Let's Talk About Knees and Hips
Chase Lobrano, MD is a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon specializing in adult reconstruction-hip/knee. Dr. Lobrano always knew he wanted to enter medicine and started working in medical clinics and hospitals in his teens and throughout college. During medical school, orthopedics was a natural fit leading him to an orthopedic residency and his fellowship in adult reconstruction-hip/knee. Orthopedic Specialists of Louisiana (OSL) recently sat down with Dr. Lobrano (CL) and asked him about two of his favorite surgeries—hip/knee replacements… here’s what he had to say:
OSL: Dr. Lobrano, why did you decide to specialize in adult reconstruction- hip/knee?
CL: Being able to replace a patient’s hip or knee and allowing them to get back to what they want to be doing is just unbelievable… I love that I get to do this. Giving patients a new lease on life is really rewarding.
OSL: What are the most common complaints you hear from patients about hip and knee pain?
CL: For the hip, most patients complain about lateral (side) pain and groin pain. For the knee, most complain of medial (inner) sided pain.
OSL: What are the most common causes of hip and knee pain?
CL: Most folks over 60 are going to begin experiencing some hip and knee pain due to wear and tear and arthritis. For the hip, another common cause is Trochanteric Bursitis; for the knee, another cause is meniscal pathology.
OSL: What can a patient suffering from knee or hip pain expect at their first clinic visit with you?
CL: We’ll start with a physical exam, x-rays, and a good talk. I really need to know how their hip and knee pain is altering their daily activities and quality of life.
OSL: When is it time to consider total hip/ knee replacement? Are there other options to consider before surgery?
CL- When pain prevents you from doing everyday activities, you are relying on a walker or cane, your knee or hip joint is hurting whether you are sitting still, laying down, or at rest and/or pain is keeping you from getting a good night’s sleep. Often, by the time a patient comes to see me in the clinic, they have exhausted all conservative options; however, we can consider options like injections and physical therapy.
OSL: What happens once a patient decides to have hip/knee replacement surgery?
CL: Total joint Replacement Surgery is a BIG DECISION and a decision that I want my patients to make with as much information as possible. Prior to your surgery, we will have you come in for some additional imaging tests and pre-op lab work. I am a talker- it’s important that we connect and are on the same page about your surgery. I want to know what you expect from me and want you to know what I expect of you.
OSL: If a patient needs both a hip and a knee replacement, which surgery should the patient have first?
CL: I recommend a hip replacement first.
OSL: There is a lot of information about the different surgical approaches utilized for total hip replacement, which approach do you utilize?
CL: I primarily utilize the DIRECT ANTERIOR APPROACH HIP. Keep in mind… the best surgical approach for your hip replacement is the approach that will treat your specific problem.
OSL: Do you utilize the Stryker Mako Robotic Total Joint Replacement technology?
CL: I do- particularly for total/partial knee replacement. I was introduced to the MAKO technology in my fellowship and after joining Orthopedic Specialists of Louisiana and working with my partner, Dr. Atchison, I really became introduced to it. I explain to my patients that utilizing the robot gives me a cheat sheet before surgery- it gives me a pre-operative template and plan that offers me a better idea of what I am going to encounter. It provides for less soft tissue releases, which is all around better for everyone.
OSL: How long does a patient have to stay in the hospital after their total hip or knee replacement?
CL: Most patients will spend one night in the hospital and will be up walking and working with a physical therapist just a few hours after surgery. Most hip patients report immediate relief from pain postoperatively. It’s important that patients do not over do it after surgery for the best long-term results. I recommend post-op physical therapy to patients following knee replacement and as needed, for those following total hip replacement. Patients will have a 2 week follow up appointment with me after their surgery. Typically, patients may resume driving in 3 weeks and may return to work in 6 weeks. Keep in mind, every patient’s recovery is their own… we are working towards your best outcome, and we must factor in the specifics of your lifestyle and your goals.
OSL: What is the most common thing you hear after your patients have had their total hip/knee replacement?
CL: They are so happy they did it and wish they had done it sooner.
Chase Lobrano, MD has clinic locations in Shreveport and Bossier City. To schedule an evaluation with Dr. Lobrano, please contact Orthopedic Specialists of Louisiana: (866)759.9679 or orthopedicspecialistsla.com
