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To WATCH this episode on YouTube, go here: https://youtu.be/6uohJmxA-eo

In Episode 2 of Operation FUBAR, Dr. Ben Feibel (adult hip & knee reconstruction, Louisiana) walks us through a case that began with a familiar challenge — “I bet you can’t fix that” — and evolved into a humbling sequence of decisions, revisions, and hard-earned lessons.

One thing that makes Operation FUBAR different: I don’t see the cases ahead of time. No slides. No roadmap. That’s intentional — so the reactions, questions, and conversation can stay spontaneous and genuine. 🎧✨

This episode explores reconstruction after a prior Girdlestone procedure, recurrent instability, and the moment when a case shifts from what can be done to what needs to be done. It’s also an honest look at the emotional weight that complications can carry — especially early in practice.

What we cover 🧠🔧

• Complex reconstruction after prior Girdlestone + significant shortening
• Anterior approach considerations in challenging anatomy and tight soft tissues
• Early instability and recurrent dislocation
• Escalation strategy: length/offset changes, dual mobility, modular stems
• Advanced imaging (CT) and robotic-assisted cup placement (Mako)
• Patient counseling when complications accumulate 💬
• The “warrior mindset” vs. surgical restraint ⚖️

Why this matters 🎯

This isn’t a victory lap. It’s a real conversation about judgment under pressure, humility, and the importance of talking openly about complications and limitations — because that honesty is part of the work.

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🎧 Listen on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and everywhere you get podcasts

📺 Watch more from the Anterior Hip Foundation (AHF): YouTube @AnteriorHipFoundation

🗓️ New episodes: Fridays

Host: Joseph M. Schwab, MD

Guest: Ben Feibel, MD

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⚠️ Medical disclaimer: This content is for education and professional discussion only and is not medical advice. Patient details have been de-identified.

#AHFPodcast #AHFTravelingFellowship #AnteriorHipFoundation #AHF #AnteriorApproach #TotalHipArthroplasty #HipReplacement #RevisionTHA #Orthopaedics #SurgicalComplications #MedicalEducation

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Reflections & Insights: AHF 2025 Traveling Fellowship - Part II

The end of the year is a period of reflection for the Anterior Hip Foundation (AHF). In this episode, host Joe Schwab takes a deep dive into the accomplishments of the AHF in 2025 and previews the exciting developments for 2026. Join us for a special two-part interview series with our 2025 AHF Traveling Fellows. Learn what sets the AHF apart and why it feels more like a family than just an organization. Curious about becoming a part of the AHF community? Attend the AHF 2026 Annual Meeting in Nashville, Tennessee, themed 'Consensus and Controversy.' Discover the unique opportunities the AHF Traveling Fellowship offers early career orthopedic surgeons to refine their anterior hip arthroplasty techniques, expand their perspectives, and form lifelong professional connections. Meet our guests: Jeremy Kubick, Qais Naziri, Michael Field, and Dr. Alex Sah, as they share their transformative experiences and insights. Don't miss this inspiring episode! 🎙️🦴 #AHFPodcast #AHFTravelingFellowship #AnteriorHipFoundation

Helpful Links:

AHF 2026 Annual Meeting: https://anteriorhipfoundation.com/ahf-2026-nashville/

AHF 2026 Traveling Fellowship: https://anteriorhipfoundation.com/ahf-2026-traveling-fellowship/

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Reflections & Insights: AHF 2025 Traveling Fellowship - Part I

The end of the year is a period of reflection for the Anterior Hip Foundation (AHF). In this episode, host Joe Schwab takes a deep dive into the accomplishments of the AHF in 2025 and previews the exciting developments for 2026. Join us for a special two-part interview series with our 2025 AHF Traveling Fellows. Learn what sets the AHF apart and why it feels more like a family than just an organization. Curious about becoming a part of the AHF community? Attend the AHF 2026 Annual Meeting in Nashville, Tennessee, themed 'Consensus and Controversy.' Discover the unique opportunities the AHF Traveling Fellowship offers early career orthopedic surgeons to refine their anterior hip arthroplasty techniques, expand their perspectives, and form lifelong professional connections. Meet our guests: Jeremy Kubick, Qais Naziri, Michael Field, and Dr. Alex Sah, as they share their transformative experiences and insights. Don't miss this inspiring episode! 🎙️🦴 #AHFPodcast #AHFTravelingFellowship #AnteriorHipFoundation

Helpful Links:

AHF 2026 Annual Meeting: https://anteriorhipfoundation.com/ahf-2026-nashville/

AHF 2026 Traveling Fellowship: https://anteriorhipfoundation.com/ahf-2026-traveling-fellowship/

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What does it really take to become a great hip surgeon — not just technically excellent, but trusted by patients, teams, and colleagues around the world? 🦴🌍

In this episode of the AHF Podcast, host Joe Schwab sits down with Dr. Michael Solomon, a high-volume hip and knee surgeon based in Sydney, Australia, who has performed over 10,000 hip and knee replacements and more than 900 joint replacements per year.

Together, they dive into:

• How a young medical student from South Africa became a global leader in hip surgery 🇿🇦➡️🇦🇺
• The mentors who shaped his approach — including legendary figures like Des Dall, John Steven, and Michael Millis
• Why Anterior Approach Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA) became such a key part of his practice, and how he navigated the learning curve without becoming a zealot about any single approach
• Where Anterior Approach fits (and where it doesn’t) in complex and high-risk patients
• The role of periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) and hip preservation in young patients
• How to set realistic patient expectations and why deep infection remains the complication that keeps him up at night
• The importance of team culture, consistency, and routines in the OR — and why “don’t take shortcuts” may be the most important surgical rule of all
• Advice for young surgeons on building a career: volume, humility, mentorship, and playing the long game 🧠💡

Dr. Solomon also shares his perspective on becoming a leader in the Anterior Approach community, his involvement with the Anterior Hip Foundation (AHF), and how collaboration, data, and honest conversations are reshaping modern hip surgery.

If you’re a hip surgeon, trainee, or just someone facing hip surgery and wanting to better understand your options, this conversation is packed with insight, nuance, and practical wisdom. 🎧

👉 If you enjoy this episode, please like, subscribe, and leave a comment with your questions or future topic ideas.

You can also find the AHF Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and your favorite podcast apps, as well as in video form here on YouTube.

#AnteriorApproach #AHFPodcast #AnteriorHipFoundation #AHF

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🎙️ Operation FUBAR: The Case No One Wanted with Dr. John Horberg 🌟 | AHF Podcast

Welcome to the AHF Podcast! Join host Joe Schwab as we launch our new mini-series, Operation FUBAR! In this episode, Dr. John Horberg, an expert in anterior approach hip surgeries, walks us through a complex case full of unexpected challenges and innovative solutions. 🌟 Learn about the true ingenuity required when surgeries don't go as planned, and gain valuable insights into surgical problem-solving.

Make sure to like, subscribe, and hit the bell icon to stay updated on new episodes!

Watch me on YouTube!

#AHFPodcast #AnteriorHipFoundation #AnteriorApproach #OperationFUBAR

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Great Debate: To Screw or Not to Screw in Hip Arthroplasty

🎙️ Join host Joe Schwab for the thrilling finale of the AHF podcast's Great Debates series! In this episode, we're diving into the contentious topic of acetabular fixation with Dr. Michael Blankstein and Dr. Nicholas Mast. 💥 Dr. Blankstein argues that every cup deserves a good screw, emphasizing their safety, ease, and crucial role in complex surgeries. Meanwhile, Dr. Mast contends that modern implant designs make screws obsolete, likening their use to reinforcing a sturdy bridge with duct tape. 🤔 Who's right in this orthopedic face-off? Tune in to find out! Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share your thoughts in the comments. 🧠🔧 #AHFPodcast #GreatDebates #AnteriorHipFoundation

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Great Debate: Obesity does not need to be optimized prior to Anterior Approach 🚶‍♂️🦿🩺

Welcome to the AHF podcast! In this episode, host Joe Schwab brings us an engaging and humorous debate on a pivotal question: 'Do we really need to optimize obesity before an anterior hip replacement?' Dr. Nicholas Webber and Dr. Todd Kelley go head-to-head, using props and personal anecdotes to present their cases. Dr. Webber argues against the necessity of optimization, citing his experience with anterior approaches, while Dr. Kelley counters with the merits of patient participation in their own optimization. Tune in for a lively discussion filled with insights, laughter, and a live demonstration. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share! #AHFPodcast #GreatDebates #AnteriorHipFoundation

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Great Debate: Does the Hip-Spine Relationship Matter for Anterior Approach?

🎙️ Join Joe Schwab in this intriguing episode of the AHF Podcast, where Dr. Nathaniel Nelms and Dr. Edwin Su debate a hot topic in orthopedics: 'Does the hip-spine relationship really matter for the anterior approach?' With thoughtful arguments from both sides, this episode delves into the importance of biomechanics and surgical techniques to achieve stable, durable, and predictable hip replacements. Whether you're a surgeon or simply interested in the nuances of anterior hip surgery, this discussion will sharpen your thinking! 💬 📌 Tags: #AHFPodcast #GreatDebates #AnteriorHipFoundation