Bal wins international award for research

COLUMBIA, Mo. — Sonny Bal, M.D., an orthopaedic surgeon and joint replacement specialist at University of Missouri Health Care, recently received the HAP Paul Award from the International Society for Technology in Arthroplasty for outstanding research in new technology for joint replacement.

Bal received the award for a paper he co-authored with five other researchers concerning the use of ceramic bearing components for reconstructive hip, knee and spine implants. The award was presented at the society’s 20 th annual congress, held from Oct. 4 to Oct. 6 in Paris, France.

The research paper entitled “In Vitro Performance of Silicon Nitride Ceramic in Total Hip Bearings,” will also be published as a special article in the Journal of Arthroplasty.

The International Society for Technology in Arthroplasty sponsors an annual symposium designed to foster an exchange of information and cooperation in research efforts on an international level. It is governed by a board of directors with world wide, multi-disciplinary representation.

University of Missouri Health Care’s system of hospitals, clinics and telehealth sites employs approximately 6,000 clinicians, scientists, educators and other health professionals. The system includes University Hospital and Clinics, Children’s Hospital, Columbia Regional Hospital, Ellis Fischel Cancer Center and University Physicians, all based in Columbia, Mo. The health system also includes a long-term acute care facility, Missouri Rehabilitation Center, in Mount Vernon, Mo. Academic affiliates of the health system include the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Medicine, Sinclair School of Nursing and School of Health Professions. Other affiliates of the health system include Rusk Rehabilitation Center in Columbia, Mo.; Capital Region Medical Center in Jefferson City, Mo.; and Cooper County Memorial Hospital in Boonville, Mo.