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Straight answers about hips, knees & recovery
Every article is written and medically reviewed by Dr. Morton — no content farms, no fluff. Just the information patients actually ask for.
Hawai‘i's first smart knee: the Persona IQ arrives
On October 4, 2022, Dr. Paul Morton implanted Hawai‘i's first Persona IQ smart knee — the first FDA-cleared knee implant with built-in recovery sensors, placed with robotic assistance.
A homecoming first: robotic joint replacement reaches the Big Island
On March 3, 2022, Kea‘au-raised surgeon Dr. Paul Morton performed the Big Island's first robotic-assisted joint replacement at Kona Community Hospital — a homecoming milestone for Hawai‘i Island orthopedics.
The 5 most common causes of hip pain — and what to do about each
Groin, thigh, or outer-hip pain? Honolulu hip surgeon Dr. Paul Morton explains the 5 common causes of hip pain and when it's time to be seen.
The adductor canal block: pain control built into rapid recovery knee replacement
How an adductor canal nerve block controls knee replacement pain — the anatomy, the 3–4 day pain-pump catheter, and its role in Dr. Morton's rapid recovery protocol.
Alpha-2-macroglobulin (A2M): a promising idea, honestly assessed
Alpha-2-macroglobulin (A2M) in Honolulu: a blood-derived protein that blocks cartilage-degrading enzymes. The honest state of the evidence and who might try it.
Not ready for a knee replacement? Here's the full ladder of alternatives
Alternatives to knee replacement: therapy, braces, injections, PRP, iovera and partial knee — what works and when, from Dr. Paul Morton in Honolulu.
Too young for a knee replacement? Age is a factor — not a verdict
Am I too young for a knee replacement? Dr. Paul Morton on partial, patellofemoral, and total knee options, implant lifespan, and how robotics changed it.
Too young for a hip replacement? The math has changed
Am I too young for hip replacement? Cementless fixation, modern bearings, and robotics changed the math. Honest answers from Dr. Paul Morton in Honolulu.
Recovery gear that actually helps after hip and knee surgery
A Honolulu joint replacement surgeon's guide to recovery products for hip and knee surgery — cold therapy, bathroom safety, dressing aids, and what to skip.
ACL injuries in sports: what happened, what to do next, and how to keep it from happening again
How ACL tears happen in sports, sideline first aid, when surgery beats rehab, and proven prevention programs — from Honolulu surgeon Dr. Paul Morton.
Antibiotics and dental work after joint replacement: what actually protects you
Do you need antibiotics before dental work after joint replacement? A Honolulu hip and knee surgeon explains today's guidance, timing, and who still needs them.
Arthritis after an ACL tear: why the risk stays — and what you can do about it
Arthritis risk after ACL reconstruction — the numbers, and what lowers it: meniscus preservation, strength, and monitoring. Dr. Paul Morton, Honolulu.
Joint arthroplasty explained: the types, the materials, and how to choose well
What is joint arthroplasty? A Honolulu surgeon explains the types — total, partial, revision, resurfacing — plus implant materials and how to choose a surgeon well.
The BEAR® implant in Honolulu: helping your torn ACL heal itself
BEAR® ACL repair in Honolulu: how the implant heals your own ACL, who qualifies (50-day window), BEAR II trial results, risks, recovery. Dr. Paul Morton.
MLS laser therapy for arthritis: an honest look at what it can do
MLS laser therapy for arthritis, explained by a Honolulu orthopedic surgeon — how photobiomodulation may ease pain and swelling, and what the evidence shows.
Why Hawai‘i is the best place to recover from a hip or knee replacement
Warm weather, flat walkable terrain, ocean therapy, and world-class hospitals: the honest medical case for recovering from hip or knee replacement in Hawai‘i — for residents and fly-in patients alike.
CBD in orthopedic practice: recovery and well-being beyond opiates
Dr. Paul Morton on clinical-grade CBD in orthopedic care: the evidence for arthritis pain, post-surgical recovery, sleep, and reducing opioid use after joint replacement.
Knee replacement on Medicare in Hawai‘i: what you'll actually pay
Medicare covers total knee replacement in Hawai‘i. See what you'll actually owe, how supplemental plans help, and why surgery centers cost about 30% less.
My knee keeps clicking — did I tear my meniscus?
Knee clicking explained by a Honolulu knee surgeon: crepitus vs. a meniscus tear vs. cartilage wear — and the signs that mean it's time to get checked.
The first robotic total hip replacement in Hawai‘i
In 2022, Dr. Paul Morton performed Hawai‘i's first robotic-assisted total hip replacement on the ROSA platform — a milestone for precision hip surgery in the islands.
How long does a knee replacement last? Longer than you think
How long do knee replacements last? About 98% still work at 10 years, over 80% at 20. What wears out and how to protect yours — Dr. Paul Morton, Honolulu.
Discharge after surgery: where will you recover?
Home, hotel, hospital, rehab hospital, or skilled nursing? Dr. Paul Morton compares every discharge option after hip and knee replacement in Hawai'i.
The first year after ACL reconstruction: a month-by-month roadmap
ACL reconstruction recovery month by month — running at 3–4 months, testing-based return to sport at 9–12 — from Dr. Paul Morton, Honolulu.
The first year after hip replacement: from first steps to first swim
Your first year after hip replacement — walking day one, driving, golf, ocean swims, paddling, and travel guidance from Dr. Paul Morton in Honolulu.
Golf after knee replacement: 9 tips for a safe, successful return to the course
Nine surgeon-approved tips for a safe return to golf after knee replacement — from first putts to full rounds. Guidance from Dr. Paul Morton in Honolulu.
Hiking after knee replacement: getting back on the trail, safely
How to return to hiking after knee replacement — trail-readiness milestones, poles, footwear, and a smart downhill strategy from Dr. Paul Morton in Honolulu.
How much does a hip or knee replacement cost?
How much does a hip or knee replacement cost? US list prices average ~$40,000. What each fee covers and what insured, Medicare and self-pay patients pay.
Navigating orthopedic care with HMSA: how every plan works at Dr. Morton's practice
Dr. Paul Morton accepts HMSA (Blue Cross Blue Shield Hawai‘i) plans — PPO, HMO, Akamai Advantage, Quest, EUTF, Fed 87, and FEP. How each plan works for your joint care.
Hyaluronic acid gel injections: honest answers for arthritic knees
Hyaluronic acid gel knee injections in Honolulu: how viscosupplementation lubricates an arthritic knee, single vs series, honest evidence, and coverage.
KITV's Aging Well: robotic-assisted surgery helps people recover faster from knee replacement
KITV's Aging Well featured Dr. Paul Morton on how robotic-assisted knee replacement helps Hawai‘i patients recover faster — watch the segment and the science behind it.
The 11 most common causes of knee pain — and what actually helps at home
Knee pain slowing you down? Honolulu knee surgeon Dr. Paul Morton explains 11 common causes, the home remedies that genuinely help, and when to be seen.
Knee replacement recovery: what the first year really looks like
Month-by-month knee replacement recovery timeline from Honolulu surgeon Dr. Paul Morton — walking day one, driving, stairs, and full strength by one year.
How successful is knee replacement? The honest numbers
Knee replacement success rate: 75–90% of patients report lasting pain relief and function at 10 years. What success really means — Dr. Paul Morton, Honolulu.
Personalized alignment: fitting the knee replacement to you
Personalized alignment fits a knee replacement to your anatomy. Honolulu surgeon Dr. Paul Morton explains how it works, the evidence, and the trade-offs.
Medial knee pain: 10 causes of inner-knee pain — and how each one is treated
Inner knee pain? Honolulu knee surgeon Dr. Paul Morton breaks down 10 causes of medial knee pain — meniscus, MCL, arthritis — and what treats each one.
Medication after surgery: your multimodal home plan, explained
Medication after joint replacement, explained by a Honolulu surgeon — scheduled acetaminophen and NSAIDs, a short opioid taper, blood thinners, safe disposal.
Nutrition after surgery: feed the recovery you want
Nutrition after surgery speeds healing — protein targets, vitamin D, calcium, iron, hydration, and blood-sugar control from Honolulu's Dr. Paul Morton.
PRP and meniscus repair: can platelets help a torn meniscus heal?
PRP in meniscus repair, explained honestly by Honolulu knee surgeon Dr. Paul Morton — the biology, what meta-analyses show, and when it's worth adding.
Metal allergy and joint replacement: what the evidence really shows
Worried about nickel allergy and joint replacement? Honolulu surgeon Dr. Paul Morton explains the evidence, testing, and hypoallergenic implant options.
MidWeek features Dr. Morton: "Utilizing Robotics in Orthopedics"
Dr. Paul Morton was featured in MidWeek magazine's 'Utilizing Robotics in Orthopedics' — what surgical robots really do in joint replacement, and why precision matters.
Orthopedic surgeon vs. pain management specialist: who do you actually need?
Orthopedic surgeon or pain management specialist? How the roles differ, where they overlap, and who to see first — Dr. Paul Morton, Honolulu.
Why does my hip replacement still hurt? Ten causes worth finding
Hip replacement still hurting? The 10 causes of a painful hip replacement — from loosening to nerve injury — and the workup that finds yours, in Honolulu.
Why a partial knee replacement can still hurt — and when it's time to convert
Why does a partial knee replacement still hurt? Honolulu surgeon Dr. Paul Morton explains progression, loosening, and when conversion to a total knee is needed.
Returning to pickleball after a hip or knee replacement
When can you play pickleball after a hip or knee replacement? Dr. Paul Morton shares realistic timelines, return-to-play tips, and how to protect your new joint.
PRP knee injections: everything you actually need to know
A Honolulu joint surgeon's honest guide to PRP knee injections: how to prepare, what the visit feels like, aftercare week by week, cost, and candidacy.
Post-traumatic arthritis: when an old injury wears out a joint early
Post-traumatic arthritis strikes younger joints after fractures and ligament injuries. A Honolulu surgeon on alignment, timing, and cementless options for active patients.
PRP for knee arthritis: who it helps, and who it doesn't
Does PRP help knee arthritis? A Honolulu joint surgeon on how PRP compares to cortisone and gel, the ideal candidate, and pairing it with strengthening.
PRP for patellar tendinopathy (jumper's knee): where it honestly fits
Jumper's knee (patellar tendinopathy) in Honolulu: Dr. Paul Morton on progressive loading first, and where PRP honestly fits when rehab has stalled.
Rapid recovery: how joint replacement lost its hospital stay
The rapid-recovery protocol explained: how pre-op preparation, muscle-sparing surgery, opioid-sparing anesthesia, and same-day walking replaced the old 3–5 day hospital stay.
Your joint implant was recalled — here's what that actually means
Heard your hip or knee implant was recalled? Most recalls aren't emergencies. Honolulu surgeon Dr. Paul Morton explains what they mean and what to do next.
Choosing the right specialist for regenerative medicine
Who should perform PRP or BMAC? Honolulu surgeon Dr. Paul Morton on which specialists are trained for regenerative medicine — and how to vet a clinic.
Returning to sports after a total knee replacement: the sport-by-sport guide
Sport-by-sport return timelines after total knee replacement — swimming, cycling, golf, pickleball, surfing, skiing — from Dr. Paul Morton in Honolulu.
Rheumatologist vs. orthopedic surgeon: which should you see?
Rheumatologist or orthopedic surgeon for your joint pain? A simple symptom-based guide: inflammatory vs. mechanical pain, when each specialist is right, and how they work together.
The ROSA robot comes to Queen's Medical Center
ROSA robotic-assisted joint replacement is available at The Queen's Medical Center — bringing sub-millimeter surgical precision to Hawai‘i's largest hospital for complex and hospital-based joint patients.
Running and joint replacements: what the evidence actually says
Can you run after a hip or knee replacement? Dr. Paul Morton reviews what registry studies actually show about running with a joint replacement — and how to return to the sports you love safely.
How to speed up your recovery after hip or knee replacement
Practical, surgeon-approved tips for a faster recovery after hip or knee replacement in Hawai‘i — prehab, protein, home setup, walking, ice, and sleep.
What patients — and Honolulu Magazine — say about Dr. Morton
What patients say about Dr. Paul Morton: Honolulu Magazine Top Doctors honoree, 5-star Healthgrades and Vitals ratings, and real review excerpts from Google, Yelp, and Healthgrades.
Partial vs. total knee replacement: which is right for your knee?
Partial vs. total knee replacement — an honest comparison of recovery, feel, durability, and who qualifies for each, from Honolulu surgeon Dr. Paul Morton.
What a total knee replacement really costs in Honolulu
Total knee replacement in Honolulu averages about $40,740 vs $32,570 nationally. What drives Hawai‘i prices, what insurance leaves you owing, and how to save.
Voted 2023 Best Physician — Best of West Hawaii awards
Dr. Paul Morton was voted 2023 Best Physician in West Hawaii Today's Best of West Hawaii awards — reader-voted recognition from the Big Island community he grew up in and serves in Hilo and Kona.
Implant surveillance: the simple habit that protects your joint replacement
Implant surveillance uses scheduled X-rays and checkups to catch silent wear or loosening early, when fixes are simpler. From Dr. Paul Morton in Honolulu.
When is hardware removal necessary in orthopedic surgery?
Screws, plates, rods, and pins are usually built to stay in for life — but not always. Dr. Paul Morton explains when orthopedic hardware removal makes sense.
Why fellowship training matters when someone replaces your joint
What does fellowship training add to a joint replacement surgeon? Volume, complex-case skill, and — research suggests — fewer complications. From Honolulu's Dr. Morton.
Will your new hip or knee set off airport metal detectors?
Will your hip or knee replacement set off airport metal detectors? A Honolulu joint replacement surgeon explains screening, body scanners, and what to say.
Yoga after hip replacement: returning to the mat with confidence
How to return to yoga after hip replacement — anterior approach patients usually have no precautions. Pose progression from Dr. Paul Morton in Honolulu.
Yoga after knee replacement surgery: five poses to rebuild your knee
Five modified yoga poses — Warrior Two, Tree, Bridge, Child's Pose, and Savasana — to rebuild strength, mobility, and calm after knee replacement, from Dr. Paul Morton.
Take the first step toward moving without pain
Consultations in Honolulu, West Oahu, Hilo and Kona — most new patients are seen within one to two weeks — with telehealth when an in-person visit isn’t practical.
Paul Norio Morton, MD, FAAOS, FAAHKS · Hawai‘i’s first robotic hip & smart knee · Read patient reviews →
Most major plans accepted — we verify benefits before your visit.