Tim Kavanaugh, M.D. owner Alaska Bone and Joint Institute.

• Author: Stomierowski, Peg
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Dr. Tim Kavanaugh of Alaska Bone and Joint Institute has been practicing orthopedic surgery since 2002, and has served as past president of the Anchorage Orthopedic Society. Kavanaugh came to Alaska after post-residency fellowship training in New Mexico, believing Alaska needed someone capable of operating a high-volume joint replacement/revision practice. Up to 85 percent of surgeries in his practice involve total joint replacement, he says, while about 15 percent involve revision, or repeat procedures. "It's not unrealistic to expect to get 20 years of use from an artificial joint," he says. Kavanaugh holds board certification in knee and hip care, his specialties. Outside of work, he enjoys outdoor activities, cooking and rare books.

JOINT PRACTICE: Our focus is on care of the body's major joints when they are injured or worn from overuse. Joint degeneration often accompanies aging. As knees carry more weight and hips tend to increase in girth, pain and stiffness may result, causing difficulty in walking, sitting, standing, dancing and running.

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COMING TOGETHER: In 2009, our practice expanded when Dr. Brian Carino, a shoulder and elbow surgical specialist who trained (fellowship level as well) in Hawaii and New York, moved to Alaska with his wife and two children to join our practice. While our patient load has expanded, this collaboration has also enabled us to help a wider range of people.

TRENDS OF AGING: We offer surgical services in joint replacement, less invasive arthroscopy procedures, and injections to relieve joint pain. Alaskans tend to be very active, and many find their joints wearing out earlier than expected. Many of our patients are aging baby boomers, around 57 or 58 years old. With the aging population, and a third or more of people obese, osteoarthritis is expected to become even more prevalent here in Alaska.

QUALITY OF LIFE: Artificial joints are improving...