Mario Saladino's pain in his hip grew worse. After a year of gradually increasing pain, Saladino couldn't sleep for more than three hours a night. It hurt to stand. It hurt to walk. It even hurt to sit. "The pain was crushing - I was practically doubled over when I would walk," he says. "My normal everyday routine became more difficult and the pain grew worse - I needed to do something to get my life back."
Saladino found his answer at Swedish Covenant Hospital in Chicago. His doctor, Joseph D'Silva, MD, an orthopedic surgeon, is certified in minimally invasive hip replacement surgery.
"Minimally invasive hip replacement surgery yields great benefits for patients," explains Dr. D'Silva. The unique procedure requires a smaller incision, 2.5 to 3.5 inches in length, as opposed to the 10- to 12-inch incision used for traditional hip replacement surgery. The smaller incision causes less scarring, and patients recover faster, experience less pain after surgery and require a shorter hospital stay. "These benefits may allow a quicker return to work and other daily activities," says Dr. D'Silva.
Saladino can attest to the benefits of the minimally invasive technique. He had previously had traditional hip replacement surgery on the other hip. "After the traditional procedure, I spent one week in the hospital and then four additional days in rehabilitation," he explains. "In comparison, after the minimally invasive procedure, I spent four days total in the hospital. Also, I felt less pain in recovery.
"Now the pain is gone in that hip. I can walk, stand and do everything else easily - and I can sleep a full night again. Anyone who has a lot of pain in their hip should not put off correcting the problem, especially since this solution - the minimally invasive procedure - is much easier than living with pain."
Joseph D'Silva, MD, is board certified in orthopedic surgery and a graduate of Rush Medical School in Chicago. He fulfilled his internship and residency at Rush-Presbyterian-St Luke's Medical Center in Chicago.
To make an appointment with Dr. D'Silva, call his office at (773) 777-9900. To search for other orthopedic surgeons at Swedish Covenant Hospital, click here.
