Total Hip Replacement Specialist
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Intermountain Spine and Orthopedics
David M. Christensen, MD
Orthopedic Surgeon located in Twin Falls, ID
Dr. David Christensen performs total hip replacement surgeries for his patients that need them. He is the only surgeon in his region who offers both newer minimally invasive muscle sparing anterior hip replacement as well as traditional posterior lateral hip replacement. Many of these can be performed as a same-day, outpatient procedure, allowing patients to return home and begin their recovery faster and easier.
Hip Replacements Q & A
What Are Common Causes of Hip Pain?
Arthritis, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and traumatic arthritis, are common causes of chronic hip pain and disability. Arthritis causes swelling and inflammation in the joint, causing a patient to experience pain and stiffness. Osteoarthritis is the age-related wear and tear form of the disease. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease and traumatic arthritis develops after a serious hip injury or fracture. Another condition that causes hip pain is avascular necrosis, which occurs when an injury to the hip limits the blood supply to the head of the femur, causing the bone to collapse. Children and infants can develop hip disease, which leads to arthritis later in life because the hip doesn’t grow correctly.
What Happens During a Total Hip Replacement?
In a total hip replacement, Dr. Christensen removes the damaged bone and cartilage and replaces it with prosthetic components. The femoral head is typically replaced with a metal stem that fits into the center of the bone with a metal or ceramic ball fitted to the top. The cartilage surface of the socket is replaced with a metal socket, which is held in place with a firm press fit. A spacer, made of plastic fits between the new ball and socket to create a smooth gliding surface. When possible, Dr. Christensen uses minimally invasive muscle sparing techniques to perform the surgery. The doctor will discuss the options available and advise patients if a minimally invasive hip replacement is a viable option.
What Happens After Surgery?
Following surgery, patients will need to move easily while the body heals and the new joint is accepted into the body. Patients will begin physical therapy soon after surgery to keep the muscles supple and to slowly rebuild strength, flexibility, and range of motion. Dr. Christensen will provide customized treatment plans following surgery to assist each patient to recover fully and return to normal activities as quickly as possible.
Insurance and Billing
We accept most major insurance plans. If you don't see your insurance, call the office and let us help you. Fees and payments: We make every effort to decrease the cost of your medical care. Therefore, we request payment arrangements for all office services at the time they are rendered unless prior arrangements have been made. We accept cash, checks, MasterCard, Visa, and Discover for your convenience. If we are a participating provider of your insurance company, we will bill them. However, payment is the patient's responsibility. We will help in any way we can to assist you in handling claims. Referrals: please bring in all paperwork or call into the office.
