After experiencing pain in her left hip for two years, Berrien Springs resident Beth Siebenmark realized it was time to take action.
“The pain was right in my groin and ran down my leg,” said Beth, a retired corrections officer.
“It didn’t seem to be coming from anywhere, and it didn’t seem to be getting better. That’s when I knew I needed help.”
Beth’s family physician, Samuel West, MD, of Franciscan Physician Network in New Buffalo, referred her to Kenneth Edwards, MD, of Southwest Michigan Center for Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine in St. Joseph. After talking with Beth and reviewing her x-rays, Dr. Edwards gave her the news she had expected—that she would need a total hip replacement.
Fortunately, new technology at Lakeland Medical Center, St. Joseph, would make it possible for Dr. Edwards to perform Beth’s hip replacement using the direct anterior approach, a minimally invasive option that results in a smaller incision, less tissue trauma, and less pain for the patient. This approach utilizes a unique hip and knee arthroplasty surgical table, called the HANA table, which allows a surgeon to reach the hip joint from the front of the hip, as opposed to the side or back, so that work can be done through the natural interval between the muscles.
Beth felt confident about being the first patient to undergo this new procedure at Lakeland—especially given how pleased she was with the results of her knee surgery with Dr. Edwards in 2010.
“Dr. Edwards does great work, and I had absolutely no problems with my knee replacement four years ago,” she said.
After a successful surgery on December 16, Beth was soon up walking the hallways at the hospital and participating in Lakeland’s Total Joint Camp, specialized rehabilitation designed to help joint replacement patients safely return to daily activities.
“It was as smooth as could be,” Beth said. “They glued me together, so I didn't even have stitches or staples.”
Today, Beth can keep up with ten grandchildren and three great-grandchildren without having to worry about pain slowing her down. She says she wouldn’t hesitate to recommend the direct anterior approach to anyone facing hip replacement surgery.
“I’m amazed by how quickly I recovered,” Beth said. “I can walk—I could probably even run if I had to!”