Dr. Burak was the first orthopedic s
urgeon in the northeast United States to use the anterior approach technique. He states that the key to truly maximizing the benefits of this less-invasive technique involves the use of the Hana table. Basically, the table is a positioning device. The table allows traction of the operative extremity, combined with hyperextension, external, and internal rotation of the hip, and lowering of the foot to the ground during the surgery. The anterior approach with the [Hana] table allows Dr Burak to operate on anybody. He has performed this procedure on patients weighing from 95 to 400 pounds. A common question patients have is, ‘Am I a candidate?’ Dr. Burak tells everybody that indeed they are.
Dr. Burak adds that the table was originally designed to repair fractures, so it’s “radiolucent”, allowing him to use real-time imaging to perform the operation. Surgeons have good visualization of the acetabulum and are able to achieve greater precision. “With this anterior approach operation, if the implants aren’t placed correctly, we are able to move them” he explains; “we don’t have to wait until we’re in the recovery room. Plus, it enables us to get the leg lengths and other biomechanical parameters of the hip more exact by using the X-ray”. The benefits are impressive; all muscles and natural stability are preserved.
Dr. Burak sees other advancements on the horizon. “I think the bearing surfaces are improving, and are better than they’ve ever been,” he states. “I think a hip done in a patient who’s young — under 65 — could last the rest of their life. I don’t think the past problems of hips wearing out are as much of an issue anymore.”
Hip implants include three components: the cup, femoral head, and a stem that fits into the femur. The stem and cup are made of titanium, and have a coating that allows the bone to grow onto them biologically, making them a part of your body. On occasion, cement is used to adhere the stem to the bone if the thigh bone is very osteoporotic or has some other disease process. The three basic choices of bearing surface for the devices are metal-on-metal, ceramic on highly cross-linked polyethylene, or metal on highly cross-linked polyethylene.
We pride ourselves in treating all patients with the same level of care that we give our professional athletes.
We are the first to offer Image Guided Anterior Approach Total Hip Replacement in the Eastern United States
Orthopedic surgery is Dr. Corey Burak’s primary focus
