Moving Ahead With Joint Replacements
Minimally Invasive Surgery Is One of the Latest Advances

The past five to 10 years have seen several advances in total joint replacement, making it an attractive option for a wider range of people who are suffering from osteoarthritis or who have sustained cartilage injuries. Longer-lasting materials, such as polyethylene plastics, ceramics and space-age metals, are now being used routinely. Plus, fresh approaches to joint replacement surgery and physical therapy have shortened the amount of time that surgery and recovery keep patients out of commission. Here’s a rundown of the latest approaches:

HIPS

Number performed nationally:
More than 285,000 a year Innovations: Muscle-sparing procedures such as the direct anterior approach allow hip replacement surgery using an incision in the front of the hip. This permits muscles to be spread at natural openings to allow access to the joint, rather than having to cut through muscle. Hip resurfacing is another procedure that preserves more of the patient’s bone and is a good option for some young, active patients with strong bones. With hip resurfacing surgery, a metal cap is placed around the ball joint where the cartilage has worn off.

SHOULDERS

Number performed nationally:
About 53,000 a year
Innovations: For patients with arthritis and a massive rotator cuff tear, shoulder replacement surgery with a cuff tear arthropathy head procedure is possible. Another newer type of shoulder replacement is called reverse total shoulder replacement, which is used for people with completely torn rotator cuffs, severe arthritis or a previously failed shoulder.

KNEES

Number performed nationally:
More than 600,000 a year
Innovations: Computer navigation is routinely used to more accurately set the replaced components based on the specific anatomy and alignment of each individual, essentially customizing the fit for each patient.

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Nigel Azer, MD Orthopedic Surgeon Latest Advances in Knee Replacement Nigel Azer, MD April 12, 6 p.m. Jeffrey Lovallo, MD Orthopedic Surgeon Rotator Cuff Tears and Shoulder Arthritis Jeffrey Lovallo, MD April 19, 6 p.m John Albrigo, MD Orthopedic Surgeon Latest Advances in Hip Replacement John Albrigo, MD April 23, 6 p.m. Thomas Martinelli, MD Orthopedic Surgeon Latest Advances in joint Replacement Thomas Martinelli, MD April 12, 6 p.m