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MU hip surgeon realizes high-tech accuracy with low-tech guidance system Sonny Bal, M.D., an orthopaedic surgeon and joint replacement specialist at University of Missouri Health Care, has co-developed a new technique in hip resurfacing with Joel Matta, M.D., an orthopaedic surgeon at St. John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, Calif. “Minimally invasive hip resurfacing is a new concept,” said Bal. “In conjunction with Dr. Matta, we have developed a brand-new technique here at University of Missouri Health Care. This is a new operation that minimizes soft tissue trauma, and for the first time allows the precise placement of implant components during hip resurfacing through a much less invasive method.” Bal and his colleagues are able to properly align the joint before surgery by placing a small pin through a tiny hole in the hip joint. The perfect positioning of the pin is then verified through an X-ray. A small incision approximately three to four inches long in the front, or anterior, part of the thigh allows the surgeon access to the ball of the femur in between the muscles. In standard hip resurfacing, the muscles must be cut or detached to accomplish the same result. “Component placement during hip resurfacing is critical for proper mobility and the longevity of the new joint,” said Bal. “Our technique is a simple, fail-safe method that removes all high-tech guidance systems from the equation and allows for perfect alignment every time.” Traditional hip resurfacing procedures require a 10-to-12 inch-long cut on the side of the thigh to enter the hip joint so that the surgeon can resurface the ball of the femur and the cup-shaped socket of the pelvic bone. This operation is a popular alternative to hip replacement and may be useful for younger and active patients. With his new approach, Bal is able to spare all hip muscles and tendons, make a smaller incision, reduce blood loss and dramatically improve recovery. “Patient recovery with minimally invasive hip resurfacing is substantially different and faster compared to the traditional technique,” said Bal. “The traditional method involves major trauma to the muscles and tendons, and the recovery is thereby prolonged. With minimally invasive hip resurfacing, we can avoid this trauma, reduce blood loss and accelerate recovery.” Bal expects to continue the development of this new method of surgery to the point where hip resurfacing is a same-day operation, or at most will require only a one-day hospital stay. Following the procedure, patients use a cane and need not follow any precautions that are associated with the traditional methods of hip surgery. Patients can find more information on the “anterior approach” to hip resurfacing at www.hipandknee.org. University of Missouri Health Care’s system of hospitals, clinics and telehealth sites employs approximately 6,000 clinicians, scientists, educators and other health professionals. The system includes University Hospital and Clinics, Children’s Hospital, Columbia Regional Hospital, Ellis Fischel Cancer Center and University Physicians, all based in Columbia, Mo. The health system also includes a long-term acute care facility, Missouri Rehabilitation Center, in Mount Vernon, Mo. Academic affiliates of the health system include the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Medicine, Sinclair School of Nursing and School of Health Professions. Other affiliates of the health system include Rusk Rehabilitation Center in Columbia, Mo.; Capital Region Medical Center in Jefferson City, Mo.; and Cooper County Memorial Hospital in Boonville, Mo. |
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