(October 17, 2012) Sellersville, PA - Orthopaedic surgeons at Grand View Hospital’s Joint Replacement Center are now performing a hip replacement technique that can make rehabilitation and recovery quicker and easier. Known as the “anterior approach” the technique gives surgeons access to the hip joint from the patient’s front side, minimizing muscle and tendon disruption. Traditional hip replacement surgical access is made at the rear of the hip joint, using a longer incision that cuts across muscles, tendons and nerves. In this new procedure, surgeons use a special operating room table recently added at Grand View. “This new approach is designed to help people get back to their normal lifestyle sooner and with fewer restrictions following surgery,” according to Paul Weidner, MD, medical director of Grand View’s Joint Replacement Center. In this minimally invasive procedure, surgeons use special instruments that allow them to operate with an incision of three to four inches, rather than the standard eight to 12 inches.    Dr. Weidner says, “There’s a lot of talk about the new procedure among people who’ve had hip replacement and those considering it so we’re seeing a lot of interest in it right now.” According to the Agency for

Orthopaedic surgeon Paul Weidner, MD medical director of Grand View’s Joint Replacement Center

Healthcare Research and Quality, more than 285,000 total hip replacements are performed each year in the United States. Dr. Weidner and other members of Grand View’s orthopaedic team expect interest to continue as more aging Baby Boomers seek solutions for arthritis and other conditions that do not respond to lifestyle changes, therapy, medication, or non-surgical treatments.

“Because each individual is different, sometimes traditional surgery is needed. Orthopaedic surgeons at Grand View are trained and experienced in many types of techniques and use a wide variety of implants. “We use what’s proven and what works,” Dr. Weidner says and adds, “These earlier techniques continue to serve our patients very well. So even if you’re not a candidate for the anterior approach, you still have excellent alternatives.” The anterior hip is one of several joint replacement options for hips, knees, and ankles available at Grand View’s Joint Replacement Center.

About Grand View Orthopaedics
Grand View Hospital has one of the most experienced orthopaedic teams in the region where thousands have been treated for sports injuries, traumatic accidents, degenerative disease, and other conditions. As the region’s first dedicated unit of its kind, Grand View’s Joint Replacement Center has performed nearly 4,000 joint replacements since opening in 2002. Experienced surgeons use advanced technologies and minimally invasive techniques for joint replacement of the hip, knee, and ankle. Top-level orthopaedic surgeons and specially trained orthopaedic nurses provide individualized care while physical therapists help patients recover more quickly and with less pain. Among Grand View’s many distinctions are Joint Commission Gold Seal of Approval^TM in Hip & Knee Replacement for a third time in 2012, and a 5-Star Quality Rating in Hip Replacement & Hip Fracture Repair by HealthGrades® in 2012.

About Grand View Hospital
Grand View Hospital, Bucks County’s first hospital, has provided residents of Bucks and Montgomery counties with comprehensive health care services since 1913. Grand View offers a range of inpatient and outpatient care – particularly emphasizing the areas of surgery and orthopaedics, women’s and children's health, heart and vascular care, and cancer treatment. For more information about Grand View Hospital services and programs, please call the Grand View Information Line at 215-453-4300 or visit www.gvh.org.