For Physicians

Center for Joint Replacement

The St.Vincent Center for Joint Replacement physicians specialize in hip and knee replacement surgeries.  In 2003, our physicians completed 1,600 joint replacement surgeries and through surgery and research they are finding out more and more about effective protocols for joint replacement surgery. This information is designed to help you: 

• Learn more about the physicians
• Refer patients to these physicians
• Learn about the research that they are conducting
• Find out about the training that is available to you through the center – both online and in person

New Technologies
Video
Training
Patient Referrals 

New Technologies in Total Hip and Knee Replacement

Joint replacement is one of the most successful procedures in medicine today. The long-term success of total joint replacement is determined by two dominant factors: fixation of the prostheses to the skeleton/bone and avoiding problems related to wear of the joined surfaces. 

Our physicians work with new technologies everyday. 

Types of Implants

New types of hip and knee implants include: 

• Highly cross-linked polyethylene 
• Ceramic on ceramic hip joints 
• Metal on metal

Surgical Techniques

New surgical techniques include: 

• Minimally invasive surgery 
• Uni-compartmental 
• Computer assisted orthopedic surgery

Patient Care Techniques

New patient care techniques inclue: 

• Nlood conservation procedures 
• Express patient check-in day of surgery 
• Standardized surgical protocals

St.Vincent Center for Joint Replacement Physicians can determine which of these techniques is right for you.

Blood Conservation

We greatly reduce the need for blood for joint patients. Since blood transfusions can be risky and blood supplies are limited, St.Vincent has been developing blood conservation techniques for years. Individuals who have total hip or knee replacements may sometimes experience substantial blood loss. However, surgeons with our Center for Joint Replacement have developed a very successful strategy for blood conservation that has produced excellent patient results.

A blood conservation protocol developed by Dr. Jeffery L. Pierson, medical director for the Center, has been shown to dramatically reduce the need for blood transfusions. In a recent study of 500 patients, Dr. Pierson reported that of the patients who followed his protocol, only 2 percent needed a transfusion, compared with national rates of over 20 percent.

A reduction in the need for blood transfusions:

• Reduces the potential for transmitting diseases 
• Reduces costs 
• Helps with the problem of declining blood supplies 
• May reduce the risk of Infection 
• Reduces the likelihood of allergic reactions 

For more information on our blood conservation strategy for joint patients, contact us via email or call (800) 338-BONE (2663).

Minimally Invasive Surgeries

St.Vincent Center for Joint Replacement surgeons perform a range of minimally invasive procedures. There’s an industry trend toward minimally invasive techniques, because they generally lead to smaller scars and a shorter, less painful recovery time. Minimally invasive procedures can be more difficult to perform, so it is important to select a well-qualified orthopaedic surgeon.

There are several new alternatives to traditional hip and knee replacements. Please talk to your surgeon to determine what minimally invasive procedure might be best for you.

Hip Replacement Video

View a Minimally Invasive Single Incision Hip Surgery:
View Dial-Up Version
View Broadband Version 

By viewing these videos, you are agreeing to the terms of our disclaimer:
I understand that the use of this information is for educational purposes only. The video, photos and information are the property of the St.Vincent Center for Joint Replacement. The procedure or technique may not be appropriate in every case. Speak to an orthopedic surgeon to discuss individual cases. This video clip may be viewed for up to 30 days.

Training Available

Audio/Videoconferencing Capabilities

Audio/Videoconferencing capabilities are available for physician education through the St.Vincent Center for Joint Replacement. We have installed a two-way audio/visual conferencing system that can be used for:

• Continuing orthopedic medical education 
• Nursing in-services 
• Community programs 
• Encouraging students to study nursing and allied health careers 

The system—the first of its kind for orthopedics—enables St.Vincent to broadcast live to other health facilities. Four different sites can participate in the session at once. In addition, surgeons can visit our conference room to view procedures in real time, and discuss the surgery with our surgeons while it is happening.

Our center uses monthly conferences to teach new procedures and techniques. If you would like to be contacted about viewing scheduled surgeries, contact us.

Patient Care Redesign Training Available

The St.Vincent Center for Joint Replacement provides physicians and medical professionals with fee-based consulting services. Professionals from around the world have visited St.Vincent to study our center and learn how best to structure and provide orthopedic care in the most effective and efficient manner. Our center offers: 

• On-site education 
• Educational binders 
• Visit and tours at St.Vincent 
• Education at physician offices 

Contact Us

For more information on training and education please contact us:

St.Vincent Center for Joint Replacement
2001 West 86th St.
Indianapolis, IN 46260
(317) 338-BONE (2663)

CARE Line: (317) 338-CARE, 1-888-338-CARE 

Patient Referrals

HIPAA Compliance

Physician and Center agrees that each will comply in all material respects with all federal and state mandated regulations, rules or orders applicable to privacy, security and electronic transactions, including without limitation, regulations promulgated under Title II Subtitle F of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (Public Law 104-191) ("HIPAA"). Furthermore, the parties shall promptly amend their policies and practices to conform with any new or revised legislation, rules and regulations to which Physician and Center are subject now or in the future including, without limitation, the Standards for Privacy of Individually Identifiable Health Information or similar legislation (collectively, "Laws") in order to ensure that Physician and Center are at all times in conformance with all Laws.