Mini Incision Hip Replacement Surgery, Less Pain, Faster Recover

A new hip surgery through a three-inch incision results in very little pain and usually a two day hospital stay. Does this sound impossible? Ten years ago a patient preparing for hip replacement could plan on a 12-15 inch incision, considerable pain, and 7 days in the hospital. All of this changed when Dr. Kevin Lester (pictured at right), orthopedic surgeon, developed the "mini" incision technique for hip replacement surgery. This incision provides the safe avenue for replacement of arthritic hips.

What is Total Hip & Knee Replacement?

Dr. Lester's philosophy and commitment is to provide a better Quality of life through high quality surgeries that take less time with faster recovery, less infections, and lower cost. He has perfected the hip and knee replacement surgery utilizing a very small incision and reducing the surgery time to less than one hour, helping to reduce the blood transfusion rate to 20%! 3 to 4 days after your hip or knee surgery, most patients begin their in-home rehabilitation.

Data collected from more than 1300 of Dr. Lester's patients over 16 years provide statistical evidence that this procedure is better for the patient. There is less blood loss, less tissue damage, less pain, faster recovery, shorter hospital stay, and less chance of infection. Some patients go home the day after surgery. It is expected that the mini-incision approach will revolutionize hip replacement surgery. It is estimated that by the year 2015 as many as 600,000 patients will choose to improve the quality of their life by replacing painful arthritic joints.

Recently Dr. Lester was asked by his colleagues of the University of Southern Florida to teach his procedure to other orthopedic surgeons. It was demonstrated on satellite TV for viewing surgeons at the University of Utah. The new technology was reported in The Journal of Orthopedic Techniques and Traumatology in 2001 printed in German, English, and Spanish. Since then orthopedic surgeons from all over the world have visited to learn the technique. In Japan Dr. Lester demonstrated the technique in 1999. Research there confirmed major improvements in patient outcomes. Since its recognition several hundred surgeons from various parts of the world have adopted the technique and major teaching centers are utilizing this revolutionary technique.

Patients have discovered the information on the internet and have asked it of their local surgeons. Unfortunately, some surgeons do not yet have experise with it. Scott Ferris, CPA from Oregon State University recently drove 8 hours to have the 30-minute procedure and returned home 3 days later to use his new painless hip. David Gray of Florida visited several orthopedic centers across the country to learn of the different mini-incision techniques and chose Dr. Lester because of the numbers of procedures and the proven benefit that he demonstrated. "I know patients that would drive to a shopping mall 3 hours away without thinking twice, but they won't drive 8 hours for a better surgery" said Ferris. David Gray said, "I could have gone anywhere, but I chose to go to the surgeon that originated the technique. I figured he would know the best way to do it". Mr. Gray returned to his Florida home 3 days after surgery.

"It is not just the surgical technique that makes a difference", states Lester, "It is the entire team concept that has developed into this Center of Excellence". Nevertheless, the Dr. Higuchi of Japan demonstrated the benefit of the mini incision without Lester's team. The results were reported at the Japan-German Joint Orthopedic Conference in 2000.

Dr. Lester has been an innovator of other mini-incision techniques for the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome. These techniques have improved the results of surgery for many patients. Interested surgeons and patients are encouraged to contact Dr. Lester via the internet: dklesterMD@sbcglobal.net, mini-incision.com, or at his office in Fresno, California (559) 431-2332. Published articles and video presentations are available.

Dr Lester

Patient Testimonials

"Having the Total Hip replacement is the best thing that's happened to me in years...I never thought I'd feel this good again. Now all Dr. Lester's got to do is fix my golf swing".
- Tom Pitchford, 69

"Just Do It. If you are are in pain and considering knee or hip replacement surgery, stop whatever you are doing now and go straight to the nearest phone to set up a surgical date with Dr. Kevin Lester. He is wonderful and you will feel wonderful after your surgery".
- Penny Raven

"When I met Dr. Lester, I exposed myself to a lot of research on the subject of hip surgery. Selfishly, I wanted the best surgeon for my personal care. I got him. Dr. Lester's results speak for themselves. I am living proof".
- Jeff Hall, 48