Total Hip Replacement
Dr. Gallivan uses the Mako Robot while performing total hip replacements. Hip replacement surgery involves replacing the arthritic head of the femur with a metal stem and the arthritic hip socket with a metal cup and a durable polyethylene plastic. Dr. Gallivan uses a lateral approach.
Dr. Gallivan prefers to use a spinal anesthetic during surgery rather than putting patients under general anesthesia, because it is safer for the patient.
When Should I Decide to Have a Total Hip Replacement?
Dr. Gallivan believes that there are four main reasons individuals elect to proceed with total hip surgery after attempting non-operative treatment. These include:
- The pain has become unbearable and/or is greater than one wants to live with.
- The pain has impacted quality of life and one is no longer able to achieve their personal functional goals.
- One's overall health, cardiovascular fitness, and longevity is compromised due to the inability to exercise due to pain.
- The patient has a progressive deformity that will impact future positive surgical outcomes.
Please call Orthopedic Institute of Santa Barbara to discuss the details of a total hip replacement with robotic navigation with board-certified orthopedic surgeon, Dr. William Gallivan.
