Keyhole surgery to treat impingement, labral tears and a range of other hip conditions. Mr Balakumar is fellowship trained in hip arthroscopy and performs labral repair and reconstruction as required.
(03) 9573 9659
The acetabular labrum is a ring of fibrocartilage that lines the rim of the hip socket. It deepens the socket, contributes to joint stability and helps maintain the fluid environment inside the joint that protects the cartilage surfaces. When the labrum is severely damaged or deficient, labral reconstruction offers a way to restore its function using a tendon graft.
In most patients with a labral tear, the labrum can be repaired using sutures anchored to the acetabular rim. Repair is the preferred approach as it preserves the native tissue and its mechanical properties.
Reconstruction is considered when the labrum is too severely damaged, degenerate or deficient to allow a satisfactory repair. This may occur in patients who have had a previous labral debridement, in those with significant labral calcification, or in cases of global labral deficiency where there is insufficient tissue for repair.
Reconstruction involves replacing the damaged labral tissue with a tendon graft secured to the rim of the acetabulum using suture anchors. The graft is shaped to recreate the normal labral architecture and the procedure is performed arthroscopically. Graft options include the iliotibial band, gracilis tendon or donor tissue, depending on the amount of labral tissue required and individual patient factors.
Recovery from labral reconstruction is similar to standard hip arthroscopy, though a structured rehabilitation programme is important to allow the graft to incorporate. Full recovery takes three to six months.
Labral reconstruction is a more technically demanding procedure than labral repair and is performed at specialist hip arthroscopy centres. The evidence base continues to grow and shows good outcomes in carefully selected patients.
(03) 9573 9659
Mr Balakumar is one of a small number of surgeons in Australia with formal training in both paediatric and adult hip surgery. His fellowship at Harvard’s Children’s Hospital in Boston, under some of the world’s leading specialists in hip preservation, gives him a depth of expertise that is difficult to find in a single practice.
His approach is the same whether the patient is 6 months or 65 years old – thorough assessment, honest options, and no pressure toward surgery until the clinical picture clearly supports it.
(03) 9573 9659
A procedure in which the femur is cut and repositioned to correct abnormal alignment around the hip or knee. Used in both paediatric and adult patients as part of joint preservation surgery.
The gold standard surgical treatment for hip dysplasia in adolescents and adults with preserved joint cartilage. Mr Balakumar trained in this technically demanding procedure at Harvard’s Children’s Hospital Boston.
An alternative to total hip replacement in which the femoral head is capped rather than removed. Suitable for a carefully selected group of younger, active patients with end-stage hip arthritis.
An open procedure allowing complete access to all surfaces of the hip joint. Used for complex conditions that cannot be adequately addressed through arthroscopy alone.
Melbourne Orthopaedic Group is home to a team of experienced orthopaedic surgeons, providing comprehensive care for sports injuries and orthopaedic conditions. Whether it’s joint replacement or sports injuries, our specialists provide comprehensive orthopaedic care.
