OR-Live.com Presents: 2 Incision Minimally Invasive Hip Replacement Surgery Live Webcast From Union Memorial Hospital, Baltimore, MD

The minimally invasive hip replacement involves an "image-intensifier," a specialized X-ray machine that allows the surgeon to assess the precise position of the artificial hip joint in the body. Through the manipulation of specialized instruments, surgeons can position the implant based on what they view in the X-ray. The surgeon can then assemble the patient's new hip through two incisions of only two inches each -- as compared to a 12-inch incision. This unique procedure will be broadcast live on www.OR-Live.com on Thursday, September 16, 2004, at 4:30 p.m. EDT (2030 UTC). Though the minimally invasive procedure is technically more difficult than traditional hip replacement surgery, the benefits to the minimally invasive option include smaller incisions, less pain and a shorter recovery period for the patient.

Patients who have minimally invasive hip replacements have a typical one- to two-day hospital stay, whereas traditional surgery requires a four- to seven-day hospital stay. Patients are encouraged to put as much weight on the leg as they can tolerate immediately after the procedure. With traditional hip replacement surgery, the total recovery can take as long as three months.

For the aging baby boomer population, the shorter recovery period offered by the minimally invasive option is significant. In 2020 there will be approximately 80 million people over 65, compared to about 30 million over 65 now. The minimally invasive procedure is ideal for the growing number of seniors who are at the prime age for experiencing arthritis pain, but still need to resume their daily activities as quickly as possible.

The surgery will be performed by Frank Ebert, M.D., assistant chief of orthopaedic surgery at Union Memorial. Henry Boucher, M.D., orthopaedic surgeon also at the hospital, will serve as moderator of the presentation. Both surgeons specialize in minimally invasive hip and knee replacements. Richard Shapiro, M.D., chief of anesthesiology at Union Memorial, is the anesthesiologist for the case. Maryland physicians who log on to the webcast will receive continuing medical education credits as they learn about the minimally invasive technique for hip replacements, in addition to other aspects of the procedure.

Visit http://www.or-live.com/union/1218 now to view a program preview, physician comments or register for an event reminder.

A VNR is available at http://www.or-live.com/union/1218/rams/vnr.ram

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