SANTA MONICA, Calif. — Eight-time major golf championship winner Tom Watson had anterior approach hip replacement surgery Oct. 2, performed by Joel Matta, MD, at Saint John's Health Center.

Watson was positive and upbeat following the surgery and left the hospital only one day later assisted only by a cane. After a very successful stay at Saint John's, he is recovering and conducting rehabilitation exercises at his home location in Kansas City, Mo. Watson said the surgery "went well" and added, "It's a quality of life decision. Fortunately, the medical world knows how to do this procedure very well. They have a great track record."

"Tom Watson evaluated his options for hip replacement with a goal of returning to professional golf competition," said Dr. Matta, Medical Director of the Hip and Pelvis Institute at Saint John's. "Along with facilitating rapid recovery, anterior approach hip replacement minimizes hip muscle trauma and enhances the accuracy of leg length and hip anatomy. Also, all options regarding type of artificial hip prosthesis are available."

Watson looks forward to his return to professional golf at the Senior Skins Game in January 2009  only three months after his hip replacement. For further information regarding the procedure used for Watson's hip replacement, go to: www.hipandpelvis.com.

The Hip and Pelvis Institute at Saint John's

Joel Matta, MD, Medical Director of the Hip and Pelvis Institute at Saint John's Health Center, pioneered the anterior approach procedure in North America. He chairs organizations and teaches courses about the anterior approach technique to other surgeons both nationally and internationally. Dr. Matta and the other Hip and Pelvis Institute surgeons, Andrew Yun, MD, and Robert Klenck, MD, have performed more than 2,000 anterior approach primary hip replacements.

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