Phoenixspineandjoint.com helps patients identify the best surgeons in class for their orthopedic procedures. We recently examined patient options for hip replacement surgery in Albuquerque.

“The most important thing you can do to ensure you have a great experience and result from your hip-replacement surgery is to choose the right orthopedic surgeon.”
–Dr. Dan Lieberman, MD, Medical Director of PhoenixSpineandJoint.com.

Albuquerque, New Mexico – Recent developments in total hip replacement have left people in Albuquerque, New Mexico wondering how to choose the right orthopedic surgeon. While there are no definitive criteria, there are five things patients should look for in a joint replacement surgeon:

Robotic assistance is increasingly recognized as an essential feature for hip replacement surgery. Robots, such as the Stryker Mako, allow orthopedic surgeons to make cuts in the bone to seat implants with 400% greater accuracy. The robot’s computer creates a virtual model of the hip during surgery and assists the surgeon to pick the ball and socket implants that give the patient the best chance of being pain-free with an optimized range of motion.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) tracks complications for patients undergoing total hip replacement in the hospital. CMS publishes the average complication rates for hospitals on their website hospital compare. In Albuquerque, total hip replacement surgeries are done at Presbyterian, Lovelace, and Sandoval Regional Hospitals. While none of the three options is below average, the rate of complication for all 3 is consistent with the national average.

Minimally invasive approaches reduce the pain and discomfort of surgery so much they can now be done on an outpatient basis without admission to the hospital. Fellowship is an additional year of training for orthopedic surgeons who specialize in joint replacement surgery that is completed after their residency. Fellows learn not only the latest technique for hip replacement, but knee and often shoulder joint reconstruction as well.