Advances in orthopaedic surgery have led to shorter hospitals stays, less pain and faster recovery for patients. Hip replacement surgery is no exception. In fact, it is considered one of the most predictable and successful operations performed. "The overall complication rate is anywhere from 2-4 percent," says Dr. David Dalury, orthopaedic surgeon at Towson Orthopaedic Associates, "with an overwhelming number of patients experiencing good to excellent results." The procedure usually takes a few hours, compared to four to six hours a few years ago. It is usually performed under a regional anesthetic. Most patients do not need to donate blood before surgery, but can do so if they wish. The hospital stay is three days.   While in the hospital, physical therapy starts the morning after surgery. At the end of the three-day, hospital-stay, the patient is able to get in and out of bed, in and out of a chair and up and down some stairs without assistance. Most patients are able to get themselves off of a cane within a few weeks, depending on their general medical health and physical condition. "When people have hip replacements, they are able to return to a surprising number of activities."   "The thing that surprises most patients," says Dr. Dalury, "is that hip replacement is not that painful." "Most people require pain medication for seven to ten days and then after that, they are quite comfortable." The patient starts a physical therapy program as soon as they get home and after about two weeks are usually switched to outpatient physical therapy. Often the therapy program is at Towson Sports Medicine, where patients can utilize a pool for therapy. At the end of the six weeks, people are able to drive a car and walk independently. After six to twelve weeks, people resume general activities and after about three months, patients have resumed normal activities. The improvement will persist throughout the first year after surgery. Most replacements last 15 to 20 years and will allow patients to enjoy an active life as long as the joint is well cared for and annual follow-ups are performed. "When people have hip replacements, they are able to return to a surprising number of activities," says Dr. Dalury. "These include, hiking, biking, dancing, gardening, climbing, gentle skiing, doubles, but not singles tennis and bowling."

Annual Primary Care Course Draws Physicians From Around The State

For the third year, Towson Orthopaedic Associates and The Baltimore County Medical Association held "Orthopaedics for the Primary Care Physician". The one-day seminar, held at the Sheppard Pratt Conference Center, updated general practitioners on the latest orthopaedic issues and outlined steps for knowing when to treat an orthopaedic problem and when to refer to a specialist.

Brian Mulliken, M.D. (above) and Kenneth Gertsen, M.D. (left) show physicians the correct techniques for pinpointing knee problems.

Baltimore County Medical Association Director, Neilson Andrews says the course serves a vital role in the community. "In an era of managed care, more and more primary care physicians want to know the latest information on diagnosing orthopaedic injuries," said Andrews. "The course that Towson Orthopaedics offers helps primary care physicians in the orthopaedic injury decision- making process."

Boxing's Rufat and Emil Baku continue their success in the ring. The brothers, from Azerbaijan now living in Pikesville, are making a name for themselves in Maryland. Emil Baku, 10-0, recently won his fight on the Fox Network and Rufat Baku, 12-1-1, will be fighting for the Maryland	Superweight Championship in January. They are patients of Dr. Bruce Wolock.   Dr. Paul McAfee was featured in medical stories on Channel 45 and Channel 2 for advances in spine surgery. Dr. McAfee is the first surgeon in Maryland to perform a new surgical technique to repair herniated discs, called MicroEndoscopic Discectomy.	Nicole Froman is starting on the University of Richmond's soccer team. The division I freshman had her ACL reconstructed in the spring by Dr. Frank Catanzariti. One of her physical therapists, Karen Wilberg, says Nicole did so well with her rehabilitation that she was released early and was able to start with the team as a freshman.
Inside This Issue Hip Replacement Surgery pg. 1 Avoiding Injury at the Gym pg. 2 Baltimore Top Docs pg. 4 Back to What's New Table of Contents