Dr. Sukchan Lee, Orthopedic Surgeon at HaysMed performed the first direct anterior approach (DAA) hip replacement surgery at HaysMed in June. The surgery offers patients the potential for a shorter hospital stay and quicker recovery time. Dr. Lee is one of the only physicians in Western Kansas who performs this type of surgery but he will be joined by fellow Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. Gulraiz Cheema who will begin offering the procedure this fall.
With the direct approach anterior hip procedure the surgeon makes a small incision at the front of the hip instead of through the back or the side of the hip. This approach allows the doctor to reach the hip socket without cutting through major muscles and tendons. The procedure often results in less pain and fewer complications for patients than standard hip replacement.
“Patients recover quicker, discontinue use of a cane or walker sooner, and have a quicker return to a normal gait” said Dr. Lee.
The operation is less invasive on muscles so patients don’t have as many movement limitations during recovery. “You can bend over; you can reach down to the floor. You can cross your legs – all movements that patients with a traditional hip replacement surgery have to be careful about.” Lee noted.
Anterior hip replacements were first described in the United States in the 1970s and have gradually gained popularity. During the surgery patients lie on their backs rather than their sides and the procedure requires special operating tables other equipment that HaysMed purchased earlier this year. Dr. Lee received the special training on this procedure at Harvard Medical School.
Surgeons who perform the procedure also say the anterior position makes it easier for them to use fluoroscopy, a real-time x-ray technique that allows doctors to precisely position the implanted artificial hip. That, in turn, may allow artificial hips to last longer.
“It’s exciting to be able to offer patients this option in hip replacement surgery.” said Lee. “Not every patient meets the criteria for direct anterior hip replacement but if they do qualify they should experience a quicker recovery and shorter hospital stay.”
For more information contact the HaysMed Orthopedic Institute at 785-261-7599.