Although Lyn Colangelo has a family history of arthritis, she did not anticipate a total hip replacement at age 50.
After suffering through pain for over a year, getting cortisone shots, and walking with a cane, Lyn decided enough is enough and made an appointment to see Dr. David Savage to discuss surgical options.
Never having gone through surgery before, Lyn was understandably nervous, but knew she was in very capable and experienced hands. She checked into St. David’s South Austin Medical Center on December 22nd and due to Dr. Savage’s anterior approach to her hip replacement, she was back home by Christmas day.
The anterior approach, used by Dr. David Savage, enabled him to reach the hip joint from the front of the hip as opposed to the lateral (side) or the posterior (back) approach. This allows the hip to be replaced without detachment of muscle from the pelvis or femur. The surgeon can simply work through the natural interval between the muscles avoiding any trauma to the gluteal muscles and significantly decreasing recovery time and pain.
“The benefits of this approach to the patient are numerous. They do not have to keep their legs separated by a protective pillow after surgery since the risk of dislocation is only one tenth of that with more traditional approaches. They are also able to walk further sooner with less support in the form of a walker,” explains Dr. Savage.
Thanks to the anterior approach, this PhD and ACC Communications Professor, was up and walking within 24 hours of surgery and back to vacuuming within two weeks.
“I felt no pain and knew immediately after the surgery that I was already better,” Lyn explains.
After 4 short weeks of physical therapy, Lyn is fully mobile and enjoying life, pain-free.