HOLLAND, Mich., May 8, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The recipient of the first single session bilateral total hip replacement performed in western Michigan, Steven Schaner of Grand Rapids was up and about the very next day, walking pain free for the first time in years.
The uncommon procedure, involving the replacement of both hips at once, was performed April 2 by orthopedic surgeon Derick Johnson, D.O., of the Holland Bone & Joint Center, assisted by the Holland Hospital surgical staff. The surgery lasted approximately three hours.
Recovering in Holland Hospital's Joint Replacement Center, Schaner was amazed at the immediate results: "When I woke up, the pain was gone in both hips."
Dr. Johnson employed the anterior approach to total hip replacement. "Instead of cutting or detaching muscle, we work through the natural separation between muscles," he explains.
The result: a smaller incision, less pain, and faster return to full function.
"With the anterior approach, there are no restrictions or limitations after surgery," Dr. Johnson says. "Steve should be able to return very quickly to all of his favorite activities."
Schaner, 52, began experiencing joint pain about five years ago as a result of his work and active recreational lifestyle. Before seeking help, he described his pain level as "8 all the time, 10 by the end of the day."
Testing and consultation with Dr. Johnson confirmed that both hips had deteriorated to the point that bone was rubbing against bone.
For more information, including a video showing Dr. Johnson and Steven Schaner discussing the case, visit www.hollandhospital.org/JointReplacementCenter/CommunitySuccessStories.aspx.
Holland Hospital's Joint Replacement Center has been designated as a Destination Center of Superior Performance by Marshall-Steele, a physician-led health care firm that helps develop leading centers nationwide. Blue Cross/Blue Shield has recognized the Center as a Blue Distinction® Center for Knee and Hip Replacement. Holland Hospital is the only Lakeshore area hospital to receive this quality designation from Blue Cross/Blue Shield for expertise in quality care, better overall outcomes for patients and meeting objective clinical measures developed by expert physicians and medical organizations.
Founded in 1917, Holland Hospital provides comprehensive, coordinated care, serving more than 250,000 West Michigan residents. Comprising 2,000 employees and a 320-member medical staff, the nationally recognized hospital is conveniently accessible through 25 outpatient facilities, including the Holland Hospital Medical Building in Zeeland, the West Michigan Surgery Center, and a network of physician practices representing 14 medical specialties.
Holland Hospital's commitment to excellence is demonstrated in physician expertise, the highest standard of patient-centered care, and DNV ISO 9001:2008 Certification. Holland Hospital has been named among the Top 100 Hospitals by Thomson Reuters for seven years running, placing it among the top 2 percent of hospitals in the country. To learn more about Holland Hospital, please visit http://hollandhospital.org/, http://www.facebook.com/HollandHospital, and http://twitter.com/HollandHosp.
Holland Hospital . . . nationally recognized for quality patient care.