Had a hip replacement done in June of 2016. Â Dr. Kayiaros was my surgeon and he was great. Â I never had a bit of pain after the surgery because of his use of the Anterior approach to the operation. Â Have spoken with friends and acquaintances who had the surgery done in the older posterior way who had pain throughout the recovery.
At the time, it didn’t seem like such a bad fall. I was able to quickly get back to my feet. The pain in my elbow was really bad and the swollen nature if the dislocation was such that I didn’t even notice the pain in my hip. Over the next week or so, as treatment on the elbow had begun, I begin to notice more and more pain in my right hip and had developed a significant limp.
The initial diagnosis of the hip was a minor fracture of the acetabulum. Physical therapy was the prescribed treatment. After months of PT, it was not getting any better. In fact, the pain was increasing and motion was becoming more restricted. Injections of the hip did not produce any better results. Eventually, the diagnosis came back that the injury to the hip produced a significant onset on existing Osteoarthritis. Before the injury, I never knew the arthritis was present. A total hip replacement was the only answer.
The doctor I was seeing was very good. However, he only did posterior surgery. From what I was able to learn, the anterior approach was the much better way to go. “Everyone” was recommending I travel to Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) in NYC. Not being a fan of dealing with travel into the city, not to mention the cost of a trip, I searched for a doctor in my area (Somerset, NJ).
My search led me to Dr. Stephen Kayiaros at University Orthopaedic Associates, right in my town. The fact he had trained at HSS led me to call for an appointment immediately. At my first appointment he confirmed the diagnosis and determined I was a good candidate for outpatient surgery. I must say that I was completely impressed by his knowledge and how he carried himself (despite his very youthful appearance, he knows his stuff!).
The day of the surgery came. I was in surgery at 7:30am and back in my own home by noon. The incision was minimal. The recovery went extremely well. Very quickly I was back to my pre-injury self. My range of motion with the right hip is great. To be able to do the “little things” like putting on my shoes and socks without pain or effort is wonderful.
It’s only been six months but I am very pleased with the results. Dr. Kayiaros and all the staff have been great! From the receptionist when you first walk in the door, to his Physician’s Assistant, to the nurses, to the x-ray technicians, to the insurance specialist, to his assistant who scheduled my surgery, all the way to the final desk… everyone was pleasant and great to deal with, I am very pleased with them all and highly recommend them.
Dr. Kayiaros is an amazing surgeon! He is kind, listens, and addresses all your concerns. My hip replacement went as smoothly as Dr. Kayiaros explained, even better. Several years ago I had my other hip replaced by a different surgeon using the Posterior approach. It was truly barbaric in comparison to the Anterior approach that Dr. Kayiaros performed. With the posterior approach my recovery was 12-16 weeks, a lot of Physical Therapy, tons of restrictions, a lot of pain, loss of muscle in my thigh, and a huge scar.
With Dr. Kayiaros and Anterior Approach I was back to work full time in 4 weeks, there was really no Physical Therapy and the pain was minimal. There was no restrictions. There is No muscle loss, and the scar is very small.
I thank Dr. Kayiaros and University Orthopedics with all my heart and recommend them highly!
June 21st this year, I had TKR Surgery – left Knee (Dr. Harwood) Did Pre/Lim Home Therapy after short Hospital stay. Mid July started Outpatient Physical Therapy at Somerset UOA with Lynn Ust as primary.
By the first half of September my progress was extraordinarily successful..! was very comfortable, resumed driving and performed many of my daily activities in a normal fashion. This September 20th , Back again to RWJ ( Dr. Harwood) for a TKR on my Right Knee. Plan is to return to UOA Somerset for Physical Therapy. Here also I expect excellent results.
My History with UOA goes back 40 + years , seven Ortho procedures/surgeries. (I tend to be a bit active) They have the very best caring, competent, skilled, office, medical and physical therapy staff in their profession.
I had a total knee joint replacement performed by Dr. Harwood, followed by physical therapy with Mohammed and Lynn. I can’t say enough about the wonderful care I received from start to finish from all of the people at UOA. Mohammed and Lynn were my physical therapists and they were very encouraging, professional, and knowledgeable. My surgery was 12 weeks ago and I feel like a new person with a new life ahead of me. I highly recommend the UOA physical therapists for those who are recovering from total knee joint replacement.
The week of Thanksgiving, 2015, Dr. Stephen Kayiaros performed my bilateral anterior total hip replacement (those are my new hips in the X-ray). I chose him for his impressive background and his experience, as well as his caring and compassionate nature.
I had been in excruciating pain for ages and was walking slowly with a cane. I felt like a miserable, enfeebled old woman. I was confident that Dr. Kayiaros and this surgery were right for me.
It wasn’t long after the procedure that I was pain free and walking unaided! Dr. Kayiaros gave me my life back, and I feel like he restored my youth! I can once again enjoy exploring outdoors and dancing, and I’m finally able to be a very active volunteer at Monkey’s House, a Dog Hospice and Sanctuary (www.monkeyshouse.org)! Anything seems possible now!
Hip-hip-hooray, thank you, Dr. K.!
I have seen over the past years, Dr. Doumas for my elbow injury, and Dr. Chiappetta for back and neck. I am now seeing Dr. Swan for my knee. All are excellent and I highly recommend this group of doctors.
Dr. Swan takes time explaining all procedures and is attentive to all of my problems. I am not an “easy” patient to deal with, but he is very understanding and puts my mind at ease. With Dr. Swan, I feel three is no need for another opinion. I have total confidence in his ability .
Dr. Bechler repaired my right shoulder in 2003 and Dr. Monica repaired my left shoulder in March 2015. Dr. Monica got me healed up and ready to continue my weekend warrior fun of mud races and softball. I was playing ball again in mid-July and did my first mud run (the easy one) the Rugged Maniac (a 5k run with 18 obstacles) in late July. I then prepared for the Tough Mudder that I completed last weekend which was a 10 mile run with 22 obstacles).
2016 I will find my next tough mudder in October but also try my first Spartan Beast which is 12-14 miles, 30-35 obstacles (I may need a doctors note from you so my wife will let me do it)- thanks Dr. Monica !!
Lynn, my therapist was professional, yet caring. Her assessment and instructions were right on target and made my recovery possible in record fashion. My new hip and I deeply appreciate her skills and competency. Additionally, the office staff and physical environment made this a happy and healthy experience.
Lynn,
Thank you kindly for doing such a great job on both of my knees in such a short time. I’m doing just fine with walking and climbing the steps. I will highly recommend you again. Thanks so much!