Thomas Parker Vail, M.D., introduces key players on the joint replacement team in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and discusses their areas of special interest and training.
Orthopaedic surgeons at the UCSF Arthritis and Joint Replacement Center are experienced in computer-assisted surgery, less invasive hip and knee replacements, unusual and complicated cases, and high-demand replacements for younger, more active patients.
For many younger patients with degenerative hip joints, hip resurfacing is preferable to total joint replacement because it allows them to remain active and preserve options for future reconstruction. The resurfaced joint also poses less risk of dislocation than the smaller ball and socket typically used in hip replacement.
UCSF Medical Center takes a unique, multimodal and multidisciplinary approach to treating the postoperative pain of joint replacement. Directed by a pharmacist specialist in pain management, the team relies on a combination of regional nerve blocks, systemic medications and physical manipulation to treat pain aggressively.
An active 50-year-old woman chose resurfacing over total replacement for the painful arthritic hip joint that compromised her competitive rowing. Chair of Orthopaedic Surgery Thomas Parker Vail, M.D., one of a handful of orthopaedic surgeons in the country experienced in hip resurfacing, has performed more than 250 resurfacing procedures, and has been involved in implant design and clinical trials since 2000.
Four new physicians have joined the faculty in the UCSF Department of Orthopaedic Surgery. Casey Batten, M.D., specializes in conservative treatment of musculoskeletal injuries in athletes of all ages; Nancy Kadel, M.D., has fellowship training in foot and ankle surgery; Alfred Kuo, M.D., Ph.D., is specially trained in lower extremity reconstruction; and Brian Feeley, M.D., focuses on arthroscopic surgery of the shoulder, hip and knee as well as shoulder arthroplasty.
Information on upcoming continuing medical education courses is available online.
The UCSF Physician Liaison Service provides assistance and information to referring physicians, medical groups and health plans. Please call the Physician Liaison Service or visit www.ucsfhealth.org/health_professionals.
Phone: (800) 444-2559
Fax: (415) 353-4395
Email: referral.center@ucsfmedctr.org
The UCSF Transfer Center is open 24 hours daily to coordinate the transfer of your patients to UCSF Medical Center from hospitals throughout the region.
Phone: (415) 353-9166
Fax: (415) 353-9172
