Oceanside– Tri-City Medical Center is pleased to announce that it is the first ---- and only ---- hospital in San Diego County to offer a computer-assisted hip
replacement surgery that allows the surgeon to make the incision from the front of the hip rather than the back.
Compared to traditional hip
replacement surgery, this specialized procedure significantly reduces recovery
time and the risk of post-surgery dislocation. There is less muscle trauma than
with a posterior approach, allowing patients to more quickly return to the
activities of daily living, such as putting on socks or sitting in a low chair.
Dr. Joel Heiser, an orthopaedic surgeon who has been conducting hip replacements at
Tri-City Medical Center for over 30 years, believes the computer-assisted
procedure – known as anterior supine hip replacement -- is the most beneficial
approach for patients.
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“Patients will most always prefer that a doctor
utilize the most current technology available to ensure all the components are placed as precisely as possible,” Dr. Heiser said. “The most common complications after hip arthroplasty are leg length discrepancy and hip dislocation. The computer-assisted anterior supine approach addresses these
issues.”
Anterior supine hip replacement procedures are commonplace; however, the new procedure
the hospital began offering in August uses computer sensors and infrared cameras to guide the surgeon. At Tri-City Medical Center, the procedure costs no more than the traditional approach.
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“In accordance with our mission to advance the health and wellness of those we serve, Tri-City Medical Center knows that offering computer-assisted anterior supine hip replacements is simply an investment in a healthier region,” said Sharmaine Kaufmann, RN, NP and Care Coordinator for Tri-City’s Orthopaedic and Spine Institute. “Just as we’ve implemented the da Vinci® Robotic Surgical System, the most advanced piece of equipment of its kind, providing this innovative procedure
keeps Tri-City Medical Center at the forefront of patient care and surgical practices.”
According to a 2008 study published in Arthritis Care & Research, the annual number of hip replacements will reach 600,000 across the U.S. by 2015. Along with an overall increase in the number of patients, the age of patients needing hip replacement surgery is becoming younger and younger.
“The alignment of the replacement parts is more precise with the computer-assisted procedure, which reduces the amount of wear-and-tear and, thus, should extend
the life of the new joint, reducing the likelihood of needing another procedure. This is increasingly important as many younger people now need total hip replacements,” said Dr. Heiser.
To learn more about computer-assisted anterior supine hip replacements or any other medical procedure, visit www.tricitymed.org or contact the Orthopaedic and Spine Institute's care coordinator at 760-940-3000.
About Tri-City Medical Center
Tri-City Medical Center is a Joint Commission gold seal accredited, full-service, acute
care hospital with two advanced clinical institutes and over 500 physicians practicing in 60 specialties. Administered by the Tri-City Healthcare District, which includes Oceanside, Vista and most of Carlsbad, Tri-City is celebrating
50 years of caring for the community. For more information about Tri-City Medical Center, please visit www.tricitymed.org
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