If Missouri is the “Show Me” State then, in my opinion, Dr. Bal is the “Show Me” Orthopaedic Surgeon of the United States.

After undergoing four knee replacement surgeries, (three on one leg), within a two-year span, I experienced a steady decline in my ability to function physically and a steady increase in the pain associated with the replacement components in both knees.

Thankfully, my daughter Kara read an article about one of Dr. Bal’s colleagues, Dr. James Cook. After she contacted Dr. Cook, he put us in touch with Dr. Bal.

Since I live in Pennsylvania, there was a lot of apprehension about traveling to Missouri and undergoing surgery by a physician I had never met. However, after several months of phone calls and e-mails all my questions were addressed by Dr. Bal and his staff, especially Rachael Stockman. The decision was made to do a bilateral knee replacement, i.e., Dr. Bal would re-do the previously failed knee replacements, on both sides, at the same time.

The hospital care I received after surgery and the subsequent care at Rusk Rehabilitation Center were fantastic. I am now three months after surgery in the photo, and basically pain free with two weeks of PT remaining. I have been able to return to fly fishing less than three months after surgery and I feel that I am improving physically every day.

Dr. Bal’s expertise, coupled with excellent hospital and rehab care, and tremendous emotional support from my wife and children have enabled me to attain a level of recovery which has surprised my therapists and my doctor.

I have already recommended Dr. Bal to three people I know who are experiencing problems with their knees or their knee replacements.