Patient Ambassadors

Dr. Louis' patient, Suzanne Lonngren explains the differences between traditional hip surgery vs the direct anterior approach. Differences range from far less pain to faster recovery, shorter hospital stay, less scarring etc.

Dr Louis is an innovator in orthopedics and is one of the only surgeons in the area doing anterior hip replacement. The anterior hip replacement provides a faster recovery and better quality of life after surgery. Unfortunately, most orthopedic surgeons are not trained in it and most hospitals do not have the type of bed necessary to perform the anterior hip surgery. At this writing, the closest hospital to me offering anterior hip replacement was Good Samaritan Hospital in Downers Grove. Dr. Louis is an excellent surgeon and is very personable. His staff is very capable and efficient. I don' t wish hip replacement on anybody but if you need to have it, Dr. Louis and his staff, coupled with the good people at Good Samaritan Hospital, are a winning team. Submitted by MICHAEL GERDES of Wheaton Direct anterior approach hip replacement performed February 2011

"My first experience with Good Samaritan Hospital was as an attendee at a total joint replacement seminar.  It was very informative and helped put me at ease for my surgery.  The following week, I received a left hip replacement performed by Dr. Steven Louis and attending staff. I spent the next few days recovering and went directly home.  The anterior approach for the hip replacement allowed for  such an expedient recovery and release.  I was on a walker and moving about in less than a day's time.  Dr. Louis has proven to be a remarkable technician.  After two weeks of in-home self care and visits from PT and nursing personnel, I began physical therapy at Good Samaritan Hospital.  After six visits, I transitioned into the Wellness Center where I  am now an active member. I could easily expound in a litany of kudos to the many deserving people whom I encountered at Good Sam.  I would rather in summary state with sincerity and without embellishment that "each and every" staff member that assisted me in a myriad of departmentalized services did so with complete professionalism and as I perceived, with geniune concern for my needs. I wish you continued success and a blessed 2011." Sincerely, Michael J. Kiery

Sun-Times Media/Pioneer Press January 13, 2011 Once the weather is warmer, she'll be outdoors. But for now, 76-year-old Elaine Konkel of Western Springs logs 40-45 minutes of walking a day on the indoor track at Hinsdale Community House. On Feb. 13, Konkel had her right hip replaced at Good Samaritan Hospital in Downers Grove. Her surgeon, Dr. Steven Louis of Hinsdale Orthopaedics, used a new, less-invasive technique called the direct anterior approach. He is one of very few in the area using the method. To date, more than 100 of his patients have gone back, pain free, to their lifestyles in a fraction of the time needed by traditional hip replacement patients. "Tylenol took care of the little pain I had," Konkel recalled. "My surgery was on a Thursday. I was home by Saturday evening. A visiting nurse stopped by on Sunday morning. I was walking without a cane or walker in 10 days." Konkel's first hip replacement surgery, using the traditional technique, was in October 2009. She was hospitalized for four days. Then she spent more than weeks at a rehabilitation center. Seven weeks after surgery, she still needed a cane. Her first surgery left her with a 9-inch scar; her second, a 3-inch scar. The direct anterior approach allows surgeons to reach the hip joint from the front of the hip, as opposed to the side or posterior angle used in traditional hip replacements. The hip can be replaced without detaching muscles from the pelvis or femur. Thus, the gluteal muscles, important to hip function, are less affected. Konkel learned about the new procedure from a physical therapist she was working with after her first replacement surgery. Then she attended a seminar on the technique at Good Samaritan in late January. "I was so impressed," she said. "Three people who'd had the surgery said they were walking again almost immediately afterwards." Konkel asked Louis how much post-op physical therapy she'd need. "You shouldn't need any," he replied. "It was a miracle," Konkel insisted. "I walked slowly at first. After six months, Dr. Louis said I was doing fine." To view photos visit:  http://pioneerlocal.mycapture.com/mycapture/folder.asp?event=1151402&CategoryID=1783

Just weeks after Dr. Steven Louis of Hinsdale Orthopaedics performed Direct Anterior Approach hip replacement surgery on Jim Graff, 63, of Lake-in-the-Hills, Graff was back to practicing eastern fitness techniques Tai Chi and Chi Kong  -- and back to work as a massage therapist.  The best part is that within days he was completely pain-free and flexible after years of discomfort and limited motion from a frozen hip and uneven legs from an earlier hip replacement. “I haven’t been this limber and comfortable since I was a pre-pubescent,” Graff explains.  “I’m back to exercising regularly and performing well at my job which sometimes requires standing for up to six hours at a time.” Graff rebounded from hip surgery so quickly because the Direct Anterior Approach allowed Dr. Louis to reach both hip joints from the front, as opposed to the side or posterior used in traditional hip replacement surgery.  This helped to replace the hip without detaching muscle from the pelvis or femur.  Consequently, the important gluteal muscles, which play a key role in hip function, were less affected than with traditional hip replacement surgery. Dr. Louis, who is one of the few in the Chicago area trained to perform this new surgical approach, has completed more than 100 successful Direct Anterior Approach procedures on Chicago area patients.  He now trains other physicians in this technique. Graff’s quick recovery is in direct contrast to the long recuperation and side effects he experienced when he had a traditional (posterior approach) hip replacement by another physician in 2001.  That surgery also left one leg shorter than the other which made him walk with a limp. “Jim was a perfect candidate for this new procedure because he was in good health and wanted to get back to his active lifestyle and job as quickly as possible,” Dr. Louis explains.  “This less-invasive Direct Anterior Approach is much easier on the patient because there is less tissue and muscle involved in the surgery.” As a massage therapist for 13 years, Graff had become unable to stand for long periods of time.  On a typical day, he works with two to three patients back-to-back, requiring up to six hours standing.  He also couldn’t bend over to tie his shoes or lift his knees while exercising.  As a person who is very in tune with his body, he was frustrated with his limited range of motion.  When he met Dr. Louis, at the suggestion of his chiropractor, he enjoyed Dr. Louis’ casual manner, sense of humor and confidence in treating his frozen hip.  (a condition in which the bones of the hip joint have fused together over time) Post-surgery, Graff has noticed that he is almost two inches taller since Dr. Louis stretched the muscles surrounding the hip during surgery to lengthen his shorter leg.  Graff also has his balance back, his spine feels better and he has better posture.  And, he is happily tying his own shoes, taking two stairs at a time and practicing Tai Chi and Chi Kong several times a week.

The day after Dr. Steven Louis of Hinsdale Orthopaedics performed a bilateral (both right and left sides) Direct Anterior Approach hip replacement surgery on Hugh Crebs, 60, of Naperville, Crebs was walking around his hospital room virtually pain-free.  And, within twelve weeks, he expects to be back at his job as a school custodian in Bloomingdale.  This quick recovery is compared to the six to twelve months of recuperation Crebs was prepared for with two posterior approach (traditional) hip replacement surgeries recommended by another orthopaedic surgeon.  “My life has completely changed since the surgery,”  Crebs explained.  “I’m going to the store now by myself and I drive with no pain.  What I’m really excited about is getting back to yard work in the spring.”  Crebs rebounded so quickly because the Direct Anterior Approach allowed Dr. Louis to reach both hip joints from the front, as opposed to the side or posterior used in traditional hip replacement surgery.  This helped to replace the hip without detaching muscle from the pelvis or femur.  Consequently, the important gluteal muscles, which play a key role in hip function, were less affected than with traditional hip replacement surgery.  Dr. Louis, who is one of the few in the Chicago area trained to perform this new surgical approach, has completed more than 100 successful Direct Anterior Approach procedures on Chicago area patients.  He now trains other physicians in this technique. “Hugh was a perfect candidate for this new procedure because he was in good health and wanted to get back to his active lifestyle and job 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.” After years of excruciating hip pain that eventually left Crebs unable to perform his job or help his wife at home, he reached a point where he couldn’t take one more step.  He walked with a severe limp and couldn’t use stairs.  He spent longer hours at work due to resting and stretching his hips.  He was also taking a strong dose of anti-inflammatories and Vicodin.  While researching physicians online, he found Dr. Louis, whom he originally consulted with as a second opinion. Dr. Louis quickly diagnosed severe osteoarthritis and explained the less-invasive Direct Anterior Approach to hip replacement and Crebs knew instantly that this was the right surgeon and surgical technique to get back to health quickly.  He also enjoyed Dr. Louis’ casual manner, sense of humor and his willingness to perform two hip replacements at one time.  On January 17, 2011, Crebs will head back to his 3 – 11 pm job at Bloomingdale District 13.  Friends have commented that he looks younger, now that the pain is gone from his face.  He and his wife Madeleine are looking forward to walking the sandy beach in Myrtle Beach, SC this spring and celebrating his new lease on life. Free Informational Seminar Dr. Steven Louis of Hinsdale Orthopaedics is  conducting a free, informational seminar on this technique.  The seminar will be held at 7 p.m., Tuesday, January 25, in the Red and Black Oak Rooms at Good Samaritan Hospital, 3815 Highland Avenue in Downers Grove.  To register, please call 1.800.323.8622 and use event code 4G78.   This event is free and open to the public.

Letter to Dr. Louis and physician assistant Katey O'Connell: "As a result of your outstanding efforts, you two have made it possible for me to enjoy this year's holiday season as I wasn't able to last year.  I'm immensely grateful for the remarkable job you have accomplished with getting me as far as I am today.  Which, considering what you had to start with, is nothing short of miraculous!  Without your excellent diagnosis and skilled hands, I might not be celebrating this holiday season as I am. You two exemplify all that is good, both professionally and personally, with your wonderful efforts with me, your other patients and all those Haitians you assisted in their tragic time of need.  That kind of work and effort will not go unrewarded, I assure you of that!  Your skill, competence, patience and sensitivity are the prize of your profession!  Your calming reassurance and soothing manner helped ease the trauma for my family.  I can't express my appreciation and gratitude enough for that. May God bless you two.  I will forever carry gratitude in my heart for the gifts you've given me.  If either of you ever feel the need, please call me and I'll remind you of the miracle you performed with me and all the Haitians you treated. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you!" Sincerely and gratefully, Tad Ahuja

70-Year-Old Enjoys Entertaining, Swimming, Walking Again After Direct Anterior Approach Hip Replacement Before September 16, 2010, 70-year-old Teresa Claps had stopped doing the things she loved most:  swimming near her Florida condominium, walking in her hometown of Elk Grove Village and entertaining family and friends.  She also walked with a limp and used a cane to steady herself. This is not exactly where she thought she’d be at this point in her life. Several years ago, Teresa had a traditional hip replacement on her right side.  During a process she calls ‘a nightmare,’ she endured a one-week stay in the hospital and more time immediately afterwards in a rehabilitation/nursing facility.  Unfortunately, the surgery left her right leg longer than her left, which caused her to walk with a pronounced limp and dependent on a cane. Recently, when she started having pain in her left hip, she sought out Dr. Steven Louis, who specializes in the direct anterior approach to total hip replacement.  This newer procedure causes less trauma in the joint and provides a faster recuperation for patients.  He identified her as an excellent candidate for the direct anterior approach and promised to even out the length of her legs. After Dr. Louis performed her left hip surgery, she stayed in the hospital for a couple of days for observation.  Immediately following surgery, she felt no pain.  Afterwards, she regained her strength and balance at a rehabilitation facility where she practiced walking without a cane.  Today, she is pain-free and describes the outcome as ‘wonderful.’ “I felt so good at my first follow-up appointment that I gave Dr. Louis a big hug and told him that he gave me my life back,” Teresa explains.  “Before this last surgery, I had really give up on swimming and walking.” Teresa is looking forward to filling her schedule with parties and entertaining family and friends during the holidays.  But for now, she enjoys swimming in the pool at her home in Florida and walking in the sunshine. Free Informational Seminar: Dr. Steven Louis of Hinsdale Orthopaedics is  conducting a free, informational seminar on this technique.  The seminar will be held at 7 p.m., Tuesday, January 25, in the Red and Black Oak Rooms at Good Samaritan Hospital, 3815 Highland Avenue in Downers Grove.  To register, please call 1.800.323.8622 and use event code 4G78.   This event is free and open to the public.

Just eight weeks after Dr. Louis performed an anterior approach hip replacement surgery on Mary Ann Tomczak, 70, she was riding roller coasters and walking all over the Silver Dollar City amusement park in Branson, Missouri with her two young granddaughters. “I thought about bringing a cane and renting a motorized wheelchair, but I really didn’t need them,” she explains. “They would have just been a nuisance as I got on and off the rides anyway.” Mary Ann, a resident of Carillon Lakes in Crest Hill, Illinois, has no time for hip pain. She regularly dances, walks around the lake and does water aerobics with friends. She also keeps up with her grandchildren and drives to a family vacation home in Branson. Just this summer, she started a part-time job as a receptionist at a physician’s office in Crest Hill. When her painful hip started in December of 2009, she took the recommendation of another resident of Carillon Lakes, and contacted Dr. Louis of Hinsdale Orthopaedics. She enjoyed his casual manner, sense of humor and felt comfortable asking him questions. Dr. Louis diagnosed “bone-on-bone” osteoarthritis and worked with Mary Ann on different therapies, including ibuprofen and physical therapy. When her pain persisted and sleep became difficult, they discussed the anterior approach hip replacement procedure that Mary Ann had also recently read about in the newspaper. “Mary Ann was a perfect candidate for this new procedure because she was in good health and wanted to get back to her active lifestyle as quickly as possible,” Dr. Steven Louis explains. “This less-invasive approach is much easier on the patient because there is less tissue and muscle involved in the surgery.” A model patient, according to Katey O’Connell, Dr. Louis’ physician assistant, Mary Ann exceeded all of her recovery goals. Leaving her six week visit, Mary Ann convinced daughter Kelly to let her drive, which she did successfully. She continues to feel great and enjoys the same, active lifestyle she enjoyed before her hip pain began. For more information on Dr. Steven Louis or anterior approach hip replacement surgery, call Hinsdale Orthopaedics: 630-323-6116. Free informational seminar: Dr. Steven Louis of Hinsdale Orthopaedics is  conducting a free, informational seminar on this technique.  The seminar will be held at 7 p.m., Tuesday, January 25, in the Red and Black Oak Rooms at Good Samaritan Hospital, 3815 Highland Avenue in Downers Grove.  To register, please call 1.800.323.8622 and use event code 4G78.   This event is free and open to the public.

Two years after having her first hip replacement, Audrey Hoy learned that her other hip was in need of replacing. This time, Audrey opted to have her surgery done by Dr. Louis using the direct anterior approach method. “In a few simple words, there is no comparison between the anterior approach and the traditional method,” she says. “After my first operation, every move and motion was painful. After my surgery with the anterior approach, I was able to walk almost immediately without discomfort and I slept easily.” Upon returning home from the hospital after the surgery by Dr. Louis, Mary was able to climb the eighteen stairs leading to her bedroom without pain or problems. “My husband, having experienced two hip replacements ‘the old fashioned way’, was in awe of my ability to conquer so much in such little time without pain.” Audrey acknowledges that it takes an experienced surgeon to perform the anterior approach. She is grateful that Dr. Louis’ skills provided her with a quick path to recovery. For more information on Dr. Steven Louis or anterior approach hip replacement surgery, call Hinsdale Orthopaedics: 630-323-6116. Free Informational Seminar: Dr. Steven Louis of Hinsdale Orthopaedics is  conducting a free, informational seminar on this technique.  The seminar will be held at 7 p.m., Tuesday, January 25, in the Red and Black Oak Rooms at Good Samaritan Hospital, 3815 Highland Avenue in Downers Grove.  To register, please call 1.800.323.8622 and use event code 4G78.   This event is free and open to the public.

Just one month after having her left hip replaced, Elaine Konkel learned that now her right hip needed a total replacement. And she was not happy. Elaine’s first hip replacement, performed by another Chicago surgeon in October 2009, left her with a nine inch scar and the procedure required a four-day hospital stay. After that, she was moved to a rehabilitation center where she stayed for six and a half weeks. Seven weeks after surgery she was able to walk with assistance from a cane. Scheduling was another problem. Elaine’s surgeon recommended that she have her right hip replaced in November 2009. However, the earliest date he could do the surgery was March 2010, a full fourth months later. While she waited, Elaine continued rehabilitation three times each week to regain strength in her left hip. Fortunately for Elaine, during one of her rehabilitation visits, a physical therapist gave her a brochure about a seminar that Dr. Steven Louis of Hinsdale Orthopaedics was conducting on the direct anterior approach for total hip replacement. Elaine became certain that she needed an appointment with Dr. Louis and after her first visit to him in February 2010, he was able to schedule surgery for later in the month. “The surgery went very well,” Elaine explains. “I had no drainage or weeping from the small incision and Tylenol took care of the little pain I had. Ten days after my surgery, I was walking without a cane or walker and getting stronger daily.” The anterior approach left Elaine with a three-inch scar on her right hip, compared to the nine-inch scar she has on her left hip. She also was able to walk without a cane just two weeks after the surgery, while her first operation required seven weeks before she could walk with a cane. “Everyone tells me how amazed to see how well I recovered in such a short time and how well I am walking,” Elaine explains. “I can even turn on my right side in bed with very little or no discomfort.” What’s more, Elaine has noticed a general weakness in her left hip and leg. “I do not find this with my right leg,” she says. “In fact, the right side has greatly improved since the second surgery. Besides no hip precautions after surgery, the right hip and leg has become stronger and able to accomplish exercises it could not do several months ago before seeing Dr. Louis.” Six months after her surgery with Dr. Louis, Elaine is thrilled with the results. “I was ok with my first surgery, but I am very pleased with my second surgery on the right side with a smaller incision, shorter healing time, and ability to walk without a cane or walker twelve days after surgery.” For more information on Dr. Steven Louis or anterior approach hip replacement surgery, call Hinsdale Orthopaedics: 630-323-6116. Free Informational Seminar: Dr. Steven Louis of Hinsdale Orthopaedics is  conducting a free, informational seminar on this technique.  The seminar will be held at 7 p.m., Tuesday, January 25, in the Red and Black Oak Rooms at Good Samaritan Hospital, 3815 Highland Avenue in Downers Grove.  To register, please call 1.800.323.8622 and use event code 4G78.   This event is free and open to the public.