Holland – Holland Hospital has become the first hospital in the west Michigan area to perform a single-session bilateral total hip replacement. The surgery was performed on April 2, 2012, by orthopedic surgeon Derick Johnson, DO, of The Bone & Joint Center and the Holland Hospital surgical staff. The procedure lasted approximately three hours.
“Single-session bilateral hip replacements have been performed elsewhere, but none that we are aware of in this area and only a few nationally,” says Dr. Johnson.
Johnson’s patient, 52-year-old Steven Schaner of Grand Rapids, began experiencing joint pain in his legs about five years ago as a result of his work and active recreational lifestyle. Prior to seeking help, he described his pain level as “8 all the time, 10 by the end of the day.” Testing and consultation with Dr. Johnson confirmed that both hips had deteriorated to the point that bone was rubbing against bone. “My quality of life was going down,” Schaner recalls.
Trained in the anterior approach to total hip replacement, Dr. Johnson used that technique for Schaner’s surgery. “A big benefit of the anterior approach is that instead of cutting or detaching muscle, we work through the natural separation between muscles,” explains Dr. Johnson. The result is a smaller incision, less pain and faster return to full function.
Recovering in Holland Hospital’s Joint Replacement Center, Schaner was amazed at the immediate results. “When I woke up, the joint pain was gone in both hips,” he says. At his two-week follow-up appointment, he thanked Dr. Johnson for giving him “another chance to play hard again.”
“With the anterior approach, there are really no restrictions or limitations after the surgery,” Dr. Johnson says. “Steve should be able to return very quickly to all of his favorite activities.”
Founded in 1917, Holland Hospital serves more than 250,000 West Michigan residents across a continuum of comprehensive, coordinated health care. Comprised of 2,000 employees and a 320-member medical staff, this nationally recognized organization is conveniently accessible through 25 outpatient facilities, including the Holland Hospital Medical Building in Zeeland, West Michigan Surgery Center, and a growing network of physician practices representing 14 medical specialties.
Holland Hospital’s ongoing commitment to excellence is demonstrated in physician expertise, the highest standard of patient-centered care and DNV ISO 9001:2008 Certification. Designated a 100 Top Hospital by Thomson Reuters for seven years running, this commitment to excellence ranks Holland Hospital among the top 2% of all hospitals in the country.
# # #
Holland Hospital . . . nationally recognized for quality patient care.