Traditionally hip replacements have been very involved procedures that were considered to be major surgeries. As medicine has advanced, surgeons have developed different types of procedures that all can effectively replace your hip joint and allow you to walk again with less pain. One of these more modern procedures is the next-day hip replacement. Dr. Richard Berkowitz, the Director of Orthopedic Research at University Hospital and Medical Center in Tamarac, Florida, has 15 years of experience helping patients get back on their feet with this type of surgery. He has taken some time to share his knowledge so that we can all better understand this procedure.

Factors Leading to a Hip Replacement

• Arthritis- Arthritis is one of the leading causes of hip degradation. As the disorder affects your joint the tendons will wear away slowly. Dr. Berkowitz makes this naturally occurring event easier to understand by comparing it to a car tire: “As the tire is used, the tread wears off and ultimately you need a new tire.” The surgery that he performs replaces the parts of the joint that allow your bones to interact.
• Trauma- Sometimes an injury, such as a fall or car accident, can lead to serious hip problems. If this happens to you a Next Day Hip Replacement can be a great way regain mobility.

Why is a Next-Day Hip Replacement Different?

A next-day hip replacement is one of several available procedures for patients in need of hip repair. It has some factors that separate it from other procedures.

• Smaller incision- This surgery accesses your hip joint using a small 2/3” incision to the back of your leg. The smaller incision means less blood and scarring. Dr. Berkowitz uses special equipment designed to access your hip through this tiny opening, along with lights to illuminate the bones as he rebuilds your hip joint.
• Fast recovery- Physical therapists will have you up and walking within a few hours of your surgery. In fact “you will get up and walk several times the first day to start off your recovery process,” says Dr. Berkowitz. Most patients are out of the hospital the very next day. You will be able to walk with the aid of a cane as soon as you leave the hospital, instead of lying in bed for over a week. Starting rehab right away is good for you, as lying in bed too long after a surgery is associated with blood clots, bed sores and urinary tract infections.
• Short, easy surgery- This procedure only takes about 45 minutes to perform. Due to the fact that the surgery is usually done in under an hour and the incisions are so small, you do not even have to be put to sleep. Instead Dr. Berkowitz recommends a spinal anesthetic that will keep you numb for a couple of hours.

Is a Next-Day Hip Replacement Right for me?

This procedure is a fantastic option for many patients, but truthfully some patients might be better off to undergo a different, yet still very effective, surgical procedure. Next-day hip replacements are best for:

• Patients who are physically fit- If your body is in good shape, then you will likely be able to handle the faster paced recovery process associated with this type of surgery. While some overweight patients can still be candidates, carrying a few extra pounds makes the surgery more difficult for your doctor.
• Patients with healthy hearts- We take your total health into account. If you have been diagnosed with a significant cardiovascular problem, we will recommend a different type of hip replacement that better meets your medical needs.

Deciding on the best hip replacement for you involves gathering information and talking to your doctor. University Hospital and Medical Center is the only facility in Broward County that offers the next-day hip replacement. Patients at University can also find out about other surgical options when it comes to hip and joint replacement so that you receive medical care that is tailored to you. An Orthopedic Liaison is available 24/7 from the time you schedule your surgery until after you leave the hospital to help you through the process and make sure that all your questions are answered.

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