AHF Podcast

Anterior Hip Foundation

The AHF Podcast features thoughtful conversations about orthopedic surgery, outcomes, and clinical decision-making, with a particular focus on hip surgery and related innovation.Produced by the Anterior Hip Foundation, the podcast brings together surgeons, researchers, and clinical leaders to examine how evidence, experience, and real-world practice intersect. Episodes explore what the data actually shows, where assumptions break down, and how clinicians navigate uncertainty in daily practice.This podcast is intended for orthopedic surgeons, trainees, and medically literate clinicians who value nuanced discussion, critical thinking, and honest examination of what improves patient care.

  1. SEASON 3 TRAILER

    From Idea to Market: A New Series on Innovation

    Send a text This mini-series explores how medical innovation actually happens in practice—from the first spark of an idea to bringing a product to market. Whether you're a surgeon, engineer, researcher, or trainee with an idea, this series shows you what comes next. We've gathered surgeons, engineers, CEOs, attorneys, and innovators who have navigated this journey firsthand. They share insights on developing medical devices, navigating regulatory pathways, building companies, and translating clinical problems into real-world solutions. This isn't about theory—it's about the practical realities of medical innovation from people who've done it. This series is for anyone curious about the innovation process in orthopedics and medical technology, from early-career clinicians exploring entrepreneurship to experienced surgeons considering their first patent. ⏱ Chapters: 00:00 Series introduction 00:15 Meet the innovators Listen to the AHF Podcast on your preferred platform: Buzzsprout: https://ahfpodcast.buzzsprout.com Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ahf-podcast/id1749521487 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5CrGJyvRiQFTCU3FFFVvHc This podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only. The content discussed does not constitute medical advice and should not be used as a substitute for professional judgment. Clinicians should rely on their own training, experience, and clinical decision-making when applying information from this discussion. AnteriorHipFoundation #AHFPodcast #MedicalInnovation #Orthopedics #MedicalDevices #Entrepreneurship #Startups #ProductDevelopment #ClinicalInnovation #SurgicalInnovation #MedTech #OrthopedicSurgery

    2 min
  2. 30 JAN

    The Anterior Hip Learning Curve Nobody Warns You About

    Send us a text Learning the anterior approach to total hip arthroplasty doesn't follow a straight line. Dr. Joe Schwab shares what happened when improving his femoral technique unexpectedly made his acetabular work feel worse—and why that unsettling experience taught him more than any single complication. This episode is for orthopedic surgeons and trainees navigating the anterior approach learning curve, especially those who feel like their progress isn't linear. Joe walks through his own journey from posterior-trained resident to anterior-focused surgeon, including the cognitive challenges that don't show up in technique videos or course materials. He explains why the learning curve feels more like riding ocean waves than climbing a ladder, and offers practical guidance for managing the psychological demands of mastering a complex approach. If you're somewhere in the middle of your anterior journey and wondering whether the struggle is normal, this conversation will help you understand what's happening beneath the surface—and give you permission to keep moving forward thoughtfully. ⏱ Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and disclaimer 01:08 Starting anterior approach out of the gate 04:51 The first plateau: getting good enough 06:10 The femur breakthrough and surprise setback 09:21 Understanding what was really happening 11:19 The waves: changing mindset over technique 13:58 What I wish someone had told me 16:19 Practical takeaways for surgeons on this path Listen to the AHF Podcast on your preferred platform: Buzzsprout: https://ahfpodcast.buzzsprout.com Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ahf-podcast/id1749521487 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5CrGJyvRiQFTCU3FFFVvHc This podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only. The content discussed does not constitute medical advice and should not be used as a substitute for professional judgment. Clinicians should rely on their own training, experience, and clinical decision-making when applying information from this discussion.

    21 min
  3. 23 JAN

    Ask Me Anything: LFCN Issues

    Send us a text An engaging, AMA‑style deep dive into how to actually manage lateral femoral cutaneous nerve problems after anterior approach THA—from “my thigh feels weird” numbness to true neuroma‑level pain that drives patients crazy. In this Ask Me Anything episode, host Joe Schwab answers a real listener question from Dr. Tim Keating: “What is your treatment algorithm for patients with LFCN dysesthesia, neuroma, and other lasting bothersome effects?” Drawing on both the meralgia paresthetica literature and his own practice patterns, Joe lays out a clear, stepwise pathway you can put to work on Monday morning. You’ll learn: •Why most post‑op LFCN changes are benign neuropraxias that need education and reassurance, not intervention •How to structure medical management for persistent neuropathic symptoms: neuropathic agents, topical therapy, and desensitization strategies •When an ultrasound‑guided LFCN block becomes both a powerful diagnostic tool and a therapeutic option •Which small subset of patients might benefit from surgery (neurolysis, neurectomy/neuroma excision) and how to frame the “trade numbness for pain relief” conversation •Where to draw the line and pivot to multidisciplinary pain management instead of chasing endless procedures If you do anterior approach total hips—or you’re counseling patients who are living with anterior‑based LFCN symptoms—this algorithmic walkthrough will help you standardize decisions, protect patients, and avoid overtreating harmless numbness while still taking real pain seriously. 👇 Join the conversation What’s your approach to LFCN dysesthesia and neuroma after anterior THA? Did we miss a key step, study, or technique? Drop your own algorithm, pearls, or favorite references in the comments so others can learn from your experience. ⸻ 🎧 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 ⸻ ⚠️ Medical disclaimer: This content is for education and professional discussion only and is not medical advice. Patient details have been de-identified. #AHFPodcast #AHFPodAMA #AnteriorHipFoundation #AHF #AnteriorApproach #TotalHipArthroplasty #HipReplacement #Orthopaedics #MedicalEducation

    21 min
  4. 16 JAN

    Rethinking TFL Injury in Anterior Approach THA

    Send us a text Protecting the Tensor Fascia Lata in Anterior Approach Total Hip Arthroplasty 🎥 Welcome to the AHF Podcast! Join host Joe Schwab as he dives deep into a revealing and award-winning study on tensor fascia lata (TFL) injury during anterior approach total hip arthroplasty with special guest H. John Cooper. Dr. Cooper shares insights from his prospective study presented at the 2025 AHF annual meeting, discussing how often TFL injuries occur, the critical steps to minimize such injuries, and how these findings can influence surgical techniques. This episode is packed with invaluable tips for surgeons at all levels, emphasizing the importance of preserving the TFL for optimal patient outcomes. 🏥💪  ⸻ Are you interested in presenting a scientific paper, case report, or technique video/paper at the 2026 AHF Annual Meeting? Check out our Call For Submissions here: https://anteriorhipfoundation.com/ahf-2026-nashville/anterior-hip-foundation-2026-call-for-submissions-2026/ Make sure you hurry, submission deadline is March 1st, 2026! ⸻ 🎧 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: H. John Cooper, MD ⸻ ⚠️ Medical disclaimer: This content is for education and professional discussion only and is not medical advice. Patient details have been de-identified. #AHFPodcast #AHFCallForSubmissions #AnteriorHipFoundation #AHF #AnteriorApproach #TotalHipArthroplasty #HipReplacement #Orthopaedics #MedicalEducation

    41 min
  5. 9 JAN

    Operation FUBAR: I Bet You Can't Do That!

    Send us a text 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 shorteningAnterior approach considerations in challenging anatomy and tight soft tissuesEarly instability and recurrent dislocationEscalation strategy: length/offset changes, dual mobility, modular stemsAdvanced 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. ⸻ 🎧 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 ⸻ ⚠️ 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

    32 min
  6. 19/12/2025

    What Makes a Great Hip Surgeon? Lessons from Michael Solomon

    Send us a text 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 MillisWhy 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 approachWhere Anterior Approach fits (and where it doesn’t) in complex and high-risk patientsThe role of periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) and hip preservation in young patientsHow to set realistic patient expectations and why deep infection remains the complication that keeps him up at nightThe importance of team culture, consistency, and routines in the OR — and why “don’t take shortcuts” may be the most important surgical rule of allAdvice 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

    43 min

Trailers

About

The AHF Podcast features thoughtful conversations about orthopedic surgery, outcomes, and clinical decision-making, with a particular focus on hip surgery and related innovation.Produced by the Anterior Hip Foundation, the podcast brings together surgeons, researchers, and clinical leaders to examine how evidence, experience, and real-world practice intersect. Episodes explore what the data actually shows, where assumptions break down, and how clinicians navigate uncertainty in daily practice.This podcast is intended for orthopedic surgeons, trainees, and medically literate clinicians who value nuanced discussion, critical thinking, and honest examination of what improves patient care.

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