Surgical Table Facilitates Hip Surgery
Department surgeons have successfully performed a minimally invasive anterior total hip replacement using the innovative hanaTM Hip and Knee Arthoplasty Table, a first for a New York academic medical center. The procedure was recently featured on CBS' HealthWatch Segment (click for video)
An anterior total hip replacement, as performed with the aid of the hana Hip and Knee Arthoplasty Table, is a cutting-edge procedure in contrast to the usual approach in total hip replacement surgery since it is performed through a natural interval among the muscle groups surrounding the hip. This interval allows replacement of the hip without the cutting of muscles and tendons which is required in all other approaches to the hip joint.
The complex operation is facilitated by the hana Table because it serves as an actual instrument during the operation. With its unique capability to position the leg, the hana Table enables the surgeon to replace the hip through a single incision, anterior approach, without detachment of muscle or tendon from the pelvis or femur.
Roy I. Davidovitch, M.D., an assistant professor in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at NYU School of Medicine, was the first surgeon to use the hana Table at NYUHJD. He heads the New York Hip Center, which provides patients with new, innovative treatments for different hip conditions. He trained with Dr. Joel Matta, the innovator of the Anterior Total Hip Replacement, of Santa Monica, in anterior approach hip replacement surgery.
"The hana Hip and Knee Arthoplasty Table provides a remarkable resource to facilitate anterior approach hip replacement procedures and is a breakthrough in the field of hip replacement surgery," said Dr. Davidovitch. "The hana table has been a worthy addition to our resources on par with our robotic and computer navigation approach to joint replacement surgery."
Other surgeons at NYUHJD using the anterior approach for hip replacements include Justin Lamont, M.D, Chief of the Orthopaedic Division at Tisch Hospital of Langone Medical Center and Kenneth McCulloch, M.D of the Sports Medicine division.
"The anterior approach for hip replacement surgery results in less pain and an accelerated recovery. Most notably, patients are not asked to observe any special precautions after surgery and are encouraged to resume routine, low impact, activities," says Dr. Lamont.
Merits of the anterior approach total hip replacement include: less muscle and tendon trauma for the patient; a reduced hospital stay; an accelerated recovery -- two to eight weeks as opposed to two to four months; a smaller incision -- four to five inches as opposed to 10 to 12 inches; the lack of post surgical precautions; and a reduction in pain. Additional benefits are low risk of hip dislocation, the reduction in blood loss, and a more rapid return to activities of daily living such as driving.
For more information contact the Hip Center at: 212-598-6222