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Health and Wellness Magazine • 77 Joseph assini, Md Orthopaedic Physicians of Colorado 303-789-2663, englewood orthophysicians.com What are the benefits of an anterior approach to hip replacement? The anterior approach to the hip involves an incision on the front o f t h e t h i g h r a t h e r t h a n f r o m t h e b a c k or the side. Surgeons use a space between two thigh muscles to access the hip so that no muscles are cut. This generally allows patients to mobilize sooner and more easily with less post- operative pain. In my experience, this translates into shortened hospital stays. Dislocation risk is also lower when a proper anterior approach is used, because the hip's supporting muscles are not compromised, as with the more common posterior approach. I use X-ray to guide the placement of the implants live during surg- ery. This allows optimal implant position- ing and also ensures that the leg lengths will be equal after the hip replacement. Patients who are interested in this approach should seek out a surgeon who has experience and/or specific training in the anterior approach, as it is the most technically demanding way to perform total hip replacement. However, when done well, it offers most patients a rapid recovery with an optimal outcome. Jeremy kinder, Md Colorado Limb Consultants 303-837-0072, denver limbconsultants.com What is a total joint revision surgery, and how do i know if i need it? A total joint revision is a redo of the first joint replacement. The most common causes for revision include infection, dislocation, or erosion of the plastic parts. If you have a previously well- functioning hip or knee replacement, and you start to have increased pain, popping, grinding, and loss of func- tion, you should be evaluated by an orthopedic surgeon. Revision surgeries can involve total replacement (or just exchanging some of the components of your implant). Maintaining a yearly exam schedule with an orthopaedic surgeon is the best route, as regular X-rays can reveal problems before symptoms arise. Some problems are easier to correct if found earlier, so surveillance is the key. erica Liesmaki, Md Whole Family Health at Belmar 303-268-1577, Lakewood wholefamilybelmar.com How much calcium do i need? This is a good question that has recently created some controversy. Many doctors used to recommend daily supplemental calcium for all patients. In more recent years, however, some research has shown that calcium in excess can be potentially harmful for your heart and can put you at risk for cardiac complications. Given this research, the best recommendation is to aim for a daily calcium intake of about 800 milligrams. You will first need to calculate the amount of calcium you take in through your diet and then supplement to reach the 800-milligram goal. Dietary calcium i s b e t t e r a b s o r b e d t h a n c a l c i u m i n supplements, so maximizing your calcium through food sources is recommended. It is also important to have adequate daily vitamin D intake (about 1,000 IU daily), as this helps with calcium absorption. Orthopedics family Medicine