What types of orthopedic care do you provide?
I specialize in joint replacement surgery, mainly hip and knee replacements.
Can you further discuss the types of joint replacement surgery you perform?
At least 10 percent of my practice is focused on revision joint replacement surgery. This involves repairing failed joint replacements. Joint replacements can fail for many reasons such as infection, instability or simply wearing out.
How much impact are Baby Boomers having on the demand for joint replacement surgery?
A Baby Boomer (anyone born between 1946 and 1964) turns 50 every 18 seconds, while one turns 60 every seven seconds. As the ranks of Baby Boomers continue to rise, so does the number of joint replacement surgeries being performed. In the United States, Baby Boomers accounted for more than 40 percent of the 906,000 hip and knee joint replacement surgeries performed in 2009, the latest year for which figures are available from the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. In addition, the American Hospital Association predicts that eight times more knee replacements will be performed in 2030 than are done today.
How are Baby Boomers different than previous generations?
Aging Boomers are refusing the sedentary life of their parents’ generation. Instead, they are striving to stay fit and continue their active lifestyle. This trend has been coined as “boomeritis” or “fix-me-itis.” It has driven innovation in surgical techniques that permit faster recovery and in joint replacement implants that are expected to outperform those of their parents’ generation.
Are there other treatment options before choosing joint replacement surgery?
There are many ways to treat aging joints, including physical therapy and steroid injections. We look for the best treatment option for each patient.
What is minimally invasive joint replacement surgery, and which types of minimally invasive procedures do you perform?
Minimally invasive techniques have been designed to cause less muscle and soft tissue disruption than is traditionally associated with joint replacements. One type of minimally invasive surgery is direct anterior total hip replacement surgery. With a direct anterior surgical approach, I am able to implant the hip without detaching any muscles or tendons. This can lead to less pain and a quicker recovery with fewer early post-operative restrictions.
What makes you most excited about providing orthopedic care at the WellSpan Surgery and Rehabilitation Hospital?
While the facility is unparalleled, it is the people who truly make the WellSpan Surgery and Rehabilitation Hospital great. I am fortunate to work with such skilled professionals. We have built a patient-centered team to deliver exceptional orthopedic care.
For more information about Dr. Whiddon and his colleagues at WellSpan Orthopedics, log on to www.wellspan.org . To schedule an appointment call 812-4090 or 339-2500.