Anterior Approach hip replacement – a groundbreaking alternative to conventional hip replacement surgery – is available at YRMC East and YRMC West. During Anterior Approach hip replacement, a YRMC orthopedic surgeon accesses the hip joint through an incision in the front of the hip. The specialized table uses x-ray imaging for controlled and precise placement of the new hip by the orthopedic surgeon.

Anterior Approach hip replacement is minimally invasive. Compare it to conventional hip replacement and you’ll find it features:

• Less muscle trauma
• Reduced hospitalization
• Smaller incision
• Less blood loss
• Reduced pain
• Faster recovery
• Minimal post-operative restrictions
• Less concern about dislocation of the new hip

While arthroscopy is known to benefit injured athletes, it’s also helpful to non-athletes with injuries to the knees (cartilage tears, cartilage wear or injury, and ligament tears) or shoulders (rotator cuff tendon tears, recurring dislocations).

During these arthroscopic procedures, a YRMC orthopedic surgeon inserts a small camera – an arthroscope – into the knee or shoulder. The arthroscope sends the image to a television monitor which allows the orthopedic surgeon to see the knee or shoulder in great detail. The surgeon then uses small surgical instruments to remove or repair damaged tissue.

While recovery times vary, most people can resume daily activities a few days after arthroscopy and, in some cases, return to athletic activities in a few weeks.

YRMC was among the first in Arizona to introduce breakthrough computer-assisted surgical technology. This revolutionary computer navigation system is designed for patients undergoing total shoulder replacement and reverse total shoulder replacement surgery.

The technology is a preoperative planning tool that allows orthopedic surgeons to understand their patients’ anatomy prior to surgery. Each patient undergoes a CT scan that provides their orthopedic surgeon information on their unique anatomy and the shoulder’s condition. With this information, the orthopedic surgeon uses the technology to plan the operation through a virtual simulation.

Once in the operating suite, surgeons execute their surgical plan based on a 3-D, computer-based anatomical model of the patient's shoulder. The technology provides excellent visibility to the shoulder anatomy, ensuring precise shoulder implant placement.

All breaks are not equal. The seriousness of a break – called traumatic fracture – can range from tiny cracks in the bones to severe breaks that puncture the skin. For traumatic ankle, foot or leg fractures, an orthopedic surgeon may recommend surgery. During such procedures, the orthopedic surgeon implants wires, plates, rods or screws into the broken bone in order to keep it correctly positioned as it heals. Other fractures may require a cast or splint. In every case, fast diagnosis and treatment is important for proper and complete healing.

Knee replacement surgery – also called total knee arthroplasty – can relieve pain and help people become more active. During total knee replacement, a YRMC orthopedic surgeon removes damaged bone and cartilage from the surface of the knee joint. This is then replaced with a state-of-the-art artificial joint. Before the surgery ends, the orthopedic surgeon tests the new knee to ensure it operates correctly.

We also offer a robotic-assisted knee replacement. This surgeon-guided, robotic-assisted solution individualizes total knee replacement, a procedure that fixes the damaged parts of the knee with implants. The robotic technology improves stability, mobility and range of motion while reducing pain.

The robotic-assisted technology gathers data about the knee during surgery. That information is used by the surgeon to accurately remove damaged bone and precisely fit the implant.

Therapy is important for optimal recovery from knee replacement surgery. YRMC’s Physical Rehabilitation Services team – physical therapists, occupational therapists, sports medicine experts and others – delivers the full scope of healing therapies.