WBAMC Welcomes New Surgeon to Orthopedics
Virginia Reza, WBAMC Public Affairs
There are many conditions that can result in degeneration of the joints. Osteoarthritis is one that can occur with no previous history of injury. This can affect you ability to lead a full and active life. WBAMC welcomes Maj. Kenneth Sands, chief adult reconstruction, orthopedics clinic.
Dr. Sands specializes in treating bone and joint problems of the wrist, elbow, shoulder, hip, knee and ankle, as well as any problems caused by arthritis. He is experienced in arthroscopic surgery, trauma, knee reconstruction, sports medicine and total joint replacement of the knee and hip.
“I focus my practice on primary and revision hip and knee replacements. My surgeries range from minimally invasive hip and knee replacements to complex revisions with total femur replacements,” said Sands.
One of Sand’s most rewarding techniques is the mini invasive incision surgical approach. He says it’s one of the most significant advancements in total hip and knee replacements. The procedure can be performed through a three-and-a-half inch incision in length versus a nine-inch incision. This approach allows the patient to recover faster. The scar is significantly smaller. It minimizes blood loss and decreases the pain involved in rehabilitation.
“It's almost unnoticeable. I’ll be able to wear a bathing suit and hardly notice the scar. It’s only been two weeks and I’m doing very well. I didn’t realize people had hip replacements in their early 50s. I thought it was during their mid 60s or 70s. Dr. Sands was very thorough and explained why it would be better to have my surgery now rather than later,” said Jennie Ward, patient.
Sands said technological advances have improved orthopedic procedures. New instruments and surgical techniques allow for minimal disruption of the tissues surrounding the joints. This makes a difference in how the patient feels after surgery. Another advantage is the new implant devices made of oxidized zirconium. It is a wear-reducing material that increases the lifespan of the implants this material component is expected to last 20 to 25 years, whereas the old devices offered a life expectancy of only 12 to 15 years.
Hip and knee replacements are procedures in which diseased parts of the joints are removed and replaced with artificial components to restore mobility and function and relieve pain.
“Most primary patients are present because of pain. I usually tell them that they will know when the time has come. Usually they will notice pain with routine activities of daily living. Especially climbing stairs, walking long distances, kneeling or putting on their shoes and pants. I recommend that patients come see me when their quality of life has changed. I generally go through a ladder of therapy which consists of physical therapy, Injections and finally surgery. Revision patients are slightly different. They should be checked every one to two years they may be present with pain, but not always. At their yearly visits, I check for instability, evidence of infection and any signs of excessive wear of the implant,” said Sands.
“I think Dr. Sands is wonderful. He inspires confidence in the patient. He knows exactly what he is doing and is very straightforward. He tells it like it is. I was in excruciating pain; now it's only an ache, and it has only been two weeks. There is no doubt that he cares about the patient and wants 100 percent outcome,” said Ward For information call 569-1832 or 569-1833.
Last Modified: November 5, 2020