Central Maine Healthcare

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Cardiovascular Services Education and Support

We know you want to be healthy. Central Maine Heart and Vascular Institute offers a wide variety of services and treatments to support you.

Whether you are managing a chronic condition or preparing for an upcoming procedure, our tools will help you navigate your care plan and better understand how you can improve your health.

Your heart health matters, not just for you, but for the ones you care about and depend on you. When it comes to heart and vascular disease, the statistics don’t lie – but the most encouraging piece of news is that you don’t have to be a statistic. No matter what your age, you can make lifestyle choices that will lower your risk of heart and vascular disease and prevent heart attack and stroke.

Glossary of Heart & Vascular Terms

Ace Inhibitor: Medication used to treat high blood pressure.

Angina (Angina Pectoris): Pain or discomfort which occurs when the heart does not receive adequate blood flow – and thus oxygen — to the heart muscle. Angina may be experienced in the chest, neck, jaw, arms, shoulder or back. No permanent damage is done to the heart.

Angioplasty: A procedure performed by cardiac surgeons to open an obstruction or narrowing of a blood vessel, using a balloon that is inserted with a catheter. Also known as a Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty (PTCA).

Anticoagulant: A drug that slows or prevents the blood from clotting.

Aneurysm: An aneurysm is an abnormal widening of a blood vessel. Aneurysms can sometimes burst, causing a serious medical emergency. If not caught in time, they can be life-threatening.

Aorta: The main artery leaving the heart.

Arteries: Vessels that transport oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the rest of the body.

Atrial Fibrillation:A rapid and irregular rhythm that begins in the upper chambers of the heart (the atria). As a result, the lower chambers also beat irregularly. This condition requires diagnosis and treatment.

Arterial Line: A small plastic tube that is placed in an artery in your wrist in order to monitor arterial blood pressure. Blood samples can also be taken through this tube.

Arrhythmia: An abnormal rhythm of the heart, including rate, regularity, or site of impulse origin. Types of arrhythmias include tachycardias (fast heart rhythms) and bradycardias (slow heart rhythms).

Atherosclerosis:A disease process in which fatty substances (plaque), such as cholesterol, are deposited on the inner lining of blood vessels.

Arteriosclerosis:Arteriosclerosis is a general term for a condition that is characterized by the thickening, hardening and loss of elasticity of the walls of the arteries.

Beta Blocker: Medication used to treat high blood pressure, angina, myocardial infarction and other heart conditions, by controlling the heart rate.

Bradycardia: An abnormally slow heart rhythm.

Bypass Graft (Vein, Mammary Artery, Aorta-Coronary Bypass Graft): A surgical procedure where a piece of vein, taken from the leg, or a piece or artery, taken from the inside of the chest wall, replaces a diseased coronary artery. The graft helps get more blood to the heart muscle.

Calcium Channel Blocker: A drug used to treat high blood pressure and angina. It decreases the workload of the heart by blocking the influx of calcium ions into the smooth muscle cells, which reduces the oxygen demand on the heart.

Cardiac: Relating to the heart.

Cardiac Angiogram or Catheterization: An X-ray procedure which involves the injection of dye into the heart chambers and into the coronary arteries for diagnostic purposes. An X-ray reveals the exact site where the artery is narrowed or blocked and measures how well the heart is pumping.

Catheter: A hollow, flexible tube used to withdraw or inject fluid into the body.

Chest Tube: A tube or tubes in the chest which drain fluids from the area of the operation. The chest tubes remain in place for approximately two days.

Cholesterol: A waxy substance that circulates in the blood and plays a role in the formation of blockages. Cholesterol originates in foods that are rich in animal fats.

Congestive Heart Failure: The condition which results when the heart is unable to pump adequately. Congestive heart failure (CHF) can result from coronary heart disease.

Coronary Arteries: Special arteries which supply the heart muscle with blood.

Coronary Artery Disease: A condition in which the arteries supplying the heart muscle become blocked. The cause of this is unknown, but some known risk factors include: hypertension, family history, smoking, diabetes, obesity, diet and stress.

Diabetes: A disease that negatively affects the metabolism of glucose (sugar) and cause changes in blood vessels that, untreated, may lead to circulation issues, development of coronary artery disease, blindness and other health issues.

Dilation: The gradual opening of the narrowed coronary artery by cracking and compressing the narrowing or obstructing plaque.

Echocardiogram: An ultrasound of the heart.

Electrocardiogram (EKG/ ECG): A recording of the electrical activity of the heart. The EKG recording can be used to detect many abnormalities in the heart.

Endotrachael Tube (ETT): Breathing tube placed in the trachea during surgery or respiratory emergencies to assist with breathing. Removed when the patient is able to breathe on his/her own.

Fibrillation: A rapid and irregular heart rhythm caused by abnormal electrical impulses. This is a potentially serious condition.

Fibrillation, Atrial : See Atrial Fibrillation.
Heart Lung Machine (Bypass): This machine performs the function of the heart and lungs in surgery, when grafts are being attached to the heart.

Hypertension:High blood pressure, usually above 135/85.

Hypotension:Low blood pressure. The tolerance for low blood pressure varies greatly, but generally a systolic blood pressure less than 90 indicates hypotension..

Hypercholesterolemia: Hypercholesterolemia refers to levels of cholesterol in the blood that are higher than normal.

Incentive Spirometer: This machine lets you know if you are breathing deeply enough. Respiratory therapists teach patients how to use the spirometer.

Ischemia:Lack of or insufficient oxygen to the heart muscle. Ischemia is a reversible condition if normal blood flow is restored.

IV (Intravenous): Small tubes which are placed into the veins for the purpose of giving fluids and drugs, taking blood samples, and measuring pressures. These “lines” as they are called, will remain in place for several days after surgery.

Left Ventricle: The largest chamber of the heart. It is responsible for pumping blood throughout the body.

Local (Anesthetic): Numbing medicine which is used to decrease discomfort when intravenous lines are put into place.

Lungs: Sponge-like organs of the body which allow oxygen to enter the blood when you breathe.

Mammary Artery: An artery that runs down the inside of the chest wall and is sometimes used in coronary artery bypass graft surgery.

Murmur: A heart murmur is defined as the sound caused by turbulent blood flow through the heart, as heard by a provider through a stethoscope. Most heart murmurs are benign, but sometimes a murmur can indicate problems such as a malfunctioning heart valve.

Myocardial Infarction (M.I.):A “heart-attack”, with loss of part of the heart muscle due to a severe decrease in blood supply. Permanent damage to the heart occurs.

Myocarditis: An inflammatory disease of the heart muscle (myocardium) that can result from a variety of causes. While most cases are produced by a viral infection, an inflammation of the heart muscle may also be instigated by toxins, drugs, and hypersensitive immune reactions. Myocarditis is a rare but serious condition that affects both males and females of any age.

NG Tube (Nasogastric):A small tube placed through the nose and into the stomach to draw out secretions and lessen stomach upset immediately after surgery.

Pacemaker: Electronic device used to control the heart rate. Used after open heart surgery to maintain a steady heart rate for recovery, and, in emergencies, to stimulate the heart to bea

Pericarditis: Two thin membranes enclose the heart in a sac-like structure. If these membranes become irritated or inflamed, the condition is known as pericarditis. Pericarditis is fairly common, affecting about 1 in 1,000 people at some point in their lives. It can be caused by flu, polio, injury, or German measles. Other causes are rheumatoid arthritis or lupus. This condition sometimes follows a heart attack.

Pericardial Tamponade: Pericardial Tamponade is a dangerous form of pericarditis. The membranes enclosing the heart do not easily stretch, so if fluid accumulates between the membranes and the heart, pressure from it may prevent the heart from working as a pump. Pericardial tamponade usually is the result of trauma, such as an automobile accident, and must be treated immediately.

Percutaneous: Performed through a small opening in the skin.

Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty (PTCA).: See Angioplasty.

Plaque: The accumulated wax-like material that causes a blockage in a blood vessel. Also known as a lesion or stenosis.

Platelets: A substance in the blood that is involved in the formation of a clot.

Pressure monitors and pressure lines: Devices used to measure the internal pressures that the heart and lungs are emitting. Usually inserted through arteries in the neck, arm or leg.

Pulmonary Function Studies: A series of tests which are performed before surgery to evaluate the condition of your lungs.

Restenosis:A re-narrowing or blockage of an artery at the same site where angioplasty was previously done.

Saphenous Vein: The large vein in the leg, often used as the “bypass graft” in coronary artery bypass graft surgery.

Stenosis:A narrowing of any canal. Used to describe narrowed coronary arteries or a narrowed heart valve.

Stent: An expandable, slotted metal tube that is inserted into a vessel. A stent acts as a scaffold to provide structural support for a vessel.

Sternum: The breastbone.

Suctioning: A procedure performed on patients connected to a ventilator. A small tube placed down the throat draws out mucous, in order the keep the lungs clear.

Sutures (also called Stitches): The material used to close a surgical incision.

Tachycardia: An abnormally fast heart rate.

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR): Surgeons insert a replace

Telemetry Monitory: A specialized wireless monitor that allows patients to move freely in their rooms and the hall, but still enables team members to observe their EKG.

Thrombosis:A blockage caused by clumps of cells.

Triglycerides: Substances in the blood that are a component of the “bad” type of cholesterol.

Valves: The heart has 4 valves: the aortic, mitral, pulmonary and the tricuspid.

  • Aortic Valve: The valve that sits at the junction of the left ventricle and the aorta. When the valve is open it allows blood to flow from the left ventricle to the aorta, and when closed, prevents any backward flow.
  • Aortic Insufficiency: An incomplete closing of the aortic valve, causing blood to flow backward into the left ventricle.
  • Aortic Stenosis: A narrowing of the aortic valve, causing the left ventricle to work harder, but limiting the amount of blood that can be pumped forward into the aorta.
  • Mitral Valve:The valve that sits between the left atrium and the left ventricle.
  • Mitral Insufficiency:An incomplete closing of the mitral valve, causing blood to flow backward into the left atrium.
  • Mitral Stenosis:A narrowing of the mitral valve, causing blood to flow backward into the left atrium.
  • Pulmonary Valve: The valve that sits at the junction of the right ventricle and the pulmonary artery.
  • Tricuspid Valve: The valve that sits between the right atrium and the right ventricle.

Veins: Vessels that transport blood back to the heart after the oxygen has been used by the body.

Vein Graft: A piece of a vein taken from either a leg or arm that is used to bypass the damaged coronary artery and restore blood flow to the heart muscle.

Ventilator:A machine that helps patients breathe after surgery.

Ventricle: One of the two lower chambers of the heart.

Ventricular Fibrillation: A very rapid, uncoordinated, ineffective series of contractions throughout the lower chambers of the heart. Unless stopped, these chaotic impulses are fatal.

Recipes for a Healthier Lifestyle

For many newly diagnosed cardiac and diabetes patients, part of the road to wellness includes making nutritional changes and other lifestyle behaviors. (For example, the patient may need to stop smoking, and/or start exercising and/or reduce or eliminate alcohol.)

Try some new recipes today.  Download a recipe or go to one of the websites under links to get started.

Keep the Beat Heart Healthy Recipes
Heart-Healthy Home Cooking African American Style
Delicious Heart Healthy Latino Recipes

National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute
DASH Recipes
Recipe Analysis
Stay Young at Heart

Awards and Accreditations: Cardiovascular Services

Heart and Vascular Quality Care

The Central Maine Heart and Vascular Institute is a state-of-the-art facility that uses evidence-based clinical practice, sound research and tested care principles to support excellent clinical outcomes. CMHVI is committed to providing continuous quality care to the communities we serve, our patients and their families. The providers and team members remain proud of the values that have served as a foundation for the program since its inception.

C = Compassion M = Mastery H = Honesty V = Vision I = Integrity

CMHVI is proud of these achievements:

  • Get With The Guidelines® – Stroke GOLD PLUS Central Maine Medical Center has received the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s Get With The Guidelines®-Stroke Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award. The award recognizes the hospital’s commitment to ensuring stroke patients receive the most appropriate treatment according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines based on the latest scientific evidence.
  • CMHVI Lifesaving Care from the American Heart Association
  • Cigna Center of Excellence for Cardiac Catheterization and Angioplasty
  • Cigna Center of Excellence for Heart Surgery
  • Named one of the Nation’s 50 top cardiovascular hospitals by IBM Watson Health
  • Accreditation for Quality Care in Advanced Primary Stroke by The Joint Commission
  • Chest Pain Center Accreditation – The American College of Cardiology

View more Central Maine Healthcare Awards and Accreditations

Contact Us: Cardiovascular Services

Central Maine Heart and Vascular Institute

Central Maine Heart Associates
(207) 753-3900 | Practice Website

Central Maine Cardiovascular Surgery
(207) 795-8260 | Practice Website

CMHVI Diagnostic Testing Center
(207) 795-8200
60 High Street, Y1
Lewiston, Maine 04240

Testing Center services:

Wound Center
(207) 795-8260 | Practice Website

CMMC Single Stay Unit (SSU)
(207) 753-3907
60 High Street, Young Wing 3
Lewiston, Maine 04240

The 16-bed Single-Stay Unit allows patients to be cared for in the same room from recovery through discharge. The Single-Stay Unit’s (SSU) patient rooms are designed to meet the needs of patients and their families. Each room provides comfortable space and thoughtful amenities so loved ones can stay with the patient through the recovery process. The room design and the layout of the SSU create a very patient- and family-friendly atmosphere.

The SSU is an essential part of a seamless, comprehensive system that creates a beneficial relationship between patients, families and care providers. Such relationships can assist the healing process.

CMHVI Mailing Address:
Central Maine Heart and Vascular Institute
300 Main Street
Lewiston, ME 04240

In addition to seeing patients at the main offices in Lewiston, CMHVI’s cardiologists care for patients at the following regional cardiology clinics:

Central Maine Heart Associates, Bridgton Hospital, Bridgton – (207) 753-3900

Central Maine Heart Associates, Rumford Hospital, Rumford – (207) 369-1130

Topsham Care Center, Topsham Fair Mall Road, Topsham – (207) 798-6300

For patients who are receiving care from CMHVI—we encourage you to call our care providers and support staff at Central Maine Heart Associates and Central Maine Cardiovascular Surgery if you have any questions.

Arbor House

Welcome to Arbor House

Built on the simple idea that nothing else should matter when you are focused on helping a family member get well, the Arbor House provides a safe place to stay, prepare meals and recharge while keeping close to a hospitalized loved-one throughout their treatment.

The Arbor House, located on CMMC’s campus, strives to offer all the comforts of home. It is warm, safe and comfortable.

Click here to read and review the Arbor House Policies, Procedures and Disclosures.

For more information about the Arbor House, call (207) 795-0111.

Donate to the Arbor House Fund Today!

Orthopedic Conditions We Treat

Whether you’re dealing with a recent injury or chronic condition, you don’t have to live with pain.

The Orthopedic Institute of Central Maine (OICM) offers nationally recognized care for all types of problems affecting the joints, bones, muscles and tendons. Our multi-skilled team – including board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons, specially trained nurses, physical therapists and more – work closely together and with you to create a custom treatment plan.

Here, you’ll find a full continuum of care, from advanced diagnostic imaging to rehabilitation and other nonsurgical options. If surgery is your best solution, we offer some of the most minimally invasive techniques available, including the latest in total and partial joint replacement for less pain and faster recovery.

So whether you want to run a marathon or just enjoy a pain-free routine, know that world-class care is right here in the heart of Maine.

Joint Replacement

If you’re suffering with stiff and painful joints, even small tasks can feel like monumental challenges. And while medication or physical therapy may help ease your pain, sometimes surgery may be your best solution for long-term relief.

At Central Maine Healthcare, our board-certified, fellowship trained surgeons specialize in joint replacement of the hips, knees and shoulders – all common, highly successful treatments for people living with severe pain caused by arthritis, injury or other joint-related conditions.

Joint replacement procedures involve removing damaged bone and cartilage and implanting a state-of-the-art mechanical joint, which can restore your freedom and quality of life. Our team of experts will guide you through every step of your journey, from prehab to recovery – ensuring you recover quickly.

Relief Starts with Central Maine Healthcare’s Joint Replacement Specialists

Our joint replacement program has brought life-changing relief to hundreds of men and women throughout our Lewiston, Bridgton and Rumford communities. We’re here to do the same for you through:

Full Range of Options

Your surgeon will work closely with you to find the right procedure, depending on the severity of your condition and your unique needs and preferences. In addition to total joint replacement, we also partial joint replacement and joint repair and reconstruction, along with nonsurgical treatments like injections.

Better Precision, Less Incision

Orthopedic surgeons at Central Maine Healthcare are trained in some of the most sophisticated techniques and technology available in joint replacement. We offer the latest, most minimally invasive options like anterior hip replacement, a muscle-sparing alternative to traditional hip replacement. For you, this may mean often significantly less pain and blood loss, fewer complications, a shorter hospital stay and faster recovery.

Total Support for the Journey

We know joint replacement surgery can feel overwhelming. That’s why we’ve thoughtfully designed our Core Connect Care™ program, which keeps you with the same surgeon, providers and nurses through every appointment. Every step of your journey is highly coordinated, starting with pre-surgery educational class so you know just what to expect before, during and after your procedure. We’ll then guide you seamlessly through surgery, physical therapy and life with your new joint.

Along the way, you’ll also have the support of your own multi-skilled team, including a personal nurse navigator to coordinate all your care, answer questions and provide extra support whenever you need it.

Faster Rehab and Recovery

With our specially designed program, plus the latest implant technology and surgical techniques, our patients spend less time in the hospital and in postoperative rehabilitation. Working one-on-one with a physical therapist, you may be up and walking the same day as surgery and back home in as little as 24 hours.

Orthopedic Excellence, Close to Home

The Orthopedic Institute of Central Maine offers locations near where you live and work – so you never had to travel far to find the world-class care you need:

  • Central Maine Medical Center – Lewiston, Maine
  • Bridgton Hospital – Bridgton, Maine
  • Rumford Hospital – Rumford, Maine

Knee Replacement

If you’re living with severely painful knees, we know frustrating that can be, especially if physical therapy or other treatments haven’t brought the relief you need.

At Central Maine Healthcare, we specialize in total and partial knee replacement, in which an injured or arthritic joint is replaced with state-of-the-art, artificial components. In addition to relieving pain, the knee replacement can restore function and mobility and get you back doing what you need and love to do.

One of our board-certified orthopedic surgeons can help determine if knee replacement or another treatment is right for you. One of our board-certified orthopedic surgeons can help determine if hip replacement or another treatment is right for you. If so, you can count on the highest standards of care close to home, with a program that has earned the Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval®, among other national distinctions.

You can also see every step of the process by watching our knee replacement videos.

Techniques to Help Free You from Knee Pain

Knee replacement may sound extreme, but it is one of the most common and effective procedures performed in the U.S., with approximately half a million knee replacements each year.

At Central Maine Healthcare, you can find even more peace of mind: our surgeons are trained in the latest, most minimally invasive options available to help you get moving again sooner.

With total knee replacement, damaged cartilage and bone are removed from the knee joint. Specially designed parts, called prostheses, are then placed in the knee. These pieces may be placed in up to three surfaces in the knee joint:

  • Lower end of the thigh bone (femur). The replacement part is usually made of metal.
  • Upper end of the shin bone (tibia), which is the large bone in your lower leg. The replacement part is usually made from metal and a strong plastic.
  • Back side of your kneecap (patella). The replacement part is usually made from a strong plastic.

As an alternative to total knee replacement, we also offer partial knee replacement. This procedure may be an option if your arthritis is confined to one area of the knee, and conservative treatments like physical therapy, medication or weight loss no longer provide relief.

Because only a single portion of the knee is replaced, you may experience less post-operative pain, a shorter hospital stay, faster recovery and a more natural-feeling joint.

Support for Every Step

When it comes to joint replacement, the more informed you are, the better your experience. We offer a pre-operative class, so you know just what to expect before, during and after your procedure.

Along the way, you’ll also have the support of a dedicated team through our Core Connect Care™ system – which keeps you with the same surgeon, physical therapists, specially trained support staff and nurses every step of the way.

Faster Recovery

Knee replacement no longer has to mean lengthy hospital stays. Our personalized orthopedic rehabilitation programs, available right on-site and in outpatient therapy locations, can you help get back on your feet faster. In fact, a therapy services may have you up and moving the same day as surgery.

Orthopedic Excellence, Close to Home

The Orthopedic Institute of Central Maine offers locations near where you live and work – so you never had to travel far to find the world-class care you need:

  • Central Maine Medical Center – Lewiston, Maine
  • Bridgton Hospital – Bridgton, Maine
  • Rumford Hospital – Rumford, Maine

Knee Replacement Videos

We know that the more informed you are about, and engaged in, your treatment and recovery protocols, the more quickly you will recover and be able to resume your normal activities. That’s why we place such strong emphasis on patient and family education and letting you know what is happening every step of the way. The Youtube videos below will keep you informed about the process as you go thru knee replacement surgery and recovery.

Knee Pain

Your knee is the largest joint in your body, which also makes it vulnerable to injury or other problems. Sports, exercise and general wear and tear can cause muscle strains, tendinitis and more serious injuries to ligaments and cartilage. Chronic conditions like arthritis can also cause cartilage to break down as you age. All of these can lead to serious knee pain and keep you from living a full and active life.

Relief Starts Here

Whether you’re struggling with recent or chronic pain, the board-certified orthopedic experts at the Orthopedic Institute of Central Maine (OICM) can help. We’ll work closely with you to create a personalized treatment plan, whether that’s physical therapy, pain management and other nonsurgical treatments, to the latest and most effective options in knee replacement.

Knee Conditions We Treat

Just some of our specialties include:

  • ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) injury
  • MCL (medial collateral ligament) injury
  • PCL (posterior cruciate ligament) injury
  • Torn cartilage
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Post-traumatic arthritis

Help You Get Back in Motion

We always begin by listening, to understand exactly what you’re dealing with and how it’s impacting your life. Then together, we’ll find the best solution for your pain, which may include therapy services, anti-inflammatory medications or other conservative treatments.

Sometimes, though, surgery may be your best solution for lasting relief. At OICM, we proud to offer a knee replacement program that has earned the Gold Seal of Approval® from the Joint Commission for providing the highest, national standards of care, right here at home.

Our skilled surgeons specialize in total knee replacement, as well as partial knee replacement if the problem is confined to one area of the knee. We use some of the most minimally invasive techniques available, often offering much less post-operative pain, a shorter hospital stay, faster recovery and a more natural-feeling joint.

And we’ll be there to support you every step of the way, from pre-surgery education through personalized rehabilitation and back to the life you love.

Orthopedic Excellence, Close to Home

The Orthopedic Institute of Central Maine offers locations near where you live and work – so you never had to travel far to find the world-class care you need:

  • Central Maine Medical Center – Lewiston, Maine
  • Bridgton Hospital – Bridgton, Maine
  • Rumford Hospital – Rumford, Maine

Hip Replacement

There was a time when hip replacement surgery meant spending a week or more in the hospital, followed by a lengthy and sometimes difficult recovery. At Central Maine Healthcare, we offer the latest, most minimally invasive techniques to help you get back much faster to your active lifestyle.

One of our board-certified orthopedic surgeons can help determine if hip replacement or another treatment is right for you. If so, you can count on the highest standards of care close to home, with a program that has earned the Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval®, among other national distinctions.

You can also see every step of the process by watching our hip replacement videos. 

Anterior Hip: Get Moving Again Sooner

Older hip replacement methods required large incisions and detaching key muscles and tendons, resulting in more trauma. Central Maine surgeons specialize in newer techniques like the direct anterior approach, allowing them to reach the hip from the front side, so the joint can be replaced without damaging nearby muscles or tendons.

For you, that may offer a variety of benefits, including:

  • Less pain: The post-operative experience is usually much easier.
  • Less scarring: The surgery requires just a single, relatively small incision.
  • Fewer restrictions: Most patients have significantly greater mobility and range of motion immediately following surgery and can bear full weight when it feels comfortable. It is not uncommon for people to begin their recovery exercises within a few days of the procedure.
  • Shorter hospital stay: You may even be able to go home the same day as surgery.
  • Quicker recovery: Most patients recover and return to full function faster than traditional hip replacement.
  • Decreased risk of dislocation: A common concern for hip replacements is that the new ball and socket will fall out of place. Because the anterior hip technique does not bother surrounding tissue, you’re much less likely to experience dislocation or other complications.

Anterior approach isn’t right for everyone. Your surgeon will work closely with you to find the best option, which may include the posterior approach. This technique is performed with a single incision on the back side of your hip, and which has proven to produce excellent outcomes.

Support for Every Step

We know hip replacement surgery can feel daunting, but we make the experience as easy as possible. Every step of your journey is highly coordinated using our Core Connect Care™ approach, starting with a pre-operative class so you can feel confident and prepared.

After surgery, you’ll recover in one of our dedicated orthopedic inpatient rooms, where one of our skilled physical therapists will help you get up and moving. We’ll continue to monitor your progress once you’re home to ensure you’re pain free and moving with ease.

Orthopedic Excellence, Close to Home

The Orthopedic Institute of Central Maine offers locations near where you live and work – so you never had to travel far to find the world-class care you need:

  • Central Maine Medical Center – Lewiston, Maine
  • Bridgton Hospital – Bridgton, Maine
  • Rumford Hospital – Rumford, Maine

Hip Pain

As one of your body’s largest and most flexible joints, the hip is designed to withstand a good amount of wear and tear. But despite its durability, the hip isn’t problem-proof. Age- and injury-related arthritis can cause cartilage to break down. Muscles and tendons can tear from overuse. The hip bone itself can break from a fall or another injury. All of which can lead to serious hip pain and keep you from the active life you love.

Relief Starts Here

Whether you’re struggling with recent or chronic pain, the board-certified orthopedic experts at the Orthopedic Institute of Central Maine (OICM) can help. We’ll work closely with you to create a personalized treatment plan, whether that’s physical therapy, pain management and other nonsurgical treatments, to the latest and most effective options in hip replacement.

Hip Conditions We Treat

Just some of our specialties include:

  • Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or post-traumatic arthritis
  • Osteonecrosis
  • A former failed hip replacement

Help You Get Back in Motion

We always begin by listening, to understand exactly what you’re dealing with and how it’s impacting your life. Then together, we’ll find the best solution for your pain, which may include therapy services, anti-inflammatory medications or other conservative treatments.

Sometimes, though, surgery may be your best solution for lasting relief. At OICM, we proud to offer a hip replacement program that has earned the Gold Seal of Approval® from the Joint Commission for providing the highest, national standards of care, right here at home.

You may benefit from the latest minimally invasive options like anterior hip replacement. This innovative technique is performed through a single incision on the front of the hip, as opposed to the side or back, so the joint can be replaced without disturbing surrounding tissue. For you, this may offer a variety of benefits, including less pain and faster recovery.

And we’ll there to support you every step of the way, from pre-surgery education through personalized rehabilitation and life with your new joint.

Orthopedic Excellence, Close to Home

The Orthopedic Institute of Central Maine offers locations near where you live and work – so you never had to travel far to find the world-class care you need:

  • Central Maine Medical Center – Lewiston, Maine
  • Bridgton Hospital – Bridgton, Maine
  • Rumford Hospital – Rumford, Maine