Just two days after orthopedic surgeon Dr. Steven Louis performed Direct Anterior Approach hip replacement surgery on Karen Facenda, 68, of Lemont, she was back home and walking up and down the stairs. Within months, she was back to riding comfortably in the car to visit out-of-state grandchildren and walking the long aisles during quilt shows.
“Before my hip replacement surgery, I would avoid walking and I couldn’t sit for long periods,” Karen explained. “While I was at the zoo or park with my grandchildren, I just wanted to sit down. Now, post-surgery, I am able to do most everything with them.”
Karen rebounded so quickly because the Direct Anterior Approach allows the surgeon to reach the hip joint from the front of the hip, as opposed to the side or posterior in traditional hip replacement surgery. This allows a hip replacement to be done without detaching muscle from the pelvis or femur. Consequently, the important gluteal muscles, which play a key role in hip function, are less affected than with traditional hip replacement surgery. Dr. Louis has performed over 250 successful Direct Anterior Approach procedures on Chicago and Northwest Indiana area patients.
“Karen was a perfect candidate for this new procedure because she was in pain and wanted to get back to her active lifestyle as quickly as possible,” Dr. Louis explains. “This less-invasive approach is much easier on the patient because there is less tissue and muscle damage involved in the surgery.”
Karen, who has had arthritis for more than 20 years, previously had both of her knees replaced. Because she was no stranger to joint replacement surgery and recovery, she researched physicians and surgery techniques carefully.
When she realized her hip pain was just not going to go away, she contacted Dr. Louis who performs his surgeries at Good Samaritan Hospital in Downers Grove and now trains other Hinsdale Orthopaedic surgeons in this technique. She enjoyed his casual manner, sense of humor and felt comfortable asking him questions. When she described her pain and other symptoms, they discussed the Direct Anterior Approach to hip replacement procedure.
Karen continues to feel great and enjoys the same, active lifestyle she enjoyed before her hip pain began. A passionate quilter, which requires long periods of standing, she plans to visit between 4-5 quilt shows this year.
Free Informational Seminar
Dr. Steven Louis of Hinsdale Orthopaedics is hosting a free seminar for patients to learn more about the Direct Anterior Approach to hip replacement surgery on Tuesday, October 25, 7 pm in the Taylor Room, Bolingbrook Golf Club, 2001 Rodeo Drive in Bolingbrook. To register, please call 1.630.986.8749. This event is free and open to the public.
For more information on Dr. Steven Louis and to download a free brochure on the Direct Anterior Approach to hip replacement, visit http://www.anterior-hip-surgery.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/DrLouisDirectAntApproach.pdf.
