Dr. Christian Balldin presented his research to the Orthopaedic Research Society (ORS) on January 26th. The international meeting took place here in San Antonio and included many of the pioneers of orthopaedic research.
Dr. Balldin’s research evaluated the dangers of notching, an accidental defect, in the hip joint during arthroscopic (minimally invasive) surgery. Notching can occur as the surgeon performs a procedure to remove excess bone in this area using a tool called a surgical burr. The excess bone is due to the underlying pathology of femoracetabular impingement. The notching is basically a divot in the bone. The area of the hip joint under review, the femoral neck, experiences great stress from weight bearing activities, so causing a defect can increase the risk of fracture to the patient.
Dr. Balldin found that avoiding these defects during the technically challenging procedure of hip arthroscopy to be of the utmost importance. However, if notching does occur, the greatest cause for concern is when it occurs at a depth of 4mm or more. At that depth, Dr. Balldin found that the defect actually changed the biomechanical strength of the femoral neck as compared to the intact state (where no defect is present).
Dr. Balldin’s research is currently under review for publication in a peer reviewed journal.
Dr. B Christian Balldin is an orthopaedic surgeon, specializing in sports medicine, with The San Antonio Orthopaedic Group. He treats patients aged 3 years and up for all orthopaedic conditions, with a special interest in sports-related injuries and hip arthroscopy. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Balldin, please call 210.281.9595.
