Jason needed hip replacement surgery.
"When my hips started giving out, I thought I'd never walk again. I don't remember being so scared," said Jason. Within two years, both hips were replaced. Michael Welker, MD, Kettering Health Network Orthopedic Surgeon performed both total joint hip replacements using the anterior incision approach.
"Dr. Welker was amazing and helped take away my fear." said Jason. "The hospital was great and they made me feel like I was their only patient."
Jason was diagnosed with avascular necrosis. Avascular necrosis occurs when the blood supply to the bone is disrupted causing further breakdown in existing bone. When this happens the pain makes it necessary for the person to use a cane, walker or a wheelchair to get around. The only way to stop the pain is a total joint replacement.
Jason's post-operative recovery was minimal because the total hip replacement was performed through an anterior approach. "Jason was a perfect candidate for anterior hip replacement." said Dr. Welker. "He is young and wanted to get back to activity as soon as possible. The anterior approach provides faster rehab because there is less soft tissue damage."
With the anterior approach, the incision disrupts less of the muscle and allows for quicker recovery after surgery. "Because of the better recovery time, it is advantageous to use the anterior approach for hip replacements, however not everyone is a candidate." says Dr. Welker.
"I am happy to be active with my family again. No cane, no crutches and I have a pain free life." says Jason. "I'm doing great and am back out on the green playing golf."
To learn more about anterior hip replacement visit www.ketteringhealth.org/joint/hip or call 1-800-888-8362 to find out if you are a candidate.