surgery.”

Although each patient responds differently, this procedure seeks to help patients more freely bend their hip and bear their full weight immediately or soon after surgery. There is also less scarring, enhanced stability and less discomfort during the recovery period.

Dr. Richard Ballard is also pleased with this addition, “I am very happy to have this state-of-the-art operating table for orthopedic procedures. It’s versatility really expands the range of operations we can perform and techniques we can use.”

The cooperation between the NLMC surgery staff, NLMC administration and orthopedic surgeons of Green Clinic has been vital in allowing this revolutionary surgery to be available to patients. Each entity would like to express their gratitude in the collaboration to acquire and perform surgeries using the hana™ table. “Without this table, this type of surgery would not be possible,” states Mays.

Who is a candidate for the procedure? This surgery is most commonly done to relieve severe arthritis, which can wear down the hip joint. People with other conditions, such as injury, bone tumors, and loss of bone caused by a lack of blood supply may also need a hip joint replaced.

An individual is usually advised to consider this surgery when the following conditions apply:

The pain is severe enough to restrict not only work and recreation but also the normal activities of daily living.

• The pain is not relieved by arthritis medications.
• The person is not helped by the use of a cane or walker. There is significant stiffness of the hip that limits activities.
• Joint X-rays show advanced arthritis or other severe problems.

Thanks to this groundbreaking hip replacement found only at Northern Louisiana Medical Center, patients can make up for lost time by enjoying things they are now able to do, and do it all pain free. With less recovery time, less discomfort and a smaller incision, patients are able to get more from life once again!

To find out more about this innovative, minimally invasive procedure or for a referral call the offices of Dr. Richard Ballard, Dr. Jim Finley, and Dr. John Mays at 318-251-6372.