For the past 20 years, since the beginning of my residency, I have been using the posterolateral approach for total hip replacements.  While this approach is extremely common, very useful, and works well, it does have the drawback of having a higher potential for dislocation than some of the other approaches.

One of these approaches involves coming from the front, or “anterior” side of the hip.  Dr. Phil Downer, one of my partners in Orthopedic Specialists of Seattle, has been using this approach for 3-4 years, and has been very pleased with the results.  I have been performing the approach with him recently, and I, too have been impressed with the simplicity of the technique, and the more rapid recovery it provides.

I will therefore now be offering this exciting new technique to my patients.  Should you be a candidate for hip replacement, I look forward to discussing this with you personally in clinic.

– Charles Peterson II, MD

In his practice, Dr. Peterson diagnoses issues relating to all parts of the skeleton, and in particular those maladies of the shoulder, elbow, hip, and knee. He provides both complex and minimally-invasive arthroscopic surgery, total joint replacement of the shoulder, elbow, hip, and knee, as well as fracture care and sports medicine.

Dr. Peterson sees patients from all around the Northwest and Canada. He admits patients to Swedish Medical Center, and has two offices in north Seattle. If you would like to make an appointment at either the Wallingford or Ballard office, please call 206-633-8100.