JOINT SURGERY New-hip procedure reduces patient's pain

The operation is minimally invasive and uses nerve blocks.
PITTSBURGH (AP) -- Surgeons at UPMC Shadyside are performing a hip replacement surgery that allows patients to walk just hours later, and with little or no pain.
The operation involves two small incisions, instead of a large one traditionally used in such surgeries since 1960, and takes only about an hour. In addition to the minimally invasive surgery, doctors also use nerve blocks so that pain is stopped before it begins.
Jay Dudek, 53, of Wheeling, W.Va., had the surgery in May after years of hip problems that have made simple tasks like walking a challenge.
No pain
"After one week I still have not experienced any pain," Dudek told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. "This is absolutely amazing to me."
The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons reports that 168,000 people have hip replacement surgery each year, and the numbers are growing as the population ages.
Dr. Jacques Chelly, director of UPMC Shadyside's Posner Inpatient Pain Center, said they use nerve-block techniques to prevent post-operative pain for some shoulder, knee, prostate and breast operations.
"Our goal is to try to get the pain under control before it's happening. Our goal is to get you moving quickly," Chelly said.
The nerve blocker is administered through the lower back, and a catheter is left in place so that a drug can be pumped in as needed.
Chelly said patients who undergo the use of a nerve blocker typically get more out of physical therapy because they aren't in severe pain.
"We are really making progress in providing patients with a much better and more comfortable way to recover," Chelly said.