Musculoskeletal Institute
UT Health Austin’s Musculoskeletal Institute diagnoses, treats, and manages orthopedic and musculoskeletal conditions in patients (14 years and older). Whether you’re dealing with back and neck pain, foot and ankle, hip and knee pain, shoulder and elbow pain, sports injuries, osteoporosis, or concussions, our team works with you to develop a personalized orthopedic treatment plan focused on pain relief, improved mobility, and restored function.
Many answers to the questions you have about the Musculoskeletal Institute and hip and knee replacements can be found below.
Musculoskeletal Institute
At UT Health Austin, we focus on you, the whole patient, making sure you have the support you need throughout your care. We take a multidisciplinary approach to your care, meaning you will benefit from the expertise of multiple specialists across a variety of disciplines. This multidisciplinary, coordinated care model makes it easier for you to get the care you need without having to make multiple trips to various locations. Our goal is to provide comprehensive, personalized care to improve your vision and overall quality of life.
Our experienced healthcare professionals deliver personalized, whole-person care and treat each patient as an individual with unique circumstances, values, and beliefs. Working with you, the Musculoskeletal Institute care team creates an individualized care plan to help you reach the goals that matter most to you. Treatment may include nonsurgical interventions, such as lifestyle modifications, physical therapy, or medication and injections, or surgery may be the best course of action to help improve your pain and function. Advanced imaging and lab testing are also available on-site if needed.
The Musculoskeletal Institute is dedicated to patient-centered care, ensuring each patient receives the highest level of care possible. Research shows that patients often wait months or even years to receive a diagnosis after reporting symptoms to a medical provider. To address this, we conducted a focus group to better understand the barriers patients face when navigating the healthcare system. The most common frustrations included a lack of care coordination and confusion surrounding the healthcare system.
Our multidisciplinary care model streamlines evaluation and treatment by bringing specialists together in one location. This approach reduces the number of visits patients would otherwise need across multiple facilities, improving both the efficiency of evaluation and the coordination of care.
We also collaborate with our colleagues at the Dell Medical School and The University of Texas at Austin to utilize the latest research, diagnostic, and treatment techniques, allowing us to provide patients with an unparalleled quality of care.
The Musculoskeletal Institute care team includes orthopedic surgeons, sports medicine physicians, physician assistants, physical therapists, physiatrists, chiropractors, nurse practitioners, dietitians, social workers, and more who work together to help you get back to the things in your life that matter most to you.
UT Health Austin’s Musculoskeletal Institute diagnoses, treats, and manages musculoskeletal disorders, helping reduce pain, improve function, and increase range of motion.
A list of conditions treated at the Musculoskeletal Institute can be found here.
UT Health Austin’s Musculoskeletal Institute is committed to providing comprehensive, patient-centered care to ensure patients receive the highest level of specialized care.
A list of services provided at the Musculoskeletal Institute can be found here.
Whether you need a referral or not depends on your insurance plan.
If assistance is needed with getting a referral, please call the UT Health Austin Access Center at 1-833-UT-CARES (1-833-882-2737) and we will be happy to help.
Patients receiving care may have the opportunity to participate in research. Participation is optional, and if you are eligible and interested, you will have an opportunity to learn more.
UT Health Austin’s Musculoskeletal Institute is committed to providing compassionate, whole-patient care to ensure patients are receiving the highest level of specialized care. We believe you deserve the best possible care, which is why we’ve compiled a list of resources that may be beneficial to you.
A list of resources can be found here.
Hip and Knee Replacement
Surgeries are performed at one of the following:
- UT Health Austin’s Ambulatory Surgery Center
- Dell Seton Medical Center at The University of Texas
- Ascension Seton Medical Center Austin
You’ll receive a call a few days before your procedure to confirm the location and arrival time.
Most patients receive spinal anesthesia (numbing from the waist down) along with IV sedation to keep you comfortable during surgery. Your anesthesia team will explain details and answer questions on the day of your procedure.
Yes. Please bring a front-wheeled walker. This is required for safe mobility after both hip and knee replacement.
Yes. You must have someone with you for the first few days after surgery.
Do not remove your bandage for the first two weeks unless it becomes soaked by more than 50%. Some mild bleeding and swelling are normal.
You may resume driving once you are no longer taking narcotic medications and can safely move your foot from the gas to the brake pedal.
Hip replacement: Formal physical therapy is not required immediately after surgery. Most patients recover well by staying active and walking around the home. Your care team will assess your progress at the two-week follow-up and recommend therapy if needed.
Knee replacement: Physical therapy is essential to prevent stiffness and restore movement. Your first session should be scheduled within five days of surgery, and you’ll be given home exercises to perform daily to support your recovery.
Hip replacement: Appointments at 2 weeks, 6 weeks (with X-rays), and 1 year.
Knee replacement: Outpatient physical therapy begins within 5 days, plus follow-up visits at 2 weeks, 6 weeks (with X-rays), and 1 year.
While complications are rare, risks may include:
- Infection: Less than 2% risk; higher if you smoke, have uncontrolled diabetes, or a BMI greater than 40.
- Dental Work: Avoid elective dental work, including cleanings, for three months after surgery.
- Blood clots: Less than 5% risk, higher if you have a history of PE or DVT. Prevent clots by walking frequently and pumping your ankles. You’ll also be prescribed medication — take as directed.
- Nerve changes: Rare but possible. Numbness near the incision often improves over time, though it may persist in some cases.
- Bleeding: Some bleeding is expected, but it is minimized during surgery. Bandages may show some blood, which is normal. Contact us if blood soaks through the bandage.
- Pain: Multiple medications are provided for pain management. Take all as directed. Allow 24–48 hours for refills and request them in advance if needed before weekends.
Swelling is normal for both hip and knee replacements and may last several weeks:
When swelling occurs:
- Apply ice for 20 minutes at a time to reduce swelling and pain.
- Elevate your leg above heart level to help minimize swelling
Mild fevers during the first few weeks are also normal.
There are no specific activity or dietary restrictions after hip or knee replacement.