'Free Yourself From Hip Pain' symposium slated for April 17 By Jo-Ann Lamon Reccoppa Living with hip pain takes a toll both physically and mentally.With chronic pain from osteo and rheumatoid arthritis, it seems no matter what you do, there is little or no relief. If you have been postponing the inevitable hip replacement surgery,"The Free Yourself From Hip Pain" symposium at CentraState Medical Center on Thursday,April 17,may convince you to finally take this all-important step toward a far better quality of life. ERIC SUCAR staff Dr.Manuel Banzon of Advanced Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Institute in Freehold will speak at the "Free Yourself From Hip Pain" symposium on April 17. "Total hip replacement has evolved over the last five decades.We now have a better understanding of the anatomy and biomechanics of the hip joint, as well as improvement in design of hip prosthesis and development of better materials in the production of artificial components," says Dr.ManuelT.Banzon of Advanced Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Institute in Freehold,who is a member of the orthopedic surgery team at CentraState. From a surgical standpoint, exposing the hip joint has changed with the development of minimally invasive surgery,where a single 4-inch incision in the back of the hip is used, or a two-incision approach where a 2-inch incision is used in front of the hip and another 2-inch incision is used on the back of the hip.This differs from standard total hip replacement, in which an 8- to 10-inch incision on the back of the hip is used. Navigation for the surgeon is also improved with the invention of computer assisted surgery,which more accurately aligns the hip socket to prevent dislocation of the prosthetic ball. JEFF GRANIT staff Stacy Potkulski does leg exercises with aqua fins in the new HydroWorx therapy pool at CentraState Medical Center's Star and Barry Tobias Ambulatory Campus. The reduced incision size makes a difference in both the length of the hospital stay - two or three days as opposed to four or five days with standard total hip replacement - and a shorter recovery period and an overall favorable outcome for patients.These smaller incisions heal quicker and patients are back on their feet faster. Rehabilitation and therapy is also faster with the new, minimally invasive surgery. "Patients are up and about quickly,many on the same day as the surgery," says Brian Mason, doctor of physical therapy and the clinical director of Rehabilitation Services at CentraState."Weight bearing is almost immediate for these patients, and regular household functions can be performed within a week of the surgery. Most can expect to be out in the world, going about their business, in a month - impressive considering there was a total hip replacement." The April 17"FreeYourself From Hip Pain" symposium will take place from 6- 8 p.m. at the Star and BarryTobiasAmbulatory Campus at CentraState (901W. Main St. in FreeholdTownship), and will feature a lecture from Dr.Manuel Banzon, patient testimonials, a panel of doctors, and a question-and-answer session for guests. Seven CentraState departments will also participate - including 5North nurses from theTotal Joint Center, The Manor Health and Rehabilitation Center,Total Joint Coordinator, Fitness andWellness Center,Rehabilitation and Health Awareness Center.Topics include minimally invasive hip surgery and hip arthroscopy.The Ortho,Rehab and Fitness health fair before and after the formal program will include a tour of the HydroWorx pool, one of only two in the state of New Jersey.Attendees can also expect giveaway items and light refreshments. Preregistration is preferred for the"FreeYourself From Hip Pain" symposium.To register for this free symposium, call (866) CENTRA7 (236-8727).