Banner – University Medical Center Phoenix Offering Total Hip and Knee Replacement Revision Surgeries With Help of New Doctors 

New surgeons are helping patients with their joint pain and suffering 

A couple of surgeons from up north have traded in their snow jackets for Arizona’s warm weather as they are now part of the orthopedic team at Banner – University Medical Center Phoenix.

Dr. Alison Suraci and Dr. Andrew Adamczyk recently joined Banner Health after they each completed two highly specialized fellowships in hip and knee reconstruction, and orthopedic trauma surgery in Canada. Both became Board Certified in orthopedic surgery by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada in 2020.

These surgeons couldn’t have arrived at a better time as total hip and knee revision surgeries performed at Banner Health hospitals in Phoenix have increased significantly – going from 41 cases in 2020 to 197 in 2022. The need for these procedures is expected to continue to rise with a projected 30% increase in outpatient total knee replacement revisions and a 23% increase in inpatient total hip replacement revisions over the next five years.

“Based on the data that we have now, it’s a drastic, exponential increase in these procedures and we have to be ready for that as orthopedic surgeons,” Dr. Adamczyk said. “While it’s still important that we have candid discussions with patients about expectations, our team strives to achieve the best possible outcomes in each individual case, and we’re proud to offer the highest standards of care for revision surgery in Phoenix.”

Unfortunately, joint replacements can wear out over time and they can become infected or diseased, requiring total joint revision, a complex procedure to replace the prosthesis. Without replacing the implant, a person may suffer from persistent pain, stiffness, and become immobile as a result.

By 2030, the number of total hip and knee replacement revision procedures in the U.S. is expected to grow by 142% and 190% respectively, according to a 2018 study by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.

“It’s challenging to see patients in despair after their joint replacement fails, but through our expertise in revision surgery, we have the ability to prevent an unfortunate situation from worsening,” Dr. Suraci said. “It can be a difficult journey, but when I see them walking in clinic without a cane and the changes in quality of life after their revision surgery, I’m reminded why it’s so important that we do this.”

For more information, visit the Banner Health website to learn more about hip replacement revision and knee replacement revision surgery.