New surgical techniques and advancements in technology have transformed traditional hip replacement surgery within the past ten years. According to John (Jack) R. Manfredi, MD, adult reconstructive surgeon with Athens Orthopedic Clinic (AOC), there are many reasons why today’s hip replacement patients are younger, active and choosing to live pain-free.

“At any age, if you are living with chronic or severe hip pain and fail conservative measures, hip replacement surgery should be considered,” said Dr. Manfredi. “Minimally invasive techniques, improvements in technology and the longevity of the joint replacements are changing the ‘wait-and-see’ mindset.”

“Whether patients have pain from arthritis, osteonecrosis, history of trauma from an accident or injury, or a genetic condition, it is no longer uncommon for patients as young as 16 years old or as old as 97 to have direct anterior hip replacement and do extremely well,” Dr. Manfredi explained.

Direct anterior hip replacement is a minimally invasive alternative to traditional total hip replacement and is most often performed as a same-day procedure at outpatient surgery centers such as AOC. “We make a small incision at the front of your hip, instead of an eight to 12-inch incision on the side or back of your hip. With a smaller incision and less muscle damage, recovery time is much shorter and less painful,” pointed out Dr. Manfredi.  

He added, “Typically, patients are at home the same day, able to recover in their own bed. Within one to two weeks, they are walking without assist devices and returning to work the same week — maybe a little longer if their job requires heavy lifting.”

Advanced technology has also changed hip replacement. The materials used for the artificial joint have a wear rate of .04 mm per year, which means joint replacements can last for 40 years or longer. “It’s 

 

 

 

like getting a new set of tires for your car that are built to last for 250,000 miles. Chances are those tires will outlast the life of the car.”

“When considering hip replacement, it is important to find a specialized surgeon with a proven track record,” advised Dr. Manfredi. As a fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Manfredi specializes in total joint and hip replacement surgery, performing approximately 1,000 total joint surgeries and 400 anterior hip replacements a year. Patients from all over the Southeast and far as Arizona and Maine have come to Athens Orthopedic Clinic for Dr. Manfredi’s expertise.

“Regardless of your age, if your hip pain is impacting your quality of life, it is time to seek a specialist to evaluate, diagnose and develop a customized treatment plan.” 

In addition to more than 20 orthopedic surgeons, AOC has clinics, imaging centers, outpatient surgery centers, physical and occupational therapy centers, and walk-in orthopedic urgent care facilities throughout Northeast Georgia. For more information or to schedule an appointment with an orthopedic specialist, call 706-549-1663 or visit aoctotaljoint.com.