|
On this page:
Total Hip Replacement/Revision Total Hip
Replacement
 When deciding have hip replacement surgery it is important to come up with a cooperative decision between your Doctor, Orthopaedic Surgeon, and Family Members. This procedure usually takes place between the ages of 60 - 80, but under certain circumstances of pain and discomfort during normal activities such as walking, resting, and bending over this surgery could take place at a younger age. Some other reasons to consider hip surgery would be unpleasant side affects from hip medications and still experiencing pain while on hip medications. Stiffness or inability to lift ones legs may also be a sign of a possible need for a hip replacement.
Learn more about total hip replacement at http://www.med.nyu.edu/
Total Knee Replacement/Revision Total Knee
Replacement
 If your knee is in constant pain due to a knee injury or arthritis and you are unable to perform simple tasks like walking up stairs, sitting up and sitting down, you may be in need of a knee replacement. Some strong indications for you to possibly need a knee replacement include a constant pain in your knee when you are sleeping or on medication and if your knee swelling will not go down with the help of medication. A combination of these symptoms and a failure to be successfully treated with either Cortisone Injections, Surgery and Physical Therapy would lead to Total Knee Replacement.
Learn more about total knee replacement at http://www.med.nyu.edu/
Knee Arthroscopy
Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that allows doctors to diagnose joint injuries and disease through small incisions in the skin. Because it is minimally invasive, arthroscopy offers many benefits to the patient over traditional surgery:
- No cutting of muscles or tendons
- Less bleeding during surgery
- Less scarring
- Smaller incisions
- Faster recovery and return to regular activities
- Faster and more comfortable rehabilitation
Learn more about knee arthroscopy at http://www.med.nyu.edu/
Hip Joint Resurfacing (Arthroplasty)
 A hip resurfacing arthroplasty or replacement is essentially a spherical metal cap inserted on the existing shaved "head" of the bone. It is similar in idea to a dental crown: it is a prosthetic cover on a preserved bone neck and head. On the cup side, the linerless polished metallic socket is placed in the natural bone cavity after shaving the worn cartilage. Hip resurfacing arthroplasty is particularly well-suited for younger, very active patients because it allows a remarkable range of motion (very close to the natural range) while permitting full loading and more vigorous activities. Furthermore, it preserves the femoral neck bone stock and facilitates any subsequent converstion to a standard hip replacement if necessary later on. The technique, however, requires a more aggressive dissection and does not allow for a minimally-invasive surgical approach.
Complex Joint Surgery
(including infections)
If your joints are in severe pain and they affect your ability to move on a daily bases, replacing a joint can help relieve pain and restore normal movement. Joints that can be replaced include the hips, knees, shoulders, fingers, ankles, and elbows. Hips and knees are replaced most often. Complex Joint surgery involves removing a damaged joint and replacing it with a new one. This procedure can be done on the hip, knee, and shoulder. In some cases the whole joint is not removed and only part of the joint is replaced or repaired.
Minimally Invasive Surgery
 Dr. Meere specializes in the technique of "mini invasive surgery" (MIS). This simply refers to the type of dissection or incision made. It is the exposure of choice for primary or initial hip replacements. In knee replacement surgery the more appropriate term is muscle-sparing surgery. In both cases the advantages are sparing of key muscle groups, less injury to the soft tissues, less blood loss, and faster recovery time. An added cosmetic advantage is a smaller scar, which is individualized to the patient's size and needs but generally measures less than four inches in hips and slightly more in knees.
The mini invasive surgery technique should not be used in complex cases involving correction of severe deformity, revision of failed implants, or hip resurfacing arthroplasty technique. In such cases the exposure is determined by the existing wound and the need for greater exposure. Dr. Meere believes that the aim is to use the technique to spare tissue and minimize dissection whenever feasible, yet to be prepared to extend the incision if necessary to perform the work adequately and safely.
Computer-assisted Navigation
 This refers to the use of a computer as a tool to assist in the positioning and insertion of a hip or knee implant. It is important to realize that unlike a robot, it is not intended to replace the actual human performance of the procedure. Severe cases are especially suited to this adjunctive technology. Dr. Meere has been involved with the development of computer-assisted navigation since its early inception. He supports the view that computer-assisted navigation ensures a more predictable result through enhanced precision in positioning and balancing the joint. Overall this should lead to a better, more stable and more predictable outcome and potentially increased mechanical longevity of the implant.
|
