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Minimally Invasive Surgery = Big Benefit to Patients

Back or joint surgery can sound pretty scary. But, the orthopaedic and neurosurgeons at the Orthopaedic and Spine Institute try to do the most with the least. In other words, whenever these expert surgeons can, they make a small incision instead of large one. Minimally Invasive Surgery can treat a variety of conditions.  The surgeons try to get the same outcomes and results as they would in a traditional surgery but with a very small incision. Sometimes they operate through small tubes.

The benefits to the patients can be huge –

• Less trauma to muscles
• Faster recovery times
• Reduced post-operative pain

Minimally invasive spine surgeries can treat a variety of conditions. Physicians use minimally invasive techniques for hip and knee surgeries, too.

In fact, one of the only surgeons in all of San Diego who performs hip arthroscopy is right here at Tri-City. Dr. Andrew Cooperman performs hip arthroscopy which means he makes a small incision and uses a tiny camera and miniature surgical instruments to operate.

Dr. Cooperman says hip arthroscopy lets him diagnose and treat hip problems without detaching muscles, dislocating the hip or making large incisions.

To find out more about minimally invasive procedures for knee, hip, and spine problems call the Orthopaedic and Spine Institute at 760.940.3000 or fill out our special patient form.

New Take on Total Hip Replacement

There's a new 'assistant' in our operating room. It is the Hana© table. This operating table gives surgeons another option for hip replacement - the anterior approach.

Anterior approach means surgeons replace the hip through an incision in the front of the hip. In a traditional hip replacement operation the incision is in the back.

Reaching the hip from the front helps patients with:

• Shorter hospital stays - perhaps as short as one day
• Quicker recovery times
• Less movement restriction
• Lowered risk of hip dislocation and other complications

A number of surgeons at Tri-City are using the Hana© table, including Dr. David Amory and Dr. Andrew Cooperman. Talk to your doctor to find out if this is the right surgery for you, or call us at to talk with our experts about hip replacement and orthopaedic services.

Resurface Instead of Replace - Ideal for Younger Patients

Hip pain can keep you from doing the things you enjoy. It can also make everyday activities like walking and sitting very painful.

Hip replacement is a good option for many patients. But if you are under 60 and active and have severe hip problems you may benefit from a procedure called the Birmingham Hip. It's one of the latest advances in orthopaedic surgery.

Birmingham Hip Resurfacing is available at our Orthopaedic and Spine Institute. Dr. James Helgager is the Institute's medical director for joint replacement. He is a specialist in the Birmingham Hip. "It involves resurfacing the hip instead of replacing it. It saves more bone, leading to quicker recovery time," says Dr. Helgager.

Hip resurfacing is often a perfect choice for younger patients who may wear out an artificial hip when they still have many years of activity ahead of them.