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Karl Balch, MD, Orthopaedic Surgery, Bakersfield, CA, Bakersfield Memorial Hospital

KarlRussellBalchMD

Orthopaedic Surgery Bakersfield, CA

Hip & Knee Reconstructive Surgery

Joint Replacement Specialist

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Summary

  • As a fellowship-trained joint replacement surgeon, Dr. Karl Balch specializes in the latest joint replacement procedures. Dr. Balch performs total hip and knee replacement, partial knee replacement, minimally invasive hip surgery, computer-assisted knee balancing, quadriceps-sparing knee approaches, as well as revision surgery for the hip and knee. He also offers injections for nonsurgical pain management for the hip and knee. He is dedicated to helping patients walk pain-free and get their mobility back after living with pain for years.

    Dr. Balch ensures that patients understand their injury or condition and their available treatment options so that they can work as a team to develop a treatment plan to meet their needs and goals together. His approach is to offer the same care to his patients that he would want a member of his own family to have. Dr. Balch is proud to work at the Southern California Orthopedic Institute (SCOI) at their Bakersfield Office.

    When he is not seeing patients, Dr. Balch enjoys spending time with his wife and children, woodworking, and playing music as a drummer.

Education & Training

  • Virginia Commonwealth University Health System
    Virginia Commonwealth University Health SystemFellowship, Adult Reconstructive Orthopaedics, 2016 - 2017
  • Ohio State University Hospital
    Ohio State University HospitalResidency, Orthopaedic Surgery, 2010 - 2016
  • University of Chicago Division of the Biological Sciences The Pritzker School of Medicine
    University of Chicago Division of the Biological Sciences The Pritzker School of MedicineClass of 2010
  • University of Southern California
    University of Southern CaliforniaBA, Psychology, Graduation with Honors, 2001 - 2005

Certifications & Licensure

  • CA State Medical License
    CA State Medical License 2017 - 2024
  • VA State Medical License
    VA State Medical License 2016 - 2018
  • OH State Medical License
    OH State Medical License 2010 - 2016
  • American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery Orthopaedic Surgery

Awards, Honors, & Recognition

  • Mallory Coleman Research Award - Best Presentation Mallory Coleman Research Day, 2014
  • Fentress Research Fellowship - Funding Award University of Chicago, 2010
  • Joseph Kirsner Research Award: Best Overall Project University of Chicago, 2007
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Publications & Presentations

PubMed

Authored Content

  • What Are Bone Spurs?7/10/2018
  • Flying with a hip or knee replacement7/8/2018
  • Stem Cell Scams for Hip and Knee Arthritis2/24/2018
  • Natural (Herbal) Treatments for Hip and Knee Arthritis11/15/2017
  • When is the "right time" to have joint replacement surgery10/26/2017
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Research History

  • Arthroplasty Today - ReviewerArticle submission reviewer.2018 - Present
  • Journal of Arthroplasty - ReviewerArticle submission reviewer.2017 - Present

Professional Memberships

Hospital Affiliations