Recent Advance in Hip Surgery: The Mini-Incision Total Hip Replacement A new total hip procedure is allowing patients to return to normal activities in half the time of traditional total hip replacement surgery. The “mini-incision” total hip replacement utilizes an incision approximately one third the length of the traditional incision. This technique, developed in part by Todd V. Swanson, MD of Desert Orthopaedic Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, has been shown to have many advantages over traditional total hip replacement surgery. Hip arthritis is a common affliction among patients over the age of 60. It can become a disabling condition that limits one's ability to carry out normal activities of daily living or recreation. Total hip replacement allows return to normal activities by replacing the arthritic hip joint with an artificial metal-against-plastic surface. The traditional total hip replacement has required an incision measuring 8-10 inches in length, 6-8 weeks on crutches or walker, and 3-4 months total recovery time. Additionally, many total hip replacements require the use of bone cement which can be harmful in many ways. Several studies have suggested that bone cement may increase the risk of blood clots, breathing problems, and even death. Recently, the mini-incision total hip replacement was developed to allow quicker return to normal activities with a lower risk of complications. The mini-incision total hip, using a titanium prosthesis implanted without cement, replaces the arthritic hip utilizing an incision 3-4 inches in length. This, combined with immediate full weight-bearing, results in a quicker recovery time, shorter hospital stay, and a lower risk of complications. Dr. Swanson's research has shown that the new surgical technique minimizes the amount of anesthesia needed, reduces blood loss, reduces the amount of postoperative pain, and minimizes the risk of complications including breathing problems, blood clots, wound healing problems, and others. Hospital stays are shortened by 2-4 days, and patients generally return to normal activities by 4-6 weeks (vs. 3-4 months for the traditional procedure). The Surgeon Dr. Todd V. Swanson is one of Nevada’s leading Total Joint Replacement surgeons. He has performed over 600 of the mini-incision total hip procedures over the past 5 years. He has also been instrumental in teaching this new technique and reporting his research results showing its many benefits to surgeons in the United States and all over the world. Qualifications: 1981: B.A. Chemistry, Augustana College, Sioux Falls, SD, Summa Cum Laude 1981-1985: Honored and recognized while in medical school at Washington University, St. Louis, MO 1985-1990: Internship and residency in orthopaedic surgery, University of California Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, CA, Voted Most Outstanding Resident 1990 1990-1991: Additional specialty training in Total Joint Replacements at Metropolitan Mount Sinai Medical Center, Minneapolis, MN 1991: Established orthopaedic practice with Desert Orthopaedic Center, Las Vegas, NV 1993: Board Certified, American Board of Orthopaedic Surgeons To Present: Consultant to orthopaedic implant companies; speaker, instructor, researcher in the field of total hip and knee replacements For information regarding surgeons in your area who may have been trained in this technique, call Plus Orthopaedics at (888) 741-7587. For more information regarding this technique, call Dr. Swanson’s office at Desert Orthopaedic Center, (702) 731-1616. about us | physicians | patient ed | patient info | links | home Our Doctors When you choose one of our doctors you can be assured of quality care by a competent, experienced surgeon who excels in his field. Together our doctors represent 225 years of surgical experience in their specialty to benefit your needs.