For Barbara, turning 80 didn’t mean slowing down.

An avid dog walker, kayaker, tennis player, and outdoor enthusiast, she has always believed that age is simply a number. But severe hip arthritis eventually threatened the active lifestyle she cherished.

“I was having a hard time getting around, getting in the car. I needed to use a cane most of the time,” Barbara recalled. “I couldn’t walk the dogs, couldn’t sleep in bed, and I was in constant pain 24/7.”

Barbara first underwent a right hip replacement with Dr. Eric Cohen at University Orthopedics’ East Bay Surgery Center. The surgery was so successful that when arthritis later developed in her left hip six years later, she knew exactly where she wanted to go.

She returned to Dr. Cohen and the East Bay Surgery Center for her left hip replacement, confident she would receive the same exceptional care that had gotten her back on her feet the first time.

Today, Barbara is once again enjoying long walks with her dogs, spending time on the water, and embracing an active lifestyle without the constant pain that once limited her every day.

A Minimally Invasive Approach to Hip Replacement

Dr. Cohen performs the anterior approach to total hip replacement, a minimally invasive technique that accesses the hip joint from the front rather than the side or back.

“We perform anterior approach hip replacements, which results in less pain and a quicker recovery,” Dr. Cohen explained. “Many patients seek out the anterior approach because of that faster early recovery.”

While long-term outcomes are comparable to other hip replacement approaches, Dr. Cohen said many patients appreciate the ability to return to walking and everyday activities more quickly during the early stages of recovery.

Personalized Care Every Step of the Way

For Barbara, exceptional care extended beyond the operating room.

Both times she underwent surgery, Dr. Cohen personally called her the evening before surgery to answer questions and make sure she felt prepared. He also called the night after surgery to check on her recovery.

“The night after the surgery, he also calls to ask how I’m feeling. Not anybody from the staff—him. He calls. It’s just amazing.”

Barbara had both procedures performed at University Orthopedics’ East Bay Surgery Center, where patients receive specialized orthopedic care in an outpatient setting designed to help them recover comfortably and efficiently.

Back on Her Feet Quickly

Barbara’s recovery progressed rapidly.

Soon after surgery, she was walking with minimal assistance. Within a few weeks, she required little or no use of a cane and needed very little pain medication.

“About four weeks later, she was ready to get out there and enjoy her life with her new hip,” Dr. Cohen said.

Her positive attitude also played an important role.

“She really recovered very well and had that can-do attitude, which I think is essential for recovering after a hip replacement.”

You’re Never Too Old to Stay Active

Today, Barbara is back to spending time outdoors with her dogs, enjoying Rhode Island’s beaches, kayaking, and looking forward to playing tennis again.

“I think age is a state of mind,” she said. “I just love being outside, being by the water. I intend to start playing tennis again. I feel great.”

Her story serves as an encouraging reminder that chronic joint pain doesn’t have to become an accepted part of aging.

When Should You Consider Hip Replacement?

According to Dr. Cohen, many people wait longer than they should before seeking evaluation.

“If something is bothering you, affecting your quality of life, affecting your ability to sleep, travel, or do the things you want to do, come in and get checked out.”

Hip replacement may be an effective option for people experiencing:

• Persistent hip pain that doesn’t improve with conservative treatment
• Difficulty walking or climbing stairs
• Pain that interferes with sleep
• Reduced mobility that limits everyday activities
• Advanced arthritis seen on imaging studies

An orthopedic evaluation can help determine the best treatment plan based on your symptoms, lifestyle, and goals.

Take the First Step Toward Living Without Hip Pain

Whether your goal is walking the dog, traveling, golfing, playing tennis, or simply getting through the day without pain, treatment options are available.

At University Orthopedics, Dr. Eric Cohen specializes in helping patients return to the activities they enjoy through advanced hip replacement techniques and personalized orthopedic care.