Personalized Pre-Operative Hip Replacement Care

Whole Health Orthopedic Institute operates under the philosophy that a well-educated patient can assist in optimizing the results of their hip replacement. We assess our patient’s health as a whole entity, focusing not only on their physical status, but their mental and emotional health as well. Our company believes in the benefits of equipping patients with thorough knowledge of our joint replacement procedures, which they can then use to optimize their wellness and post-operative results. This includes potential risks or complications, what their individual road to recovery will look like, and post-operative expectations. Beyond that, we introduce each of our patients to a Nurse Navigator, or someone they can be in constant contact with throughout the process to confidently express any questions or concerns they may be experiencing. Download Whole Health’s new patient joint replacement packet today and schedule your consultation with a hip replacement specialist to discuss whether a total hip replacement is right for you.

Direct Anterior Hip Replacement | Total Hip Replacements in Pa.

The team of hip replacement specialists at Whole Health focus on direct anterior, or minimally invasive, total hip replacements. During this procedure, the incision and surgical dissection is made in an area that is 100% respectful to normal patient anatomy, where there are no muscles or tendons that are cut and significantly less tissue damage and blood loss, resulting in a significantly faster recovery. This is partially due to the fact that post-operative physical therapy is not typically required when recovering from a direct anterior hip replacement. Whole Health has completed over 5,000 of these minimally invasive total hip replacement surgeries and counting. (On average, we complete 1,200 joint replacements a year, as opposed to 300-800 a year averaged by other local hospitals).

Direct anterior hip replacement surgeries are known for their excellent leg length restoration and success in proper component placement. Whole Health employs an expert team – from surgeons and anesthesiologists to pre-op nurses, post-op nurses, and beyond – with the knowledge and experience necessary to make your direct anterior hip replacement a success. No primary care referral? No problem. We take it upon ourselves to assess the physical and mental preparations necessary for each of our patients, educating them thoroughly about any given surgical procedure. We believe this knowledge can lead to positive lifestyle choices and changes in behavior that can optimize the results of each operation we perform.

Posterior Approach & Direct Lateral Hip Replacement Surgery

Traditional hip replacements are often done by making a more invasive incision on the side of the hip, directly cutting through the muscles. The most common traditional hip replacement approach is known as the posterior approach, which accounts for roughly 70% of hip replacements. The second most common type of total hip replacement is known as the direct lateral approach, which can be attributed to roughly 15% of total hip replacements. Both of these procedures are noted for cutting the most amount of muscles, which inherently destabilizes the hip joint and results in the highest amount of total hip prosthetic dislocations. Both of these traditional approaches require extensive physical therapy and lead to a temporary limp during the healing process; beyond that, there are substantial precautions to consider, and both operations can lead to long-term leg length discrepancies and instability issues. Procedures like this are the reason Whole Health was founded – as a commitment to discovering and innovating patient-friendly alternatives.

Comparing & Contrasting Total Hip Replacement Surgeries

The advantages of the posterior approach and the direct lateral approach are quite similar. Both procedures are relatively easy to perform for less-skilled or experienced surgeons and lend to wide exposure. However, the disadvantage of using traditional approaches for total hip replacements includes damaging large amounts of muscle (the posterior and direct lateral approach, in particular damage tremendous amounts of muscles and detach muscles/tendons from bone). In fact, in using the posterior approach when doing a total hip replacement it has the highest risk of dislocation (2%-6% of patients).  

While direct anterior hip replacement surgeries can be challenging for surgeons from a technical standpoint, it is also the least invasive approach to completing a total hip replacement. Specialized tables, equipment, and more demanding preparations are required to ensure this procedure is successful. The direct anterior hip replacement approach is inherently incredibly stable, presenting an extremely low risk of dislocation. This operation allows for real-time fluoroscopic feedback, accurate component sizing and positioning, and easier leg length restoration. In this way, the direct anterior hip replacement approach matches closely with our minimally invasive philosophy as medical professionals. Contact Whole Health today to schedule your consultation with a hip replacement specialist and discuss whether a total hip replacement may be right for you.

Potential Risks & Complications for Joint Replacement Surgeries

Being prepared for hip, knee, or shoulder replacement requires physical, mental, and emotional readiness. Although pain after surgery is an anticipated reality, it’s important to keep in mind that this is surgical pain/soreness; it is temporary and should resolve with time. Patients may also experience:

  • Swelling
  • Stiffness
  • Nausea / Vomiting
  • Difficulty Sleeping
  • Bruising
  • Frustration
  • Fatigue
  • Lightheadedness / Dizziness

Today, physicians and other clinicians have gotten very good at anticipating this pain and treating it before it even occurs. Whole Health utilizes a state-of-the-art pain protocol to keep patients feeling better than before.

With all joint replacements, it is necessary to understand the potential risks as they are part of the informed consent process. Some of these complications may include:

  • Infection
  • Blood clot
  • Numbness
  • Damage to muscles, tendons, ligaments & nerves
  • Clicking / popping
  • Failure of procedure
  • Need for revision surgery
  • Implant wear/failure
  • Reactions to medications or anesthesia
  • Death

The Whole Health Joint Replacement Institute is here to keep you from becoming overwhelmed by these risks. Feel free to contact us today with any additional questions you may have.

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Testimonials

Had my left knee done 6 weeks ago, no pain, cant say enough good about your staff.  Have recommended 5 people to your trusted care.  Great job! Having my right knee done next, and looking forward to it!

Thomas G.

Dr. Molli and staff are fantastic, on time, professional, and personable.  Staff at Edgewood were also very professional.  Made the surgical experience as enjoyable as a surgery can be.  I was willing to stay an extra day for the meals and staff!

Mike D.

I am very pleased with the outcome of my surgery and found Dr. Molli’s protocol not difficult at all.  The staff both at Whole Health and Edgewood were helpful, considerate and caring.

Jane C.

My surgery went very well and from beginning to the end I was very comfortable with all the stuff I came in contact with.  I was truly impressed with the organization of the office and also Dr. Molli’s expertise and bedside manner – Great Experience!

Douglas D.

If I would have known how much better I would have felt I would have done it much sooner!  Great Job Dr. Molli!

Katrina G.

When you can have a partial knee replacement at 10:30am and be home making yourself an omelet by 5:00pm, you know your surgeon has done a good job!  This was the 2nd knee replacement Dr. Molli has done for me .  I wouldn’t consider going anywhere else.  We’re very fortunate that Dr. Molli returned to our area to provide world class care right here in Crawford County.

Sue H.

My hip replacement experience was very efficient and easy.  Needing a hip is much more painful than getting a hip.  Thank You!

Michael K.

I had both of my hips replaced last fall, the second one completed a year ago yesterday. We have since moved to Virginia, but I wanted to send a picture of me up on the ladder, painting the barn, so Dr. Molli could see how well I am doing! I’m so thankful for the great job that Dr. Molli did! If he doesn’t remember me, I am the farmer whose hips he had to chisel out since they hadn’t moved for years! Thank you again.

Erich B.

This medical procedure and related activity was, by far, the absolute best I have encountered!  I am without reservation, 100% satisfied with my surgical outcome and will return for my other knee.  Thank you to all staff involved.

Walter K.

Everyone was pleasant and professional.  They were concerned about pain level and were accommodating.  Pleased with the results of my new knees!

Jane Z.