I have always been told to go to a large teaching hospital that does big numbers in the procedure you are having.

This is a very helpful thread.

It is scary to leave behind physicians that have guided us for years.

Gracie - That's one of the major concerns we have. My wife worked in the local hospital and knows most of the Drs. that we go to from when they were residents. We have also been going to the same Vet. for over 30 years. Gonna be hard to make the switch. She has found one Dr. in Richmond that has been great for treating her fibromyalgia and she's very concerned about leaving him. She has tried to get all of them to move to TV when we do. They ain't buyin' it.

I sent an email last night to some contacts in orthopedics and they never heard of Exactech. It may be a somewhat regional company. My confidence in The Villages Hospital would be much higher if they had chosen Zimmer or Stryker as their sole choice. Both companies have broad offerings, extensive in-servicing, and proven high quality implants. Companies like them tend to shun lesser quality surgeons, because a surgeon with "bad hands" can screw up the best implants and instrumentation. Draw your own conclusions.

Anyhow, just like the "who makes the best golf cart" threads, here's my list of the best orthopedic implant companies:
1. Stryker and Zimmer (tied)
3. Biomet
4. DePuy
5. Smith and Nephew

Your information is excellent. I want you to live on our street.:thumbup:

Thank Chi

My understanding form another post is that Exactech is local (Gainesville).
The decision to use this device was based solely on cost.

Please understand I have nothing against The Villages Hospital. I have heard from many that have had procedures done there and feel they got top-notched care. I am surprised at their decision to have dealings with only one company. One size does not fit all.

My understanding is that this was an administrative decision. On the back of the pamplet is a list of 16 board members. Of the 16, only 3 are doctors.
I have a real problem with non-medical people making medical choices that can affect me.

Thanks for the list. I have heard from many and they have given me the names of what they have. Many are on your list.

I can't say it enough--you guys ROCK!!!

Joint replacement
 

I can not say enough good things about my surgeon, Dr. Duke in Ocala. He replaced both of my knees 5 years ago at West Marion Hospital and I have had no problems. I am good as new, almost.:) The success also depends on the therapy afterward. You must do this.

Just saw this recall notice on DePuy Orthopaedic Resurfacing System used in hip replacement surgery. How does a recall like this work?

http://www.jnj.com/connect/news/all/...ASR-Hip-System


http://online.wsj.com/article/BT-CO-...26-708552.html

This is great to hear! I have just had a hip replacement here in Arlington, VA and it was absolutely, positively fantastic and life changing. I agree with you that therapy afterward and probably regular exercise forever is key, but a good surgeon with a good implant can really change your life!

I will probably need the other hip done a some point and possibly a knee so I'll be saving your post. Thanks for the information!

Sunny46

My queston to you is after your surgery did you ever have any face time with Dr Duke or was it always with his PA.

That is one rub I have with Dr Duke and how he handles his practice.....even if you are having a problem..and are scheduled to see him.... you end up seeing the PA.

Hubby is seeing Dr Kerina. Highly recommended from both former patients and hospital staff. No PA, you see him. We are very pleased. Also, his office staff is very efficent.

Surgery is scheduled for Sept 1st.