Q&A
Below are answers to my most frequently asked questions. Please don't hesitate to contact me should you have others!
COMMON QUESTIONS
How many joints replacements has Dr. Wasterlain performed?
I perform over 400 surgeries per year, about 350 of which are hip and knee replacements. As of 2022 I have done about 1,000 total hip and knee replacements.
What is Dr. Wasterlain's complication rate?
Complications do unfortunately happen, but my complication rate is quite low. For example, over the past 3 years, my infection rate is 0.45%, and my dislocation rate is 0.00%, both of which are well below the national average. When complications do occur, I address them immediately and with expertise specifically in revision surgery.
What implants does Dr. Wasterlain use?
I use the gold standard materials for my hip replacements. This is a titanium stem in the femur, a ceramic head or ball, a titanium cup or shell, and a highly cross-linked polyethylene (plastic) liner. This combination of materials has been shown to wear at less than 0.1mm per year, and has a long track record of success. In certain situations I may also choose to use a new technology called "dual mobility," which can decrease the risk of dislocation for some patients.
Of course, I also use the gold standard materials for my knee replacements. This is a titanium tibial component, a polyethylene insert, and a cobalt chrome or zirconium (Oxinium) femoral component. Most patients have cemented total knee replacements, since this has historically been the gold standard with the longest track record of success. However, there are certain circumstances in which I recommend cementless knee replacements – I would be happy to discuss your case with you in more detail.
How long will my hip or knee last?
Although every patient is different, the average patient can expect their new hip or knee to last at least 20, and often 30, years. As of 2021, there is good evidence that hip replacements put in during the early 2000s (20 years ago) are still doing great without any signs of wear. And, the materials we are using today are even better quality than they were back then.
Do I have any restrictions after a total hip replacement?
Nope! You can put weight on your leg, walk, climb stairs, use a stationary bike, golf and do many other activities. You do not need a brace or pillow, and you can sleep in any position that is comfortable for you. That said, we do recommend avoiding extreme yoga positions that put your leg at sharp angles to your body, because these positions increase the risk that your hip could dislocate (pop out).
Can I have sex after my hip replacement?
Yes. Regardless of your gender, you can have sex after your hip replacement. We advise avoiding sexual activity for the first two weeks after surgery, while your incision heals. After that, I recommend that you avoid extreme positions -- but most positions are fine and safe after anterior hip replacement.
I perform over 400 surgeries per year, about 350 of which are hip and knee replacements. As of 2022 I have done about 1,000 total hip and knee replacements.
What is Dr. Wasterlain's complication rate?
Complications do unfortunately happen, but my complication rate is quite low. For example, over the past 3 years, my infection rate is 0.45%, and my dislocation rate is 0.00%, both of which are well below the national average. When complications do occur, I address them immediately and with expertise specifically in revision surgery.
What implants does Dr. Wasterlain use?
I use the gold standard materials for my hip replacements. This is a titanium stem in the femur, a ceramic head or ball, a titanium cup or shell, and a highly cross-linked polyethylene (plastic) liner. This combination of materials has been shown to wear at less than 0.1mm per year, and has a long track record of success. In certain situations I may also choose to use a new technology called "dual mobility," which can decrease the risk of dislocation for some patients.
Of course, I also use the gold standard materials for my knee replacements. This is a titanium tibial component, a polyethylene insert, and a cobalt chrome or zirconium (Oxinium) femoral component. Most patients have cemented total knee replacements, since this has historically been the gold standard with the longest track record of success. However, there are certain circumstances in which I recommend cementless knee replacements – I would be happy to discuss your case with you in more detail.
How long will my hip or knee last?
Although every patient is different, the average patient can expect their new hip or knee to last at least 20, and often 30, years. As of 2021, there is good evidence that hip replacements put in during the early 2000s (20 years ago) are still doing great without any signs of wear. And, the materials we are using today are even better quality than they were back then.
Do I have any restrictions after a total hip replacement?
Nope! You can put weight on your leg, walk, climb stairs, use a stationary bike, golf and do many other activities. You do not need a brace or pillow, and you can sleep in any position that is comfortable for you. That said, we do recommend avoiding extreme yoga positions that put your leg at sharp angles to your body, because these positions increase the risk that your hip could dislocate (pop out).
Can I have sex after my hip replacement?
Yes. Regardless of your gender, you can have sex after your hip replacement. We advise avoiding sexual activity for the first two weeks after surgery, while your incision heals. After that, I recommend that you avoid extreme positions -- but most positions are fine and safe after anterior hip replacement.