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Hip Replacement Specialist

Vasili Karas, M.D., M.S. -  - Hip and Knee Replacement and Reconstruction

Vasili Karas, M.D., M.S.

Hip and Knee Replacement and Reconstruction located in Chicago, IL & Oak Park, IL

For adults struggling with hip pain and osteoarthritis, hip replacement surgery can help you return to the activities you love. Orthopaedic surgeon Vasili Karas, MD, MS, specializes in rapid recovery hip replacement and reconstruction, including anterior, posterior, and robotic assisted approaches at Midwest Orthopedics at Rush. If you or a loved one needs a hip replacement, call the office in Chicago or book an appointment online today.

Hip 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.