March 10, 2009

New York Yankees Third Baseman Alex Rodriguez underwent successful arthroscopic surgery on his right hip Monday and is expected to return to the Yankees' lineup within six to nine weeks. Dr. Charles Bush-Joseph, Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush Sports Medicine and Hip Surgeon, isn't surprised that the slugger opted for the minimally invasive arthroscopic procedure.

"The arthroscopic hip procedure provides two main advantages," says Dr. Bush-Joseph. "First, it buys the patient time by delaying a more significant procedure, including hip revision. In Mr. Rodriguez's case, he should be able to play at a high level this season and delay additional surgery until the off-season."

"Second, the recovery time is much shorter," says Dr. Bush-Joseph. "The patient recovers in a matter of weeks instead of months. Instead of sitting out almost the entire season, Rodriguez should now only miss a few weeks."

Rodriguez's surgery was performed by Dr. Marc Philippon at the Vail Valley Surgery Center in Vail, Colorado. The arthroscopic procedure repaired a torn labrum in Rodriguez's right hip and also addressed cartilage from a cyst, both of which had restricted Rodriguez's movement. The surgery was performed outpatient and Rodriquez should be able to begin rehab almost immediately.

Rodriguez's labrum tear was diagnosed as a femoroacteabular impingement, which causes friction in the hip joint. Rodriguez had two types of impingement, "pincer" and "cam." Philippon repaired only the pincer impingement on Monday; a second procedure may be required during the off-season.

Dr. Bush-Joseph and the hip surgeons of Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush perform more arthroscopic and total hip revisions than any practice in the Chicago region. Drawing from this experience, Dr. Bush-Joseph believes that hip arthroscopy is an excellent option for active individuals suffering from hip pain and arthritis.

"Today we can repair hip conditions through minimally invasive techniques that only a few short years ago could only be addressed through an open procedure," says Dr. Bush-Joseph. "These new procedures can help delay hip revision by several years, and also serve to preserve the patient's cartilage."

For more information on minimally invasive hip surgery or to schedule an appointment, call 877 MD BONES.