ORTHOPAEDIC NEWS
Need a new hip? Someday you may grow your own.
'Fix-me itis' fueling boom in joint surgeries
Risk Assessment Tool for Osteoarthritis
Wall Street Journal: Pushing Limits of New Knees
New York Times: Getting a New Knee or Hip? Do It Right the First Time
TESTIMONIALS
Dr. Bal's Patients Tell Their Stories-
"I am very satisfied with the outcome of my surgery and the improved quality of life I am now enjoying..."
Shamsy Kazemi-Bardool, Iran -
"I am looking forward to being able to boat and golf this summer, without having to endure the pain and limitations of prior years..."
Greg Voreis, Mo. -
"Just 9 ½ weeks following my surgery knee replacements, I traveled to Hawaii and went scuba diving..."
David Booker, Mo. -
"Dr. Bal did great a job explaining the procedure through conversation and with his hip surgery book. He changed my life..."
Dennis Disselhoff, Mo. -
"It is so important to have a physician who you trust, and who will listen to you. That’s critical. I have never seen a doctor who cares so much for each and every patient..."
Faye Bleigh, Mo. -
"I am glad to have come to Dr. Bal; his office staff was great to work with; the hospital experience was very good, and the outcome of surgery was all I had hoped for..."
Craig Jacobson, Ne. -
"I feel so free now. Last weekend I rode my bike to Cooper's Landing and enjoyed a great meal as I watched the Missouri River roll by and listened to the bluegrass music..."
Marilyn McCreary, Mo. -
"The staff at Capitol Region were very gracious, attentive and thorough. I would go back there anytime. They made sure I was comfortable..."
Bob Smith, Mo. -
"It has been a real pleasure to meet and get to know Dr. Bal. He is caring, thorough in his explanations, and a great friend...."
Richard Wallace, Mo.
INFORMATION FOR HIP PATIENTS: QUESTIONS ASKED BY PATIENTS AND ANSWERED BY DR. BAL
1. Anatomy of the Hip
2. Arthritis of the Hip
3. Treatment Options
4. Surgery Options
5. Hip Replacement Surgery Basics
6. Artificial Hip Components
7. Preparing for Hip Replacement Surgery
8. Recovery from Hip Replacement Surgery
9. Managing Pain or Discomfort
10. Life with an Artificial Hip
Exercise Guide for Hip Patients
(click to download PDF)
Dr. Bal and his team have authored this information for our patients who are considering hip replacement or hip resurfacing surgery.
Well-informed patients are better able to participate in their health care, know what to expect, and can contribute to a good outcome. The aim of this guide is to enable patients to make informed decisions about the best treatment for their arthritic hips.
The material on this site reflects the experience and opinions of Dr. Bal and will probably not apply to the techniques or treatment methods provided by surgeons elsewhere.
Please feel free to e-mail Dr. Bal at balb@health.missouri.edu, or any of the staff listed on this site.
Suggestions for improving any aspect of our service are welcome. Patient insights and curiosity keep us growing and improving.
Conflict of Interest and Sponsorship: This guide is not related to any consulting, royalty, or product development activity. No funds have been received from any party to prepare this material.
Educational materials
developed by Dr. Bal for his patients
Click to download Dr. Bal's NEW Guide to Hip Replacement Surgery
Requires Adobe Reader to view.
Download free
Watch animated videos of hip procedures
Hip replacement surgery was pioneered by English surgeon Sir John Charnley about four decades ago. Before Charnley, other surgeons tried to rebuild arthritic hips with metal and plastic. Since then, advancements in science, engineering, and materials have contributed to a very predictable, durable, and reliable operation that has helped millions of people with hip arthritis.
In recent years, hip replacement surgery has become less invasive, and the artificial bearings in prosthetic hip joints are more wear-resistant.
Although a routine operation, hip replacement surgery still requires careful decision-making with your surgeon.