An Active Lifestyle Interrupted by Hip Arthritis

Mike, a retired commercial pilot who previously owned an aerial mapping business, has spent nearly three decades enjoying the outdoor lifestyle New Mexico offers. Skiing and cycling were central to his routine, and he maintained a high level of physical activity well into his 50s.

Two years ago, during a powder day on a steep ski run known as Avalanche Bowl, Mike struck a hidden boulder beneath the snow. His left leg twisted awkwardly, and moments later, he collided with another rock. Although he managed to ski down and even attempt another run, he knew something was wrong with his hip.

When Hip Pain Starts to Control Daily Life

Following the injury, Mike visited a local health care provider and was diagnosed with hip osteoarthritis. Initial treatment included prescription anti-inflammatory medication and, later, a steroid injection. Despite these efforts, his symptoms continued to worsen.

Mike experienced persistent hip pain, grinding while walking, clicking and popping sensations, and difficulty sitting for long periods. Stairs became challenging, and cycling felt unbearable. He described the sensation as riding with “a pocketful of razor blades.” Eventually, the pain interfered with basic movements like getting in and out of his car, prompting him to switch vehicles.

His turning point came during a family college tour. Frequent stops to rest and increasing joint pain made it clear that hip arthritis was limiting his quality of life. Mike decided it was time to pursue a long-term solution.

Exploring Hip Resurfacing as an Alternative to Total Hip Replacement

A local joint specialist recommended surgery, but advised that Mike was too young for a total hip replacement. This led Mike to research alternative surgical options, where he discovered hip resurfacing.

Hip resurfacing is a bone-preserving alternative to total hip replacement, designed for younger, active patients with hip arthritis. Unlike traditional hip replacement, which removes the entire femoral head, hip resurfacing reshapes and caps the existing bone, preserving more of the patient’s natural anatomy.

At the time, hip resurfacing was not offered locally in New Mexico, prompting Mike to search nationally for an experienced surgeon.

What Is Hip Resurfacing and Who Is a Candidate?

Hip resurfacing involves placing a metal cap over the reshaped femoral head and lining the hip socket with a metal cup. By preserving the femoral neck and most of the natural bone, this procedure may allow for more natural movement and easier revision if future surgery is needed.

“Hip resurfacing is best suited for young, active male patients who want to return to high-level athletic activity, particularly running sports,” explains Dr. Craig Della Valle, joint replacement surgeon at Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush and professor at Rush University. “While women can be candidates for newer resurfacing implants, we tend to see fewer female patients seeking return to high-impact athletics.”

Choosing an Expert Hip Resurfacing Surgeon

Mike learned that Dr. Della Valle has extensive experience performing and studying hip resurfacing procedures. He scheduled a telehealth consultation, during which Dr. Della Valle reviewed his imaging and confirmed that he was a strong candidate for hip resurfacing surgery.

Confident in the treatment plan and surgical expertise, Mike traveled to Chicago for an in-person preoperative evaluation. Surgery was scheduled shortly thereafter.

Hip Resurfacing Surgery and Recovery Timeline

Mike underwent hip resurfacing surgery at Rush Oak Brook Outpatient Center. The procedure went smoothly, and he was able to return to his hotel the same day.

Following surgery, Dr. Della Valle and his care team closely monitored Mike’s recovery. He was cleared to return home to New Mexico just days later.

“We are conservative in the early postoperative period to allow the wound to heal and the implant to bond with the bone,” says Dr. Della Valle. “Physical therapy typically begins around three weeks after surgery. By six weeks, patients can discontinue using a cane, begin stretching, and gradually increase resistance.”

Light running may be permitted after hip resurfacing, with higher-level activities allowed around six months, depending on healing and strength. By one year post surgery, patients are generally cleared to resume all activities.

Returning to Sports After Hip Resurfacing

Today, just four months after surgery, Mike is pain-free and back to cycling.

Before surgery, he could only tolerate riding about one mile per week. Six weeks after surgery, he gradually increased his distance, riding three miles, then four. By ten weeks post surgery, he had logged more than 230 miles.

Although he admits he may have progressed too quickly at first, Mike says the results have been life-changing.

“It’s tremendous to have my life back,” he says. “I don’t think about my hip anymore. I can comfortably ride 20 miles again and recently walked 14,000 steps in one day without discomfort.”

Life After Hip Resurfacing and Looking Ahead

Mike plans to return to skiing after allowing a full year for recovery. He is confident that giving his body time to heal will allow him to return to the slopes at his previous level.

Dr. Della Valle and his team share that confidence and look forward to seeing Mike back in action.

For active patients with hip arthritis who want to maintain a high level of physical performance, hip resurfacing may offer an effective alternative to total hip replacement when performed by an experienced surgeon.