Dr. Serena Hu, MD, a distinguished board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopaedic spine surgeon, recently delivered an insightful Grand Rounds presentation at Duke Orthopaedics. Currently a professor, vice chair of Orthopaedic Surgery, and chief of the Division of Spine Surgery at Stanford University School of Medicine, Dr. Hu is renowned for her expertise in spine surgery. Her talk focused on the critical role of sagittal balance in spine surgery and explored the interrelationship between spine and hip conditions.
Dr. Hu began by emphasizing the importance of sagittal balance for achieving optimal outcomes in spine surgery. She highlighted how spine-related issues can directly impact hip conditions; conversely, hip diseases can exacerbate spine issues. This complex interplay between the spine and hip, referred to as “hip-spine syndrome,” has garnered increasing attention in recent years, with the number of related publications growing significantly over the past decade.
Drawing from her extensive background, Dr. Hu shared her journey, which began with orthopaedic surgery residency at the prestigious Hospital for Special Surgery in New York and continued with fellowship training at Rancho Los Amigos Rehabilitation Center in California. She also reflected on her longstanding connections with Duke Orthopaedics, particularly with key figures such as Dr. Leonard Goldner, Dr. David Russo, and Dr. David Bradford. Dr. Hu emphasized the collaborative, supportive relationships that have shaped her career.
During her presentation, Dr. Hu acknowledged the close-knit, talented group of residents at Duke Orthopaedics and offered them her congratulations for their accomplishments. She also expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to present at such a prestigious institution, one with which she shares a rich history.
Much of Dr. Hu’s talk was dedicated to determining the optimal approach for treating patients with both spine and hip conditions. She noted that while applying a standardized treatment plan may seem logical, each patient’s needs must be assessed individually. In particular, she shared a clinical example involving a patient with both spine and hip pathology, where deciding which condition to address first proved to be a complex and nuanced decision.
Dr. Hu stressed the importance of a comprehensive, individualized approach to managing these interrelated conditions. A deep understanding of spine and hip mechanics, collaboration, and careful planning are essential for achieving the best patient outcomes. This approach allows orthopaedic surgeons to navigate the challenges of treating hip-spine syndrome and other complex musculoskeletal issues.