DETERMINING A DIAGNOSIS
The first, and most important part of our evaluation is obtaining a thorough medical history, focusing on the problem you’re experiencing now. Next, Dr. Wasterlain will obtain X-rays in our office to evaluate your bones and joints. She will review these with you so that you understand exactly what is going on. When necessary, she may also order an MRI or CT scan to further evaluate and diagnose your problem.
DEVELOPING A TREATMENT PLAN
Dr. Wasterlain always prefers to start out with conservative, non-surgical treatment options. This may include physical therapy, medications, injections, bracing, activity modification, or other modalities. If all else fails, surgery is an option – Dr. Wasterlain has extensive expertise in general orthopedic surgery such as fracture fixation and arthroscopy, with a special interest in minimally invasive hip and knee replacements.
PLANNING SURGERY
Dr. Wasterlain is extremely dedicated to providing the absolute best surgical care to all of her patients. There are no hoops to jump through in order to get in touch with Dr. Wasterlain. She provides her personal cell phone number to all of her surgical patients, and responds quickly to text and phone calls with any concerns or questions. She is always available to personally help you with any pre- or post-operative questions.
The first, and most important part of our evaluation is obtaining a thorough medical history, focusing on the problem you’re experiencing now. Next, Dr. Wasterlain will obtain X-rays in our office to evaluate your bones and joints. She will review these with you so that you understand exactly what is going on. When necessary, she may also order an MRI or CT scan to further evaluate and diagnose your problem.
DEVELOPING A TREATMENT PLAN
Dr. Wasterlain always prefers to start out with conservative, non-surgical treatment options. This may include physical therapy, medications, injections, bracing, activity modification, or other modalities. If all else fails, surgery is an option – Dr. Wasterlain has extensive expertise in general orthopedic surgery such as fracture fixation and arthroscopy, with a special interest in minimally invasive hip and knee replacements.
PLANNING SURGERY
Dr. Wasterlain is extremely dedicated to providing the absolute best surgical care to all of her patients. There are no hoops to jump through in order to get in touch with Dr. Wasterlain. She provides her personal cell phone number to all of her surgical patients, and responds quickly to text and phone calls with any concerns or questions. She is always available to personally help you with any pre- or post-operative questions.
HIP REPLACEMENT
Although every case is different, a typical patient can expect:
- Preparation. After we agree on a surgery date, we will schedule appointments for you to meet the anesthesiologist and get pre-surgical clearance.
- Anesthesia. You will come in to the hospital or surgery center on the day of surgery. Most patients will get spinal anesthesia, which means that you will be sleepy and numb from the waist down.
- Incision & approach. Dr. Wasterlain performs most hip replacements using the minimally invasive and muscle-sparing direct anterior approach. Your incision will be about 8-10 cm long, or about the width of a hand. She will close your incision with a plastic surgery closure using dissolving sutures under your skin and glue. You will have a waterproof dressing that can stay in place for 1 week, after which you will remove it.
- Surgical procedure. Dr. Wasterlain is the one who performs your surgery – she will have an assistant, but there will be no students or residents performing your surgery. The surgery will take about 1 hour, but it may seem longer than that to your family members because the anesthesia and positioning takes some time as well. She will inject a long-acting numbing medicine called bupivacaine into the soft tissues around your hip to reduce your pain after surgery.
- Post-op recovery. After surgery, you will go to the recovery room to wake up from the anesthesia. A few hours after surgery your legs will regain sensation and you will be able to move them again. The physical therapists will work with you to stand up, walk, climb stairs, and do basic self-care activities on the same day as your surgery. You will not have any restrictions or need to wear any braces. Although Dr. Wasterlain does not recommend contortionist positions or extreme yoga, your hip will be stable and can permit most movements and activities without restrictions.
- Discharge home. Depending on how you are progressing with physical therapy you may go home the same day, or you may spend one night in the hospital. After you leave the hospital, almost all of Dr. Wasterlain’s patients go home. Research has shown that nursing homes and rehab facilities are associated with more complications – including infections and blood clots – and hospital readmissions. Therefore, we avoid sending our patients to nursing homes except in rare circumstances.
- Physical therapy & recovery. For the first week or two after a hip replacement, you will use a cane or walker. After 2 weeks, you may start doing physical therapy to regain strength. Some patients are doing so well that they don't require physical therapy. By 6 weeks you should be feeling much better and be able to walk comfortably without a limp or assistive device. The full recovery period can take up to 3 months, but many of Dr. Wasterlain’s patients recover faster than that.