Complex Hip & Knee Replacement Specialist
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Vasili Karas, M.D., M.S.
Hip and Knee Replacement and Reconstruction located in Chicago, IL & Oak Park, IL
Hip replacement is one of modern medicine’s most successful procedures, although they can fail for a number of reasons. And although artificial knee implants are built to last many years, a variety of factors may cause your knee replacement to fail. Skilled orthopaedic surgeon and hip replacement and reconstruction specialist Vasili Karas, MD, MS, performs revision hip replacement, knee replacement and other complex procedures at Midwest Orthopaedics at RUSH. If you or a loved one needs a complex hip or knee replacement, call or book an appointment online.
Complex Hip & Knee Replacement Q & A
What is a total hip replacement?
Total hip replacement, also called total hip arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure to replace your hip joint with an artificial one. It’s possible to perform this procedure from behind the hip, at the side, or in front of your hip.
The anterior approach refers to an incision made at the front of the hip. This approach is considered minimally invasive, or muscle-sparing, surgery because it involves the least amount of tissue damage among the three possible methods.
Dr. Karas specializes in rapid recovery hip replacement surgery, which means he uses the most advanced techniques to ensure the least amount of pain and fastest recovery time. Most of Dr. Karas’ patients spend only one day in the hospital after hip replacement surgery.
Why would I need a hip replacement?
Dr. Karas may recommend hip replacement to relieve pain and restore mobility to your hip after an illness or injury. Osteoarthritis of the hip is the most common reason men and women get hip replacement procedures.
Other reasons you may need a hip replacement include:
- Broken or injured hip
- Dead bone due to lack of blood (osteonecrosis)
- Bone tumors
Hip replacement may be the final resort for joint pain or damage that doesn’t improve with conservative treatments, such as physical therapy or joint injections.
What are the advantages of anterior approach hip replacement?
Anterior approach hip replacement requires a smaller incision and less damage to healthy muscles. This offers numerous benefits, including:
- Less pain
- Decreased limping
- Shorter hospital stay
- Faster recovery time
- Easier recovery
- Less chance of hip dislocation
Total hip replacement with an anterior approach isn’t right for everyone. Dr. Karas thoroughly evaluates your condition and discusses the best possible option for you.
What should I expect from hip replacement surgery?
Before surgery, Dr. Karas performs a physical exam and reviews your medical history. He may take imaging tests, such as an X-ray or MRI.
Dr. Karas performs hip replacement procedures while you’re under general anesthesia. Hip replacement surgery typically lasts a few hours.
After you recover from the anesthesia, Dr. Karas provides you with instructions on how to facilitate recovery at home and helps you schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your progress.
To learn more about your options for hip replacement surgery, call Chicago Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine or book an appointment online today.
