Dr. Swanson and his partners founded the Desert Orthopaedic Research Foundation (DORF) in the early 1990’s to help fund research projects undertaken by the group.  Since then, Dr. Swanson has assumed responsibility for DORF and oversees most of the research conducted by DORF.

DORF has been instrumental in several research projects which have benefited patients over the years.  Dr. Swanson’s work on the Mini-incision Total Hip procedure was initially funded by DORF in 1997, and since then Dr. Swanson has performed more than 2,000 of these procedures, published the favorable results of his first 1,000 cases (Swanson, J Arthroplasty, 2005), and continues to teach the procedure to other surgeons around the world and refine the procedure with the development of new instruments and surgical modifications.

Similarly, the Mini-incision Total Knee and Unicompartmental Knee procedures were developed in part through DORF.  Additional projects are underway, including new techniques to reduce complications of total hip and knee replacements and methods to speed recovery after these procedures.

However, these research projects cannot be done without funding for equipment and personnel.  Much of the past research by DORF has been funded by Dr. Swanson personally.  Today, further funding is needed to complete several projects, some which are already underway, including:

1. Validation of the reduced dislocation rate using the “Capsular Noose” technique developed for Mini-incision Total Hip Replacements.  (Dislocations are rare with this technique)
2. A comparison of recovery times using the posterior approach or the relatively new anterior approach for total hip replacements.
3. Determination of the causative factors for the occasional squeaky ceramic hip.
4. Determination of the early recovery and complication rates with the recently FDA approved Hip Resurfacing Replacement vs. Mini-incision Total Hip Replacement.
5. Determination of the accuracy and usefulness of computer assisted navigation in Mini-incision Total Knee Replacement, Total Hip Replacement, and Hip Resurfacing Replacement.
6. Development of better instrumentation to balance knee ligaments after Mini-incision Total Knee Replacement (in order to reduce long-term pain and sensations of knee instability).
7. Development of better methods and instrumentation to ensure accurate equalization of leg lengths after Mini-incision Total Hip Replacement.
8. Determination of the accuracy of digital radiographs vs. standard radiographs for pre-operative planning for total hip replacement.

There is still much work to be done to improve upon procedures that have already seen significant improvements over the past 10 years.  However, they can only be done with funding for equipment, supplies, and staff.  This is where we need your help.  If you have benefited from any of these procedures, or if you know someone who has, please consider giving so that we can continue improving the quality of life for those with hip or knee arthritis.