Celebrating 20 Years of Excellence in Hip Preservation at UPMC Whitfield Hospital

This year represents a remarkable milestone for Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon and Hip Preservation Specialist, Mr. Patrick Carton, as he celebrates 20 years of pioneering work in hip preservation surgery. For the past two decades - 16 of which have been based at UPMC Whitfield Hospital in Waterford - Mr. Carton has dedicated his expertise to helping patients overcome hip pain, regain mobility, and improve their overall quality of life. 

Advancing Hip Preservation Surgery

A leading expert in hip arthroscopy, Mr. Carton has played a crucial role in developing advanced surgical techniques to treat hip conditions without resorting to full joint replacement. Hip arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that aims to repair damaged structures, potentially delaying or even eliminating the need for a hip replacement in the future.

One of the most common conditions treated through hip preservation surgery is femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), where irregular bone shapes in the hip joint cause pain, stiffness, and restricted movement. Left untreated, FAI can lead to cartilage damage and, eventually, osteoarthritis. While athletes and physically active individuals are more prone to early symptoms due to increased stress on their joints, FAI can affect anyone, including those with sedentary lifestyles.

Thanks to years of dedicated research and innovation, Mr. Carton has refined techniques to address even the most complex hip conditions, such as hip dysplasia, with outstanding results.

A Commitment to Research and Patient Care

The evolution of hip preservation surgery has been driven by continuous research and a commitment to improving patient outcomes. Mr. Carton’s practice is among the few centres worldwide capable of publishing long-term results, with follow-up data on over 3,800 patients who have undergone hip preservation procedures. These outcomes, tracked at two, five, and ten years post-surgery – with 15-year data on the way – provide invaluable insights into the effectiveness and longevity of these procedures.

His research has been recognised nationally and internationally, earning awards at leading medical conferences and publication in top orthopaedic and sports medicine journals.

Speaking about his commitment to research, Mr. Patrick Carton, said; “The backbone of my practice has always been research. By analysing patient-reported outcomes, we continuously refine our techniques to achieve the best possible results for our future patients. We are incredibly proud of the work we have done over the past 20 years. Our commitment to providing high-quality healthcare has never wavered, and we look forward to continuing to serve our community for years to come.” 
 
Mr. Pat Carton sees patients in an out-patient setting in UPMC Whitfield Hospital and also in Cork. Read more about Mr. Carton’s professional profile or to make an enquiry.