Hip Replacement Surgery Transforms Life for 75-Year-Old Vinton Man
Bill Keller of Vinton says he feels better than he has in 15 years, thanks to two successful hip replacement surgeries performed within the last 18 months.
“I really feel good,” Keller says. “I have no pain. I’m sleeping in my bed again. I’ve lost 30 pounds. Before the surgeries, I was sleeping on a recliner because I couldn’t get comfortable in a bed. I wasn’t exercising because my hip pain was so intense. Now, I’m walking and working out regularly.”
From Chronic Hip Pain to a Pain-Free Life
Keller’s journey began in his early 60s with mild discomfort that gradually worsened into chronic hip pain.
“I was on a cruise when the pain became unbearable,” he recalls. “I couldn’t even walk from one end of the ship to the other.”
In May 2024, Keller underwent his first total hip replacement at St. Luke’s Hospital in Cedar Rapids. His orthopedic surgeon, Omar Akhtar, MD, with Physicians’ Clinic of Iowa (PCI), performed the procedure using the most advanced robotic technology available.
“When choosing a surgeon, it’s important to go to a hospital and surgeon with high volumes of joint replacements,” says Dr. Akhtar. “St. Luke’s and PCI together perform some of the highest numbers of hip and knee replacements in the region.”
In addition to the high volumes, St. Luke’s has a unique, collaborative partnership with Linn County Anesthesiologists, P.C., offering its patients exclusive access to the only anesthesiology group in the area. This network allows St. Luke’s to provide the highest quality of care and the best possible patient experience in Cedar Rapids.
Advanced Hip Replacement Technology for Better Outcomes
Keller received a MAKO robotic arm-assisted hip replacement using the direct anterior approach, a minimally invasive technique that allows for faster recovery and more precise implant placement.
“This technology allows us to customize the procedure to the patient’s anatomy,” explains Dr. Akhtar. “We know the implant size and placement before we even enter the operating room. This enables us to perform a less traumatic technique, which leads to better outcomes and quicker recovery.”
Initially, Keller’s other hip was manageable but within months, it deteriorated rapidly.
“We tried to wait, but eventually it affected his ability to do basic daily activities,” says Dr. Akhtar. “That’s when we decided it was time for the second hip replacement.”
Faster Recovery and Long-Lasting Results
Keller had his second hip replaced in January 2025. He regrets waiting so long to have the surgeries.
“I should’ve done it sooner,” he says. “People think joint pain is just part of aging, but it doesn’t have to be. If your hips or knees hurt, you won’t exercise and that accelerates aging. I want people to know hip replacement surgery isn’t as painful as they think. Recovery is faster and easier if you put in the work.”
After each surgery, Keller completed physical therapy and adopted a new fitness routine. He now works out regularly, lifting 50 pounds at each station in a three-circuit workout. It’s something he never imagined possible before surgery.
What to Expect After Hip Replacement Surgery
“Most patients are off pain medications within two weeks,” says Dr. Akhtar. “Many return to desk jobs within four weeks.”
Thanks to pain management options and minimally invasive techniques, today’s hip replacements are less intimidating. Modern implants can last 25 years or more, with few activity restrictions. Patients can walk, run, play sports and return to physically demanding jobs sooner.
A Message of Hope for Those with Hip Pain
For anyone suffering from hip arthritis or severe joint pain, Keller’s story is a powerful reminder that hip replacement surgery can be life changing.
“People should be excited about hip replacement,” says Dr. Akhtar. “It’s a chance to get your life back.”
“I hope people read this and say, ‘if this old guy can do it, so can I,’” Keller says. “I feel better than I have in a long time. I have no pain at all. And when I say no pain, I mean absolutely no pain. Now I am looking forward to a trip to Iceland, where I can truly enjoy myself without being limited by my mobility.”