Thanks to a special surgical table, the PROfx®, and the specialized skills of some area othopaedic surgeons at The Orthopaedic Hospital of Lutheran Health Network, TOH is becoming a surgical destination for patients seeking the anterior-approach to hip replacements. TOH is one of the first hospitals in the state to acquire the PROfx®, a surgical table with traction-like boots that enables the surgeon to stabilize the patient's legs independently, as well as raise or lower the legs or the patient's upper body to maintain proper alignment. A hip can be replaced through a single incision with no detachment of muscle from the pelvis to the femur. X-rays may also be taken during surgery to ensure proper implant placement and leg length.
Steven Fisher, MD, Fort Wayne Orthopaedics, was one of the first four surgeons in the state to perform anterior arthroplasties. Since May 2008, he has performed over 130 at The Orthopaedic Hospital.
"It's an obvious choice when the benefits for patients are so significant," said Dr. Fisher. "The anterior approach makes it possible to avoid injury to muscles by dissecting between them. Conventional methods require detaching muscles that control hip motion and help prevent dislocation. Trauma to these muscles causes pain and swelling that requires additional healing time and six to 10 weeks of rehab. In addition, there are major restrictions, such as not flexing the hip beyond 90 degrees, which affects basic activities like sitting, crossing the legs, putting on shoes and driving.
"Patients who undergo anterior-approach hip replacement have less pain and scarring, have fewer restrictions, have a lower risk of dislocation, stay in the hospital fewer days and have a significantly quicker recovery time," Dr. Fisher added.
Advantages of Anterior Approach to Hip Replacement Surgery
Anterior Approach
Conventional Surgery
Hospital stay
Two to three days
Three to five days
Incision size
Four to five inches
10 to 12 inches
Muscle trauma
No muscle detachment
Muscles are cut,
detached, then repaired
Recovery time
Two to four weeks
Six to 10 weeks
Former Miami Dolphin Doug Crusan, 63, a member on the undefeated 1972 Super Bowl champs (17-0), traveled to Fort Wayne to have Dr. Fisher perform his surgery in October 2008. Crusan returned to Indianapolis two days after surgery and was back at work, mobility-aid free, three weeks later.
"When I faced hip replacement surgery, I left it to my wife to do the research and trusted her to find the right place for me," said Crusan. "I only asked that, if possible, she find an Indiana University trained physician. Dr. Fisher, who is a three-time Indiana University graduate, gave me a new lease on life."
"I have never witnessed more comprehensive care than I had at Lutheran Hospital," said Crusan. "Fort Wayne is fortunate to have such state-of-the-art care and to have a physician who took it upon himself to train for the anterior approach to hip replacement."
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