Geoffrey Westrich, MD

Hip replacement to relieve arthritis pain is considered one of the most effective surgeries in the United States. Over the past decade, improvements in surgical technique, implant design, anesthesia and pain control after surgery have contributed to its success, says Geoffrey Westrich, MD, an orthopedic surgeon at Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS).  More than 450,000 total hip replacements are performed each year in the United States, according to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. One of the most noteworthy advances is what’s known as a “dual mobility” hip replacement, according to Dr. Westrich, who has conducted several studies on the implant. He and colleagues have found that the dual mobility prosthesis reduces the risk of dislocation, one of the most common complications after hip replacement surgery. While the incidence is less than 2% at Hospital for Special Surgery and other major joint replacement centers, it is significantly higher at some other locations.   “Du