Dr Hamilton Utilizing Anterior Approach to the Hip
In 2009, Dr Hamilton became the first surgeon in the Inova Health System 
to perform the anterior approach to total hip arthroplasty utilizing the
specialized Hana table. This exciting muscle sparing approach offers the
possibility of less postoperative pain and an accelerated recovery for
today’s active patient population. While traditional hip arthroplasty involves
making an incision on the back of the hip and splitting and cutting
important muscles of the hip joint, this technique makes an incision on
the front of the hip and avoids cutting any muscle.
The surgical table allows positioning the patient so that the hip joint may
be easily accessed from the front as opposed to the side or back. The
Anterior Approach allows the surgeon to work between the muscles
without detaching them from the hip or thigh bones with many advantages.
These important muscles are left relatively undisturbed, potentially
reducing the recovery time. Keeping these muscles intact also helps
prevent dislocations; Patients may be able to freely bend their hip and
bear full weight immediately following surgery.
Learn more about this at:
http://www.or-live.com/DePuy/2051/#
Operation Walk
Operation Walk is a not for profit volunteer organization that provides free hip and knee replacements for developing countries that would otherwise not have access to these treatments. The team consisted of surgeons, internal medicine doctors, anesthesiologists, nurses, and physical therapists who spent many months getting all of the implants, medications, surgical supplies, and postoperative supplies ready to be transported to the designated site. In April of 2006 the team went to Managua, Nicaragua where they performed 58 knee replacement surgeries in one week. It was a very rewarding and humbling experience for all who participated. Everyone is full of enthusiasm for the next trip which is anticipated for Vietnam in 2008.
