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Hip Resurfacing Surgery Specialist

Ugo  Ihekweazu, MD, FAAOS -  - Hip and Knee Replacement & Orthopedic Surgeon

Ugo Ihekweazu, MD, FAAOS

Board-Certified Hip and Knee Replacement & Orthopedic Surgeon

If your hip joint is causing you pain and limiting your mobility in meaningful ways, a hip resurfacing surgery may be an option, though it’s not for everyone. Ugo Ihekweazu, MD, is one of the few orthopedic surgeons in the state of Texas certified to perform this complex surgery, thereby allowing patients a wider choice of treatment options for painful joints. To learn more about hip resurfacing, call the office or schedule an appointment using the online booking tool.

Hip Resurfacing Surgery Q&A

What is hip resurfacing?

In a traditional hip replacement surgery, Dr. Ihekweazu replaces the femoral head of your femur, as well as the socket into which it fits. With a hip resurfacing, he leaves the top portion of your femur intact and caps it with metal instead. 


As with total hip replacement, Dr. Ihekweazu replaces your socket with a metal component, which allows the capped femoral head to glide smoothly within your hip socket.  Because of the bone and anatomy restoring nature of the operation, hip resurfacing patients are able to return to even higher levels of physical activity than those with total hip replacements.  In fact, many patients return to professional and Olympic level competition following the procedure.

Who is a candidate for hip resurfacing?

Hip resurfacing isn’t a technique that is suitable for everyone. In fact, for many patients, it is not recommended. Because Dr. Ihekweazu leaves much of your femoral head intact, it’s imperative that you have strong, healthy bones. Most hip resurfacing procedures are reserved for younger candidates (under 65) with larger bones, and it’s generally not recommended for women, who naturally have less bone density and smaller bones than their male counterparts.

The only way to know for sure whether you’re a good candidate is to sit down with Dr. Ihekweazu to review your unique situation and figure out which option is best.

What is recovery like after hip resurfacing?

For most hip procedures, modern anesthetic techniques are utilized, and you should expect to spend roughly one night in the hospital, although some highly motivated patients go home the day of surgery. Once you’re up and moving, which Dr. Ihekweazu encourages on the day of your surgery, he sends you home with comprehensive recovery instructions. One important part of the recovery plan is physical therapy to help you re-strengthen the extremity. It’s important that you follow the instructions to have the best outcome possible.

What are the advantages of hip resurfacing?

Hip resurfacing is a technique that’s reserved for patients who have damaged cartilage, but strong bones underneath. Because Dr. Ihekweazu preserves much of your natural femur, if you are young, active and want to get back to an active lifestyle, this procedure should be considered.

If you’d like to explore whether hip resurfacing is right for you, call the office, or fill out the online form to request a consultation.