Joint replacement procedures have advanced greatly in the last 10 years thanks to new and improving technology and collaborative expertise of physicians dedicated to improving patient outcomes.
“We’re able to do things very differently now. Innovative technology and quality-focused protocols have enabled us to perform enhanced, minimally-invasive surgical approaches allowing patients to recover faster and better,” said Endeavor Health orthopaedic surgeon Ravi Bashyal, MD.
Many minimally invasive hip and knee replacement procedures are now completed in less than an hour. For younger, healthy patients that means they are often able to go home the same day as their surgery, explained Dr. Bashyal.
Technology advances include robotic platforms and advanced imaging that provide magnified views of the targeted anatomy in real time and greater flexibility and precision for the surgeons.
Pre-operative planning, patient-specific implementation and intra-operative computer guidance have helped improve efficiency and accuracy in joint replacement procedures, vastly reducing complications and variability.
The implants for new hip and knee joints have also improved, providing greater durability often able to last for a lifetime for many patients over age 60, said Dr. Bashyal.
Patients at Endeavor Health Orthopaedic & Spine Institute also benefit from a collaborative team approach involving anesthesia, nursing and physical therapy for a seamless experience from pre-operative through rehabilitation.
“We perform most of our joint replacements now with a short-acting spinal anesthetic, which allows patients to wake up more alertly and participate in rehabilitative therapy more quickly,” said Dr. Bashyal. “Our data demonstrate excellent outcomes and reduced rates of complications compared to national averages.”
Enhanced surgical technology including special irrigation and new dressing materials have helped lower the risk of infection, which was historically one of the most feared complications of surgery, explained Dr. Bashyal. New blood sparing techniques and medications also help reduce blood loss during minimally-invasive procedures.
Ongoing collaboration with anesthesia has also meant a focus on opioid-free pain medication. More than half of the outpatient joint replacement patients leave the hospital without needing any further narcotic pain medication and most of the other half of those patients use narcotics for just a few days, added Dr. Bashyal.
Endeavor Health’s reputation for excellence in orthopaedics and joint replacement is reflected in its many partnerships with professional athletic organizations, noted Dr. Bashyal. Endeavor Health is the exclusive health partner of the National Basketball Retired Players Association (NBRPA) and the exclusive sports medicine and orthopaedic provider for Chicago Fire FC (professional soccer) as well as an official partner of Hall of Fame Health, a national organization which serves former National Football League football players and their families.
While Dr. Bashyal and his colleagues treat many athletes, including professional and retired players, they are dedicated to helping people of all ages return to active lifestyles and their favorite activities — from golf to playing with grandchildren.
“When patients have tried and failed the best conservative measures to help with joint pain, we offer the most state-of-the-art joint replacement options, using the latest technology and advanced minimally invasive techniques for hip and knee replacements,” added Dr. Bashyal, who serves as the NBRPA Co-Medical Director and Chief Hip and Knee Replacement Consultant, and Pro-Football Hall of Fame Health Medical Advisory Board member.
Related Articles
