October 10, 2003

MGH Orthopaedics: A focus on innovation and education

MGH Orthopaedics has been in the spotlight for the last few months — most recently with an important innovation that may change how hip replacement surgery can improve the lives of some patients. On Sept. 16, an MGH orthopaedic
surgical team performed the first two-incision minimally invasive hip replacement surgery in New England, an operation performed by only a handful of specialists throughout the country. This new procedure, which utilizes special instruments and a couple of two-inch incisions, allows patients to return home the next day with a shorter recovery time.

The MGH team — led by Andrew Freiberg, MD, chief of MGH Anthroplasty Service, and Harry E. Rubash, MD, chief of MGH Orthopaedics — trained for this special procedure with Richard Berger, MD, the Chicago-based surgeon who introduced the technique. "This was MGH teamwork at its best," says Rubash. "The success of this surgery is because of the incredible talents and skills of a multidisciplinary team —including staff from surgery, nursing, occupational therapy, physical therapy, anesthesia, research, as well as safety specialists and robotics experts."

While this new technique has been approved by the FDA, the MGH team has launched a study to further evaluate the surgical results, possible complications and patients' experiences. "We are very excited about this new procedure, but until we get more data, we are advising patients that traditional hip surgery still may be the best course of treatment," says Rubash.

Highlights of the surgery were shown at the 33rd annual Advances in Arthroplasty conference, held Sept. 17 to 20. The conference, offered by Partners, MGH and BWH Orthopaedics, focused on new technologies and surgical techniques. This course is the longest continually running medical education course affiliated with Harvard Medical School, and attracts clinicians from around the world.
In addition to this most recent surgical innovation, MGH Orthopaedics also has been focusing on educating the general public about the field of orthopaedic surgery. In August, the department hosted a nationwide traveling exhibit that honors the men and women who dedicated their lives to orthopaedic surgery during World War II. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgery developed the exhibit, entitled "The Legacy of Heroes."