How advanced hip replacement techniques are dramatically improving lives

In 2023, Annie O’Driscoll’s hip pain was so severe, she could barely walk up the stairs without feeling bone crushing pain. This excruciating pain would wake her every hour of the night, leading to exhaustion. The normally active 57-year-old nanny explains, “The pain was debilitating, and I could never recharge. Having to hobble around with no sleep took all my energy.”

Annie knew she had to do something. She scheduled a consultation with Dr. Joseph Assini at AdventHealth Medical Group Colorado Joint Replacement at Porter, who diagnosed her with osteoarthritis and recommended total hip arthroplasty. Dr. Assini explained that Annie had lost most of her hip cartilage, resulting in the piercing bone-on-bone pain she had been experiencing.

Annie appreciated Dr. Assini’s direct and caring approach. “He is a very kind, talented surgeon who truly cares about his patients. He is excellent at what he does.”

In February 2024, Annie went in for her surgery. Dr. Assini performed an advanced hip replacement procedure called the AnteriorPATH - a minimally invasive, anterior-based approach.

Developed by a team of leading orthopedic surgeons including Dr. Assini, The AnteriorPATH technique utilizes a pen-like instrument called a cannula to prepare and replace the damaged hip socket. The cannula allows the surgeon to use a smaller incision in an area of the hip that avoids a major nerve bundle- minimizing the chance of nerve injury. It also helps provide direct access to the hip joint and aids in positioning the cup within the hip socket - an essential factor in minimizing complications such as dislocation post-operatively. The small incision also improves the scar’s cosmetic appearance, heals much faster than traditional larger incisions and leads to reduced swelling.

When Annie woke up from her surgery, she immediately noticed the bone crushing pain was gone. When she went home the next day, she was able to climb the stairs. Then for the first time in months- she slept for 10 hours straight. “I had to catch up on all my lost sleep, and now I sleep great.”

Annie was amazed at how smoothly and quickly she recovered. Right away she started a physical therapy program and worked out five days a week. Two months later, she was back to all her usual activities, “I couldn’t believe how quickly I got back to my life.”

Today, Annie is so grateful for the exceptional care she received. “Dr. Assini is a fantastic surgeon – he and his team truly helped me get my life back and I can’t thank them enough.”