ORTHOPEDIC SURGEON DR. CHAD WEBER PERFORMING ALTERNATIVE HIP REPLACEMENT

Dr. Chad Weber, Orthopedic Surgeon and
Versailles Health Care Center Rehab Medical Director.

Patients in need of hip replacements have a new alternative with Dr. Chad Weber, a surgeon with Orthopedic Associates of Southwest Ohio (OASWO), who is performing a different technique that is less painful and requires a shorter recovery time.

Weber, who is a board certified orthopedic surgeon who provides comprehensive general orthopedic surgery and orthopedic trauma care throughout the Miami Valley and surrounding areas, is one of the only surgeons in the area performing what’s called the direct anterior hip replacement approach. This approach is a minimally invasive surgical technique.

The potential benefits of direct anterior hip replacement in comparison to the traditional approaches include:

• Decreased hospital stay and quicker rehabilitation
• Smaller incision and reduced muscle disruption may allow patients a shorter recovery time and less scarring,
• Potential for less blood loss, less time in surgery, and reduced post-operative pain
• Risk of dislocation may be reduced
• May allow for a more nature return to normal function and activity

Traditional hip replacement techniques involve operating from the side (lateral) or the back (posterior) of the hip, which requires a significant disturbance of the joint and connecting tissues and an incision approximately 8-12 inches long. In comparison, the direct anterior approach requires an incision that is only 3-4 inches in length and located at the front of the hip. In this position, the surgeon does not need to detach any of the muscles or tendons.

Hip replacement, no matter how minimally invasive, is major surgery and patients are at risk for complications. However, the complication rate following joint replacement surgery is generally very low. Serious complications, such as joint infection, occur in less than 2% of patients. Besides infection, possible complications include blood clots, lung congestion or pneumonia. The risks that are normally encountered in conventional hip joint replacement remain. Not everyone is a candidate for this approach for various reasons.

Recovery success depends on several factors including surgeon training and experience, the surgical approach, the implant and the patient’s health and commitment to post-operative physical therapy.

Weber has performed the direct anterior method for about one year, which includes more than 50 surgeries. He emphasizes to his patients the importance of pre-planning their care before and after surgery. Weber encourages his patients to choose a rehabilitation center, such as Versailles Health Care Center, to benefit from extensive rehabilitation services and give the patient the best chance at a successful recovery. According to Dr. Weber, most people think that the surgeon will plan their post-surgical care and in reality it is up to the patient. Dr. Weber holds a free monthly Total Joint Replacement Class at Versailles Health Care Center. The event is open to anyone considering joint replacement and their families. Each class is taught by Dr. Chad Weber, Versailles Health Care Center Rehab Medical Director, and Shannon Condon, Versailles Health Care Center Facility Rehab Director. The next Total Joint Replacement Class is scheduled for Monday, September 14, 2015 at 6 pm. For more information about this class, call Shannon Condon at 937.526.0130.

In addition to this monthly class, Versailles Health Care Center will host Dr. Weber for a special presentation titled “Alternative Hip Replacement: Direct Anterior Approach” on Thursday, September 3, 2015 at 6 pm. This event is open to the public and will be held at Versailles Health Care Center. A complimentary dinner will be served. To RSVP for Dr. Weber’s special presentation, please call Shannon Condon at 937.526.0130 by September 1. Spots are limited!

Weber states, “My mission is to provide the highest-quality and most comprehensive general orthopedic and orthopedic trauma care to the community. My patients are my top priority. Consideration of the whole patient, open communication, and easy accessibility will enable us to be successful in obtaining our goal of a positive and functional outcome.”

Weber joined OASWO after completing his specialty training in Orthopedic Trauma with a fellowship through Ortho Indy at Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis, Indiana. He completed his orthopedic surgery residency at Ohio University Kettering Network Grandview Medical Center. Dr. Weber through affiliation with OASWO joins the Athletic Workshop and was a Certified Athletic Trainer prior to becoming a physician. He served as an assistant athletic trainer for The Pittsburgh Steelers during summer training camps and preseason games. He is also a member of many organizations within the medical field, like the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, American Osteopathic Association, and Orthopedic Trauma Association. He has offices for consultation in Centerville, Dayton, Sidney, and Greenville. For more information about the direct anterior approach for total hip replacement or hip replacement in general, please call 800.824.9861.