A new hip, a new chapter

For years, walking was one of Hans Boas' favorite parts of the day

The University of Texas at Austin professor of linguistics routinely took one or two 45-minute walks each day. But as chronic hip pain worsened, those walks became shorter and more difficult. Eventually, even climbing stairs was a challenge, and he could no longer walk for more than 20 to 30 minutes without significant pain.

Like many people facing joint replacement, Boas wasn't eager to undergo surgery. But after spending time learning about his options with Karl Koenig, M.D., board-certified orthopedic surgeon and the executive director of UT Medicine’s UT Medicine's Musculoskeletal Institute, he was able to carefully weigh the benefits and risks before deciding the time was right.

Finding the right time

What stood out most, Boas said, was that he never felt rushed. Instead, he says the team's collaborative approach gave him confidence that he was making the best decision for himself.

"The team approach of Dr. Koenig and his colleagues was the crucial factor," Boas said. "Everyone was full of expertise and gave me their points of view regarding options for my hip pain."

At UT Medicine, those conversations are a core part of an integrated approach to care that brings patients and their care teams together to make treatment decisions based on each patient’s individual needs and goals. For Koenig, those conversations are among the most important parts of caring for patients with hip pain. Rather than focusing solely on imaging or surgical techniques, he begins by understanding what matters most to each patient, including their goals, lifestyle and concerns, while helping them understand both the benefits and potential risks of treatment.

"Once we get to that point, it becomes much easier for both of us to feel confident about the work we're going to do together," Koenig said.

Once Boas decided to move forward, the process moved quickly. He says every step, from preparing for surgery to recovery afterward, was clearly explained, helping him feel informed and supported throughout the experience.

His recovery exceeded even his own expectations. Just two days after surgery, Boas was walking around his home with a walker. Within two weeks, he was taking 20-minute walks in the park. Six weeks later, he was walking for more than two hours without pain.

“Incredible!” he said.

Koenig says Boas' recovery reflects both his own commitment and the Musculoskeletal Institute's team-based approach to rehabilitation.

Boas prepared diligently before surgery, stayed engaged throughout his recovery and maintained a positive outlook, which are factors Koenig says contribute to successful outcomes. Combined with an emphasis on early mobilization and returning patients to the activities they enjoy, recoveries like Boas' are often achievable.

'At the top of their game’

Today, nearly a year and a half after surgery, Boas has returned to the routines that chronic hip pain had gradually taken away. He walks without discomfort, exercises regularly and no longer thinks twice about climbing stairs.

"I can walk without pain. Zero pain," he said.

As a faculty member at The University of Texas at Austin, Boas also appreciated receiving care in an academic medical environment where care teams are enabled by — and actively advancing — the latest discoveries in medicine..

"The doctors and the care team are at the top of their game," Boas said. "They conduct research on the newest procedures and techniques, they educate the next generation of doctors and they are informed of the latest international research in medical care."

That collaborative philosophy extends throughout the Musculoskeletal Institute, where surgeons, advanced practice providers, physical therapists, dietitians, social workers and clinical staff work together toward a common goal.

"The most important member of our team is the patient," Koenig said. "We're going to work together to make sure you achieve your goals and return to the activities you enjoy."

Back to doing what he loves

Looking back, Boas says choosing the Musculoskeletal Institute was one of the best decisions he has made.

He now encourages others living with chronic hip pain not to wait until it begins affecting every aspect of their lives.

"Do not wait too long because it gets progressively worse," Boas said. "It affects the rest of your body, and your physical and mental health are affected, too."

Today, though, his focus isn't on the pain he once lived with, it's on everything he can do again.

"I can do all physical activities again that I could not do anymore because of my hip pain. I can exercise again and am in a much better mood every day because I do not have the hip pain anymore."

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