PeaceHealth | Southwest health | Winter 2017

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For information about whether the MAKO
robotically assisted surgery might be right
for you, call 360-514-6787.
“I HAD BEEN in excruciating pain for six months,” says Jan
Henne, describing the debilitating hip pain she endured in
early 2016. “I’d never had physical limitations before, and it
really did a number on my psyche.”
Jan has enjoyed a lifetime of exceptional health. At age 21,
she swam to four medals in the 1968 Olympics, earning two
golds.
“When I was in the water, everything was calm and quiet,”
Jan says. “If there was turmoil at home or life was hectic, I
could always find peace under water.”
Jan’s love of swimming continued through the decades,
until terrible hip pain overwhelmed her. That’s when she
sought care from Todd Borus, MD, an orthopedic physician
at PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center.
Getting people back to doing what they love
“I’d never actually seen a gold medal in real life,” Dr. Borus
laughs. “We asked if she would bring them in so we could
check them out. To see the medals—and to see how much
love she has for swimming—was a great reminder of what
makes my job as a surgeon so rewarding. It’s great to get
patients back to doing things they really like to do—whether
it’s swimming at a very high level, or skiing, hiking, golfing,
or playing with their grandkids—that’s the best part of what
we do.”
Dr. Borus is a national pioneer in the use of a highly
advanced, surgeon-controlled robotic arm system that
enables the accurate alignment and positioning of implants.
MAKOplasty® Hip is designed to help surgeons consistently
position replacement joints with great precision, helping
people return quickly to an active lifestyle.
“This is really the biggest game changer we’ve had in
joint replacement surgery for decades,” Dr. Borus says.
“One of the major variables in terms of longevity of a
hip replacement is how accurately the components are
positioned. Imprecise positioning may predispose the hip
replacement to earlier failure and wearing.”
Olympian back in the swim after hip surgery
Not always on top
Despite her pain, Jan was determined to take the steps
necessary to regain her health. She reminded herself of the
lessons learned in her Olympic career.
“You’re not always on top,” she says. “I think that’s what
people need to hear. They’ll look at an Olympian and go, ‘Oh,
that’s great, they’ve probably had nothing but success.’ But
that’s really not the story. You do have your bumps and your
lows. You have to pick yourself up and come back.”
Last summer, on June 6, Jan became the first patient at
PeaceHealth Southwest to receive a new hip joint in the
robotically assisted procedure. Less than a month after
surgery, Jan was thrilled to be able to dive back into the
water and take comfort in the pool’s familiar serenity.
“I have a lot of gratitude that I can still do this,” she says.
“I am just ecstatic to be pain-free. I wake up every day and I
think life is great.”
Thanks to the precision allowed by the robotically assisted
procedure, Dr. Borus believes Jan’s newhipwill last her a lifetime.
“With the implants and bearing surfaces we are using now,
the longevity of the hip replacement might be upwards of
30 years,” he says.
Joint replacements for a wide range of ages
In addition to complete hip replacements, the MAKOplasty
system is also effective for partial knee replacements. Both
are a growing need in our aging population.
“I’ve done a joint replacement for a 93-year-old patient,”
says Dr. Borus, “but what’s really changing is we’re seeing
a huge spike in patients in their 30s to 50s who want to
remain robust and fit.”
P A T I E N T P R O F I L E
All
About
Arthritis
When: Second Wednesday of
each month, 10 to 11 a.m.
Where: Total Joint Center,
Suite 310, Physicians’ Pavilion
Info: In this free class, you will
learn:
■ ■ How rheumatoid arthritis and
osteoarthritis are different
■ ■ How to manage arthritis pain
■ ■ How to reduce symptoms of
arthritis
■ ■ How to choose foods or
supplements to help alleviate
your pain
■ ■ How the latest advances
in conservative/nonsurgical
treatments may be the answer
for you
■ ■ How surgical options, such as
joint replacement, can help you
These topics—and your
questions—will be addressed!
Feel free to bring a guest,
but please register him or her
separately, as seating is limited.
For more information or to
register, visit
Todd Borus, MD
Orthopedic Surgery
Rebound Orthopedics
200 NE Mother Joseph
Place, Suite 210
Vancouver, WA
360-254-6161
360-514-6787
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