Traditionally, hip replacement surgery involved a large incision on the rear or side to access the diseased bone. A less invasive approach, through the front, uses a small incision.

Story by: Christine Fellingham on January 6, 2020

One of the first things Carl Kure, D.O., noticed about Louisvillians is how active they are.

It’s “one of the things that made us fall in love with this city,” Dr. Kure said, referring to himself and his fiancée. “I hope to help more of them enjoy that lifestyle for as long as possible.”

Dr. Kure is an orthopedic surgeon with Norton Orthopedic Institute, providing trauma care, joint replacements and other treatments that help keep his patients moving.

Dr. Kure uses an advancement in joint replacement that has become a growing trend in total hip arthroplasty. This less invasive approach allows patients to start recovering faster.

Traditionally, hip replacement surgery involved a large incision on the rear or side to access the diseased bone. Recovery was long and involved at least a couple nights in the hospital. A less invasive approach through the front uses a smaller incision, and even some patients can potentially go home the same day.

“People can walk out of the hospital the same day with limited pain and restrictions; we’re getting them back on their feet much faster,” Dr. Kure said.

Less invasive procedures with shorter recoveries make joint replacements a more attractive solution for patients, including those who enjoy sports and the outdoors.

According to Dr. Kure, the key is not only using the most cutting-edge technique, but ensuring that the surgeon and patient work together as a team.

“Setting patient expectations plays a significant role in what I do,” he said. “You have the best surgical outcome when the team inside and outside the hospital is all working together, and the patient is motivated to get back and do whatever it takes to get there.”

A childhood dream to be a surgeon

Growing up in Grand Blanc, Michigan, Dr. Kure envisioned a career as a surgeon.

“Growing up in medical family, I was exposed to medicine from a very young age, and I honestly always knew that I wanted to do surgery.”

The decision to specialize in orthopedic surgery came early too. A lifelong sports enthusiast, Dr. Kure understands the desire to keep moving.

“I bike, golf and participate in water sports,” he said. “I try to be active in all seasons, so I know I would be frustrated if an injury held me back.”

Inspired by the notion of helping others live life fully, he graduated from Michigan State University in East Lansing and entered the College of Osteopathic Medicine at Des Moines University in Iowa, focused on becoming an orthopedic surgeon. He came to Louisville for an orthopedic surgery fellowship at the University of Louisville after completing his residency in his home state of Michigan.

“The fellowship was a great opportunity to see a lot of Level I trauma,” Dr. Kure said. “It allowed me to gain great experience with traumatic injuries.”

Strong patient-doctor relationships are at the heart of Dr. Kure’s approach to medicine.

“One thing that is fascinating about orthopedic surgery is that you get to work with such different groups of people,” Dr. Kure said. “You work with the healthy and the unhealthy; young and old; active and inactive patients.”

Dr. Kure divides his time between general orthopedic patients and those with traumatic injuries.  No matter who the patient is, Dr. Kure’s goal is always the same.

“It’s about getting people back to a better quality of life, increasing their mobility and giving them the opportunity to do things they previously enjoyed,” he said.