Dr. Katherine K. Li, MD is an orthopedic reconstructive surgeon in HOUSTON, TX specializing in adult orthopedic reconstructive surgery. Dr. Katherine K. Li, MD is affiliated with Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital and Houston Methodist.
Hip Replacement
Hip replacement is a surgical procedure to replace parts of the hip joint that are damaged by disease or injury. It is most often done to treat arthritis, a common condition that causes stiffness and pain in the joints. Surgery is used only after other, less invasive treatments have failed to work.
The type of hip replacement patients receive is based on their age and the extent of damage to their hip. The hip joint has two parts: the femoral head, or hip ball, and the acetabulum, or hip socket. The hip ball is located on the upper end of the femur (thigh bone), and the hip socket is part of the pelvis. Depending on whether one or both parts require replacement, patients may need one of the following procedures:
During hip replacement surgery, an incision is made along the side of the hip. The surgeon may access the joint directly through this incision, or by using small tools and a lighted tube called an arthroscope to see and treat the joint. The diseased tissue is removed, and the bones are smoothed out and fitted with metal ends. The metal pieces may be cemented in place, or they may have a porous structure that encourages bone to grow into them and hold them securely. A smooth plastic cushion is placed between the two bones to replace the cartilage and allow the joint to move freely.
Hip replacement surgery takes one to two hours, and afterwards patients may stay in the hospital for several days. When patients go home, they will have to use a cane, walker, or crutches at first. Patients will likely have physical therapy to improve their ability to move with their new hip. After the first few weeks, light exercise such as bike riding or swimming will help them heal, but certain actions, such as climbing stairs or bending over at the waist, may be difficult at first. It will take several weeks before they can drive or return to work. Full recovery may take six to 12 months.
Musculoskeletal Problems
The musculoskeletal system refers collectively to the bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, and nerves. It is what gives the body structure and movement. Because this system encompasses so much of the body, musculoskeletal problems are extremely varied and can happen almost anywhere. There are musculoskeletal problems that affect only the joints, those that affect the bones, those that affect tendons and ligaments, and those that can happen in any area of the body but cause pain and numbness.
Joint problems include bursitis and arthritis. Bursitis is the inflammation of a fluid-filled sac cushion on the outside of a joint, causing symptoms including pain and swelling. Arthritis is the inflammation and damage of a joint due to wear and tear or disease. There are several treatments for arthritis, but if the damage progresses far enough, joint replacement may be necessary. In joint replacement, a metal or plastic implant is surgically placed within the joint to make movement easier.
Bone problems include scoliosis, fractures, and osteoporosis. Scoliosis is a curvature of the spine, making the normally straight spine look like a 'C' or 'S.' It is treated with braces or surgery. Osteoporosis is a disease that causes bones to weaken and break easily. It's most common in women, especially older women. Fully half of all women over 65 have osteoporosis. Fractures are any break in the bone. They can be a simple crack or a severe and complicated shatter. Osteoporosis causes fractures in people who have it, but other causes are trauma (such as a fall) or overuse.
Tendon and ligament problems most often result from injury or overuse. Two good examples are ligament tears and tendonitis. The most common ligament tear is the ACL tear in the knee. This ligament supports and stabilizes the knee and is most often torn during sports activities. Tendonitis happens when a tendon, which connects muscles and bones together, becomes irritated and inflamed. This happens most often in older patients who push their bodies too far, leading to pain and swelling. Treatment for both tendon and ligament problems usually includes rest, ice, and supporting the area to let it heal.
Pain and numbness problems can be caused by overuse, disease, an injury, or a compressed nerve. Lower back pain and carpal tunnel syndrome are two of the most common conditions patients encounter. Lower back pain may be caused by sore muscles that have been overworked, or an injury to the disks separating the vertebrae in the spine. Lower back pain usually goes away on its own within a few days, but it may require medical treatment depending on the cause. Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the nerve at the base of the palm becomes trapped or pinched. Symptoms include tingling, pain, numbness, or weakness in the hand. Treatment involves rest and sometimes steroid injections.
Because the musculoskeletal system involves so much of the body, problems here can be incredibly varied in their type and severity. Some musculoskeletal problems will go away on their own or only require rest, while others may require medication, physical therapy, or even surgery.
She completed residency at Carolinas Medical Center. She has a state license in Texas.
Residency: Carolinas Medical Center
Licensed In: Texas
Dr. Katherine K. Li, MD is associated with these hospitals and organizations:
Dr. Katherine K. Li, MD appears to accept the following insurance providers: CIGNA Open Access, United Healthcare PPO, United Healthcare POS, United Healthcare HMO, United Healthcare EPO, Blue Choice PPO, Blue Choice POS, First Health PPO, Aetna POS, Aetna QPOS, Aetna Workers' Compensation, Golden Rule, Best Doctors, Aetna Select, Aetna EPO, Trustmark , Aetna PPO, Aetna HMO, CIGNA Network, Aetna Affordable Health Choices, Aetna Signature Administrators, CIGNA PPO, CIGNA POS, CIGNA HMO, CorVel, CIGNA EPO, Aetna Medicare PPO, CIGNA Choice Fund, CIGNA Indemnity, AARP, Medicare Advantage, Blue Cross Blue Shield HMO, Blue Cross Blue Shield POS, Blue Cross Blue Shield EPO, Three Rivers Provider Network, Coventry PPO, HealthSpring, US Family Health Plan, Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO, United Healthcare, Medicare, Humana, Cigna, Molina Healthcare, First Health, WellPoint, Aetna Open Access, United Healthcare Community Plan (AmeriChoice), Humana Medicare Advantage PPO, Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield, CIGNA Network Open Access, PHCS PPO, MultiPlan PPO, Private Healthcare Systems (PHCS), Aetna APCN Plus Multi-Tier HM Tier 2, GeoBlue, BCBS PPO GUIDESTONE, TRS-Care Standard ALT B II Group 485006, TRS-Care Standard ALT B I Group 485005, Community Health Choice PREMIER Gold, TRS-ActiveCare Fully Insured Plan-South Texas Region Group 295430, TX Annual Conf of UMC-UMR, Aetna Student Health, Kelsey Seybold Affiliate Network, TRS-Care Standard ALT A II Group 485003, TRS-ActiveCare Primary Group 385003, Aetna Transplant, DEVOTED DUAL PLUS GREATER HOUSTON, Texas Kids First /Fidelity Security Student Accident Plan, DEVOTED CORE GREATER HOUSTON HMO, Occunet, TRS-Care Standard Group 485000, UnitedHealthOne, Reny Company Workers' Comp, TRS-Care Standard ALT A I Group 485002, Community Health Choice PREMIER Silver, Blue Essentials Access, TRS-ActiveCare Fully Insured Plan-West Texas Region Group 295781, UMR, TRS-ActiveCare 2 Group 385002, DEVOTED EXTRA GREATER HOUSTON (HMO), HAA Preferred Partners (International), Aetna Common Spirit Minimum Value Plan, Student Assurance Services Student Accident Plan, BCBS PPO Wespath, Aetna Health Network, Aetna Managed Choice / Elect Choice, United Health Integrated Services, Aetna Meritain Hlth/Aetna Premier Care (APCN), Olympus Managed Care (International), Aetna CommonSpirit Health KelseyCare, DEVOTED PREMIUM (PRIME) GREATER HOUSTON (HMO), Aetna Medicare HMO Prime, Aetna Choice POS / Open Choice, Aetna Signature Administrators Allied Benefits, Blue Edge, Blue Essentials, Aetna International, Aetna Medicare Dual Complete Plan (HMO D-SNP), Aetna TX Pref Plus II Network, Blue Cross Blue Shield FEP Federal Employee Plan, DEVOTED GIVEBACK GREATER HOUSTON (HMO), TRS-Care Standard CMED Group 485001, TRS-ActiveCare HD Group 385000, TRS-ActiveCare Primary Plus Group 385001, Aetna Signature Administrators TX Annual Conf of UMC, Texas Monarch/Web TPA Student Accident Plan, CareWorks Workers' Comp and Aetna Premier Care Network.
According to our sources, Dr. Katherine K. Li, MD accepts the following insurance providers:
Dr. Katherine K. Li, MD has an exceptional overall rating with an average of 4.96 out of 5 stars based on 94 ratings. We collect ratings and reviews of Dr. Katherine K. Li, MD from all over the web to help you find the right in HOUSTON, TX.
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These charts describe general payments received by Dr. Katherine K. Li, MD. Doctors may receive payments for a number of reasons, including meal compensation, travel compensation, and consulting.
| Smith+Nephew, Inc. |
$5,000
$5,000 |
|---|---|
| Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc. |
$100
Persona $100 |
| Peerless Surgical Inc. |
$23
$23 |
| Education | $5,000 |
|---|---|
| Food and Beverage | $123 |
Dr. Katherine Li is an adult orthopedic reconstructive surgery specialist in Houston, TX. Her areas of expertise include the following: knee problems, outpatient care, and anterior hip replacement. She is rated highly by her patients. Dr. Li seems to be an in-network provider for Trustmark, Aetna EPO, and Blue California, as well as other insurance carriers. Her education and training includes medical school at Baylor College of Medicine and residency at Carolinas Medical Center. She is conversant in Chinese. Dr. Li is professionally affiliated with Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital. Houston Methodist reports that Dr. Li is accepting new patients at her office in Houston, TX.