Areas of Expertise
Direct Anterior Hip Replacement
Direct Anterior Hip Replacement is a technique in which hip replacement surgery is performed through an alternative approach compared to conventional hip replacement surgery. Historically, hip replacement surgery was performed utilizing traditional posterior or lateral approaches. This necessitates that certain muscles or tendons are cut in order to access the hip joint and perform the surgery. The direct anterior approach utilizes a muscle interval in front of the hip joint in which muscles and tendons are not cut for exposure of the joint. Because exposure can be more challenging, special instruments and a custom operating table are used to assist in performing the surgery. Patients who have undergone Direct Anterior Hip Replacement surgery report that the post operative pain and discomfort is markedly less than traditional approaches. In addition, their recovery is expedited. Most patients are discharged from the hospital by post op day #1 and are off of all walking aids (cane/crutches) by the 2nd week from surgery.
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Dr. Cidambi is fellowship trained in anterior hip replacement surgery.
Outpatient Joint Replacement
Traditionally, joint replacement has been an inpatient surgical procedure. With the introduction of minimally invasive techniques, modern pain protocols, improved anesthetic techniques, and rapid rehabilitation protocols surgeons are able to perform joint replacement procedures on an outpatient basis. Outpatient joint replacement is exactly the same as traditional joint replacement but the patient is allowed to go home in the first 24 hours after the surgery. This allows patients to recover at home instead of overnight in a hospital. To be considered for an outpatient joint replacement, a person should have good health (free of any diseases), a high level of motivation during the rehabilitation process, and good family support.
Total and Partial Knee Replacement
The type of knee replacement needed – total or partial – will be dependent on a number of factors; however, the number of compartments requiring correction is one of the biggest influencers. Partial (unicompartmental) replacement will involve a single compartment, while total knee replacement will provide more comprehensive repair.
For patients with the highest levels of pain and disability, a total knee replacement will be the best option for providing necessary relief. As more of the joint is touched during this surgery approach, recovery tends to be slower (than in comparison to a partial knee replacement) due to the larger amount of healing required. However, following the initial phase of recovery, over 90% of patients report dramatic pain reduction, as well as an improved ability to complete everyday physical activities.
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In cases of partial knee replacement, a greater amount of the natural knee structure will be maintained. As a result, many patients will experience a faster recovery time, as well as a more natural feeling during post-op joint movement. As compared to those undergoing total knee procedures, unicompartmental replacement patients have a higher likelihood for later revision surgery, as ongoing degeneration will potentially impact additional areas of the knee joint.
Revision Hip and Knee Replacement
Dr. Cidambi performs revision hip and knee replacements. Revision joint replacement is a complex surgical procedure in which all or part of a previously implanted joint is replaced with a new artificial joint. At times, hip or knee replacement implants can wear out for various reasons and may need to be replaced with the help of a surgical procedure known as revision joint replacement. Revision joint replacement is advised in patients with increasing pain in the affected joint, worn out plastic or polyethylene prosthesis, dislocation or loosening of previous implants, infection around the prosthesis causing pain and fever, or weakening of bone around the replacement (Osteolysis).
My Approach
Dr. Cidambi believes in a patient-centered approach and is passionate about educating patients and their families so that they understand their hip and knee conditions and all treatment options available to them.
