On December 11, 2014, a surgical team at CHI Health St. Elizabeth led by James W. Gallentine, M.D. was the first in Nebraska to perform a same day, outpatient, total hip replacement without an overnight stay. The patient spent approximately 12 hours in the hospital from arrival to discharge.
During this procedure, the patient underwent a total hip arthroplasty under a spinal anesthetic through a direct anterior approach, had a long acting local anesthetic injection at the time of surgery, and nearly immediate physical and occupational therapy after the procedure. The combination of these procedures coupled with the patient’s motivation allowed for a same-day dismissal for what has otherwise traditionally required three nights in the hospital.
The direct anterior approach to total hip replacement has been performed in the Lincoln market for around the last four years and currently accounts for about 25% of the total joints performed in the United States. By using such a multi-modal approach, it is felt that patients can be provided with a valuable procedure that improves their quality of life, diminishes pain, improves independence, and limits the time needed as an in-patient while hopefully limiting cost and complications.
For more information about Nebraska Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine, P.C., please call (402) 488-3322 or visit www.nebraskaortho.com.