Minimally Invasive Hip Replacement (Frequently Asked Questions)

What are common causes of ankle, knee, hip or shoulder pain?

Sprains, strains, ligament injuries, muscle injuries and athletic injuries to soft tissue or bone are common causes of pain. In addition, acute injury and chronic conditions such as arthritis are common pain sources.

What medical conditions determine whether a patient needs to see an orthopedic surgeon?

Decreased range of motion, pain and loss of function when attempting daily tasks, indicate an orthopedic problem.

What does minimally invasive joint replacement surgery mean?

It is a new procedure involving smaller incisions that are approximately 3-4 inches, versus the traditional method that requires a 12 inch incision.

Is everyone a candidate for minimally invasive surgery?

No, depending on the condition of the bones, severity of injury and size of the patient, not everyone is a candidate for this procedure. It is important to make sure the patient has the best chance for recovery, therefore employ the correct method for their situation.

Patients must focus on all aspects to ensure you get the best outcome from a combination of the right implant and tools, minimal tissue trauma, proper pain management and possibly accelerated rehabilitation.

What is the benefit of being a candidate for this procedure?

Six weeks after surgery, patient scores indicated less pain and less need for pain medication. Patients also had a more positive attitude about the overall appearance and joint function of their minimally invasive surgery.

How long has Dr. Chaplan been performing joint replacement surgery and arthroscopic surgery?

Since 1977, Dr. Chaplan has been performing this surgery after extensive research and study under the country’s leading orthopedic experts.

How long will a replacement procedure last in a person?

Depending on their age and activity level, the prosthetic device implanted in a patient will last approximately 20-25 years.

Do you employ the new, minimally-invasive procedure? If so, how is it different from the traditional form of surgery?

The traditional procedure consisted of a 12-inch incision and approximately a 7 day hospital stay. With new advancements in surgery and technology, the same procedure can be performed with a four-inch incision and a hospital stay reduced to three days.

How long does the surgery take?

Surgery time varies depending on the injury, age and severity of condition. The duration of the surgical procedure is from one to two hours.

What is unique to the procedure you perform?

New technology allows medical personnel to see through a much smaller hole, thus allowing a smaller incision and fewer traumas to soft tissues, allowing faster recovery.

What prosthetic hip replacement materials are you using?

Dr. Chaplan use several different types and sizes of prosthetic devices based on the patient’s need. Various metal on metal, metal on plastic, ceramic on plastic, or ceramic on ceramic bearing surface implants are available.

What is the typical recovery time for hip/knee replacement surgery without complications?

Recovery times vary depending on age, health, technique and severity of injury, but patients typically are able to return to their previous activity level within four to six weeks.

Are there any non-surgical procedures for hip/knee problems?

One always starts with conservative protocols utilizing education, weight loss programs, physical therapy, aquatic therapy, and anti-inflammatory medication. When all else has failed to relieve pain and improve function surgery is considered.

Sports Medicine (Frequently Asked Questions)

How long has Dr. Gerbino been performing orthopedic surgery?

Dr. Gerbino has been performing orthopedic surgery since 1988. He has also instructed residents on performing orthopedic surgery at Naval Hospitals, the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine and Harvard Medical School.

I am not a high-level athlete. Do my injuries merit care by a sports medicine specialist?

Treating professional and high-level athletes forces a doctor to maintain a very high-level of care and skill. Bringing that skill to all patients allows faster and better recoveries for every injury.

Should a young athlete receive different care than an adult?

Children and teenagers have open growth plates and differ from adults in many ways. Treating a teenager exactly as an adult can create problems. Dr. Gerbino has spent many years working on children and teaching doctors about the differences in care that are necessary.

Monterey Joint Replacement and Sports Medicine

Ronald N. Chaplan, M.D      Peter Gerbino, M.D.

900 Cass Street, Suite 200
Monterey, CA 93940
Tel: 831.655.2122
Fax: 831.655.5477
Email: info@montereyjointsandsports.com