Please browse through this part of the website to learn more about receiving a total hip replacement in Richmond, VA. If you feel you are a candidate for THR, please schedule an appointment to see Dr. Miller for a full evaluation.
When Total Hip Replacement is necessary, please know that Dr. Miller is one of the foremost surgeons for Hip Replacement and Knee Replacement in Richmond, Virginia and statewide. He was the first surgeon in the state to bring Direct Anterior Approach Hip Replacement and Navigation together in the operating room, to maximize patient results and satisfaction.Total Hip Replacement (THR) is one of the most successful orthopedic surgeries that is performed. Sometimes, patients even forget that they have had surgery performed. However, it should only be done when all other treatment options have failed and the patient’s quality of life is suffering either because of pain or loss of function. THR is usually done for hip joint problems such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, avascular necrosis (AVN), lupus, developmental hip dysplasia, and Legg-Calve-Perthes disease.
Can a Machine Make the Outcome of Hip Replacement Surgery More Reliable?
Hip replacement surgery is an increasingly common surgical procedure for the treatment of hip arthritis and avascular necrosis. The risks of total hip replacement include dislocation, leg length inequality, and need for future surgery (if the components fail). While the implants have changed over the years, and the longevity of a hip replacement has increased, there has never been a reliable way to help determine proper implant placement and limb length equality. Now, however, we have the technology to allow for precise component placement and objective, intraoperative, measurement of leg length—all through the use of computer assisted surgery (navigation).
I have been using navigation with total knee replacement for about four years and have been pleased with the predictable implant placement and patient satisfaction. Now, this technology can be used with hip replacement surgery to provide the same results. How does navigation work? Surprisingly, much like a GPS system works in a car. Navigation technology uses special tracking devices, providing the surgeon a comprehensive understanding of joint mechanics in the operating room. Armed with this information, the surgeon can make adjustments within a fraction of a degree, helping to ensure the new joint has the stability and range of motion needed for a successful replacement. Specifically, the technology uses the latest advancements in science and computer engineering to make the procedure more accurate than joint surgery without it. As the surgeon moves an instrument within the joint, special infrared trackers calculate its position and wireless instruments instantaneously transfer the data to a computer in the OR. This information is then displayed on a monitor as an interactive model of the anatomy or “blueprint” that supplies the surgeon with all the angles, lines and measurements of the patient’s unique anatomy. The surgeon will then replace the diseased bone with new, artificial joint to replicate a normal, healthy joint.
Due to the surgical precision that computer assisted navigation offers, there are several potential benefits for those who have a navigated total hip replacement including increasing the life span of the replacement, reducing the risk of dislocation, greater stability and range of motion, improving the overall function of the hip replacement and reducing the need for revision surgery.In addition, when used with minimally invasive techniques (such as direct anterior approach), a navigated hip replacement may reduce blood loss during surgery, lead to a shortened hospital stay,causeless scarring, and produce a faster recovery.
Clearly, the quality of life benefits from total hip arthroplasty cannot be denied and are well documented. With the addition of direct anterior approach and computer assisted navigation, we now have the technical components to objectively measure proper component alignment and limb length equality, ensuring a quicker, more reliable return to normal function with a continued decrease in risk to the patient. Can a machine make something so good even better? The answer, in the case of computer assisted navigation, is an overwhelming—yes it can!
Hip Replacement Testimonials from Richmond, VA
Disclaimer
The statements provided represent the experiences of the particular individuals making them and are not intended to be a recommendation, referral, or prescription for any device or procedure. Stryker Orthopaedics does not warrant that any of the statements are accurate, complete, or will apply to any particular individual’s circumstances. If you are thinking of joint replacement surgery, you should consult your own physician. Stryker Orthopaedics shall in no event be liable to you or anyone else for any decisions made or actions taken by you in reliance on any statement provided herein.
The life of any joint replacement will depend on your weight, age, activity level, and other factors. Individual results may vary. Only an orthopedic surgeon can decide if hip replacement surgery is right for you. Hip replacement surgery may be associated with serious complications including but not limited to component breakage, corrosion; wear or loosening; bone fracture or bone loss; infection; nerve damage; blood clots in the legs and/or lungs; and hip pain or stiffness. Complications may require medical intervention including additional surgery, and in rare cases, may lead to death. For more information, consult your doctor.
“It is unbelievable to think that I am pain-free after all those years.”
“By the time I was 22, my left hip was filled with arthritis. Sports were out of the question, even simple things like jogging and golfing. In the meantime, I put up with the pain and led a boring lifestyle. Eventually my right hip, which I favored because my left hip was so bad, began hurting too. I finally made an appointment with a Stryker Orthopaedic specialist. It’s been 15 months since my two total hip replacements, and my life has improved tremendously. I no longer take painkillers. I’m able to do more things. I play golf. I walk more. I recently started horseback riding. And the best thing is, I’m pain-free.” Results not typical and may vary by individual. Not all patients will reach the same activity level. – Stryker hip replacement patient
“I decided it was time when my daughter started to walk, and I couldn’t play with her.”
“I was diagnosed with degenerative osteoarthritis about 14 years ago. I couldn’t walk far. I couldn’t climb steps very well. I certainly couldn’t ride a bike. You name a daily activity you take for granted, I couldn’t do it. Finally, the pain got so bad, I decided to have my hips replaced when my daughter started to walk, and I couldn’t play with her. I couldn’t even pick her up. So I had both hips replaced within a week of each other. If you’re thinking about hip replacement, find a good surgeon, educate yourself, and make your own decision. You’ll know when it’s the right time.” – Stryker hip replacement patient
“It was the best thing I’ve ever done.”
“I’m a nurse working 12-hour shifts, and I’m on my feet constantly. I developed pain in my right hip, so I started taking medication. But it wasn’t getting better. The pain was so bad that even routine things like getting out of bed, going to work, and buying groceries were difficult. My doctor said I had arthritis that destroyed my hip. We decided there was no other option: I had to have my hip replaced. He gave me information about the new ceramic technology from Stryker. After reading it, I was even more willing to have the surgery. And it was the best thing I’ve ever done. My life is back to normal. I don’t even remember the pain anymore, which is wonderful.” – Stryker hip replacement patient
“When you no longer get enjoyment out of most anything, it’s pretty much time.”
“I played high-level ice hockey for six years, and was involved in competitive sports for 24 years. My pain started in the lower back, then after a little bit of discovery, my hips were identified as the source. The process of deciding to have my hip replaced is one I now look back on and feel pretty comfortable with. I did quite a bit of research. You know, finding the right doctor. Finding the right hospital and care. Also being proactive and having your care thought through both before and after your surgery seemed to be an advantage. And picking the right parts. I felt very confident going with the Stryker ceramic-on-ceramic hip because of its long term benefits, its wear benefits, and also its function. I am truly thankful to have my life back.” – Stryker hip replacement patient
“My doctor, the technology — they gave me the freedom to be myself again.”
“My hip pain was undiagnosed for awhile. I was in pain no matter what I did. I have three children who are active in sports year-round — which means I need to stay active, too. Just a day on my feet was exhausting, but what was worse was the inability to sleep. Ultimately, the pain became so great, no kind of painkiller could help. So, I interviewed a number of surgeons until I found my Stryker Orthopaedic specialist, who had done hundreds of these surgeries. As soon as I woke up, I knew I made the right decision. It really was instantaneous that the pain relief was so significant. My doctor, the technology, the experience — they were all integral to making a good decision. It’s made a big difference in my life, and to the people around me as well.” Stryker hip replacement patient