JOI Hip Physicians

Anterior Hip Replacement

Marilyn Cicciu has had both of her hips replaced. The surgery on her second hip, however, was performed last November by Jacksonville Orthopaedic Institute surgeons John Von Thron, MD and Dale Whitaker, MD at Baptist Beaches using the anterior approach—with very different results.

“Each time before the surgery, I was in so much pain I could barely walk,” Marilyn said. “The first one, I spent five nights in the hospital and needed 10 days of extensive rehab.”

“The second time, I stayed the night after the surgery and then went home!” Marilyn said. “And I could walk right away, without a limp, whereas after the first hip replacement, they wouldn’t allow me to put pressure on it for six weeks.”

The approach to the hip from the front has been used for at least 10 years in the U.S., and has numerous benefits.

“We can see the exact position of all the components at the time of surgery,” explained Dr. Whitaker. “The patient is lying flat on a special table, so it’s easier to use X-ray. That means we can get a precise placement of the components.”

Dr. Von Thron added, “It’s less invasive surgery. The incisions are smaller and we’re able to perform the surgery with greater precision and safety.”

For Marilyn, the procedure improved her quality of life. “My hip replacement at Baptist eliminated my pain and, with the new technique, I was up and walking around immediately,” she said. “I’m just delighted.”

If you would like to learn more about hip symptoms: 5 hip symptoms you should not ignore

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Hip Pain

Hip pain is a common problem, and can cause discomfort and difficulty in walking, sitting, activities of daily living, working and playing sports. Because there are so many causes that may result in hip pain, it can be confusing. It is important for you to see a physician who will make an accurate diagnosis of the cause of your symptoms so that appropriate treatment can be directed at the underlying problem. Some signs that you should be seen by a doctor include:

Inability to walk comfortably on the affected side
Injury that causes deformity around the joint
Hip pain that occurs at night or while resting
Hip pain that persists beyond a few days
Inability to bend the hip
Swelling of the hip or the thigh area
Signs of an infection, including fever, redness, warmth
Pain in the hip that may also be in the groin area
Inability to get out of a chair without significant hip pain
You cannot sleep on the affected side without significant hip pain
Any other unusual symptoms

The Hip Orthopedic Physicians at JOI are experienced in diagnosing and treating your hip pain. Whether you need a course of physical therapy or surgery, we can help! If you would like to read more about hip symptoms »

JOI Hip Physicians

Anterior Hip Replacement

Edward D. “Ted” Young, MD

M. John Von Thron, MD

Jeremy Taylor, MD

William G. Pujadas, MD

Timothy R. Hastings, MD

Carl Freeman, MD

Steven M. Crenshaw, MD

Patrick D. Brooks, MD

Get in Touch with Jacksonville Orthopaedic Institute

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