Prior to undergoing surgery at Piedmont Newnan Hospital, Rhonda Manos struggled to walk, tie her shoelaces and complete basic activities. Additionally, she feared she might be unable to attend her son’s graduation from the University of Georgia without the help of orthopedic surgeons at Piedmont.
“When I learned that I could have both hips replaced at the same time and read about other patients’ amazing results, I was excited to put my pain behind me,” said Manos. “We walked over five miles that graduation day, something I would’ve never been able to do prior to my surgery. I gained my life back.”
Manos underwent double hip replacement surgery in February, using the direct anterior approach, and she recalls feeling no pain after. She was surprised to learn she could have both hips repaired at the same time. She left the hospital less than 48 hours after and was able to drive home from her post-operative appointment two weeks later.
“Dr. Statton encouraged me to listen to my body and do what I could handle and I haven’t looked back since,” said Manos, who returned to work approximately four weeks after surgery. “My first day back to work, I was walking tall and wanted to show off how great I felt.”
Direct anterior approach hip replacement is a conservative and minimally-invasive alternative to the traditional approach for hip replacements. Surgeons are able to repair the hip through a natural space between certain muscles on the front of the body rather than making the incision on the back side of the body, eliminating the need to cut tissue or detach tendons.
“Many of my patients, like Rhonda, suffer from osteoarthritis and have stiffness or discomfort that limits their daily activities,” said Jeremy Statton, M.D., orthopedic surgeon at Piedmont Newnan. “Through this direct anterior approach, patients heal faster and get back to doing what they love quickly with fewer post-operative restrictions.”
Rhonda recently attended Piedmont Newnan’s Walk with a Doc, led by Dr. Statton, talking with other attendees about her experience and how it has changed her life.
“I had an amazing experience and recovered quickly,’” said Manos. “The staff at the hospital made me feel like I was their only patient and I am so appreciative of the care I received.”
For more information about orthopedic services, including direct anterior approach hip replacements, at Piedmont Newnan Hospital, visit www.piedmont.org/orthopedic.
