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.
(03) 9573 9659
Surgical hip dislocation is an open procedure that allows complete access to all surfaces of the hip joint. It is used for complex hip conditions that cannot be adequately addressed through arthroscopy alone, and requires a surgeon with advanced training in open hip preservation techniques.
The technique was developed by Professor Reinhold Ganz and colleagues in Berne, Switzerland, and represents a significant advance in hip preservation surgery. It involves detaching a section of the greater trochanter while carefully preserving the blood supply to the femoral head. This allows the femoral head to be safely and temporarily dislocated from the socket, giving the surgeon complete access to all surfaces of the joint without the risk of avascular necrosis that would result from dislocation by other means.
Surgical hip dislocation is used for complex hip conditions requiring access to the entire joint surface that cannot be adequately treated through arthroscopy. These include complex CAM deformities, Perthes-related deformity, some instability conditions and procedures requiring simultaneous treatment of both the femoral head and acetabulum. The decision to use surgical hip dislocation rather than arthroscopy is based on the specific anatomy and extent of the pathology.
Recovery requires a period of protected weight-bearing of approximately six to eight weeks while the trochanteric osteotomy heals, followed by progressive rehabilitation. Return to full activity takes approximately six to twelve months depending on the procedure performed.
(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.
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.
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.
