For the first time in months, Sylvania resident Jenifer Klostermeyer is pain free.
“It is so wonderful not to be in agony. I feel so good that I may take up bike riding this summer,” Ms. Klostermeyer said.
Ms. Klostermeyer had a second hip replacement in February at ProMedica Wildwood Orthopaedic and Spine Hospital, a division of ProMedica Toledo Hospital. The procedure was performed by Orthopaedic Surgeon Karl Beer, MD. This month, she returned to Dr. Beer’s office for a follow-up appointment.
“I am extremely pleased with her progress,” Dr. Beer said. “She was back on her feet within a day after surgery and actually drove to her last appointment.”
Ms. Klostermeyer received an Anterior Supine Intermuscular (ASI) Hip Replacement. With this technique, a surgeon is able to make the incision at the front of the patient’s hip, avoiding the need to cut the muscles and tendons surrounding the hip joint. The procedure is much easier on patients who experience far less postoperative pain and are able to return to normal activities within days after surgery.
Dr. Beer, a board-certified orthopaedic surgeon with ProMedica Physicians, is the only orthopaedic surgeon in the region offering ASI. He has performed 50 procedures in the last four months.
Kathy Hosler of Hillsdale, Mich., went to Dr. Beer in 2009 for her first hip replacement. Last December, she had her second surgery using the ASI technique.
“I was amazed at how much faster I healed after the second surgery. I was walking without any support within three weeks,” Ms. Hosler said. “I tell all of my friends that this new technique is definitely the way to go if you need a hip replaced.”
Dr. Beer said he prefers to perform the majority of ASI techniques at ProMedica Wildwood because of its state-of-the-art technology and the high quality of care that patients receive. The six-month-old facility also offers a full range of specialized orthopaedic and spine services and programs, including personal care plans and care coaches. There also are multiple options for physical therapy based upon patient need: in a group setting, at a patient’s bedside, or an inpatient hallway that can serve as a natural walking path.
“It is the region’s only hospital completely dedicated to orthopaedic and spine care. Patients can count on receiving the best care possible from the region’s leading specialists in this area,” he said.
This is reassuring news for patients such as Ms. Klostermeyer who put off surgery for months.
“Despite the pain I was in, I kept delaying the surgery,” she said. “But soon I had no choice because the pain management and injections were no longer relieving my suffering.”
Ms. Klostermeyer is glad that she finally had it done and just in time for spring. The 77-year-old wife, mother, and grandmother is anxious to get back to her busy life.
“I have a lot of life in me and look forward to spending this summer with my loved ones and enjoying our beautiful community.”
ProMedica Wildwood is the only specialty center of its kind in northwest Ohio. The facility has a staff of 18 orthopaedic and neurosurgeons, more than 60 registered nurses and other Toledo Hospital doctors and medical staff, including hospitalists and physicaltherapists. All are specially trained in orthopaedic and spine care. Dr. Beer is a board-certified orthopaedic surgeon with ProMedica Physicians.
