Alex W: Hip Arthroscopy, Femoroplasty, Hip Labrum Repair – Benedict Nwachukwu, MD, Mba | Hip, knee & shoulder specialist | Orthopedic surgeon

From a covid runner to a maratoner

Alex Wu is an athlete who started running during Covid and ran his first marathon in 2020. In fact, before his injury, he ran 70 miles per week and had just qualified for the Boston Marathon.

Signs of the first problem

Only about a year ago (Alex remembered one running specifically) where he ran, and suddenly had pain in his hips. It is a strange new type of pain that he has never experienced before. For the next 2 months, the pain worsens.

Conflicting suggestions from the doctor

Alex saw 3 or 4 orthopedic doctors for his hip pain, all who had different recommendations. A doctor says he must have a steroid injection in hip and physical therapy. Another doctor suggested an immediate surgery. Alex did not feel great about the advice he received so he went to see Dr. Benedict Nwachukwu.

Chrosing Dr. Out of the sisters

Alex has done his research! He explores the internet: reviews, blogs, and reddit. Wherever he turned around, he found the positive things that people said about Dr. Nwachukwu and how he has positive results, especially with athletes. Alex scheduled consultation. “I feel listening,” he told us. “Dr. Nwachukwu heard the struggle that I experienced and sympathized with what I experienced.”

A conservative approach to treat hip pain

Nwachukwu spent time with Alex, discussed the symptoms, and carried out additional tests. The advice is conservative: try physical therapy for a while and see what happens. Alex did exactly what Dr. Nwachukwu.

At rest is not enough

However, after 3 months inactive, he felt quite defeated. Not only he could not run, but he also could not sit for a long time. He could not hang out with friends, sit in a bar or dinner, even difficult to navigate the roads in New York City. “Not just running,” he explained, “I can’t do anything without hip pain.”

Switch to hip surgery

Alex returns to Dr. Nwachukwu where they discussed the choice of surgical care, hope, and the recovery process.

“I was 27 years old and did not want to undergo hip surgery, but I realized that I was running out of choices,” Alex explained.

Operation Day

The operation day is simple, he even drives his bicycle to the hospital. His friend and girlfriend picked him up and he started his recovery. Shortly after, he returned to physical therapy.

Understand Alex’s condition

Nwachukwu did the hip artroscopy on his right hip. Alex has a hip condition that Dr. Nwachukwu is very familiar with the called FAI (Femoroacetabular Outlet) with a specific type of outlet is the CAM outlet. Alex also has a labral tear on his hips, a condition that causes instability and pain.

Hip procedure is carried out

Nwachukwu is famous for “repairing hip pain” and the procedure for Alex includes:

The road to recovery

The next 3 months after rocky operation and difficult for Alex. Alex experienced constant hip pain for 3 months after surgery. The pain slightly relented and then left and ignited for the next 3 months.

“I feel depressed,” he admitted. “The quality of my life is not the same. I still experience hip pain and I almost gave up back to the level that I experienced before my hip pain began.”

Turning point

Alex continued physical therapy. “In 6 months, I reached a turning point,” Alex said to us. “I finally felt better, not sick and felt like I was ready to do a serious rehabilitation.”

Run off

During the 6-9 months, Alex felt like his body finally came. In the 9th month he ran without discomfort. “It’s almost strange,” Alex explained, “waiting for my hips to hurt, but apparently not.”

Back to shape

In the 9-12 months running off and he felt like “Alex old Alex.” He increased his training from 2 times a week to 3 times a week, and still felt great.

The return of marathon after hip surgery

One week before the commemoration of his hip surgery, he carried out the Marathon of New York City. He said all the week before the race and touched the start line felt real. Less than 6 months ago, he could not walk without pain, and now he has the opportunity to race the biggest marathon in the world again. He was finished at 3:04 and actually was at speed for 2:50 and personal notes through Mile 20 before the lack of training/fitness due to out for operation and rehabilitation, following him. He said that for most of the race, he was very happy to feel the rush and adrenaline racing again.

Words of encouragement

Alex is happy to report that even after the marathon, his hips did not hurt.

Alex advice for other athletes who face hip surgery:

“Hurry up there! It’s difficult and it takes a long time to recover. I don’t even feel better until after the 6 -month sign but then everything becomes better. Maintain faith, give time, and don’t give up!”

Note from Dr. BUDIH SIHES:

It is not unusual for athletes to experience hip pain and FAI (Femoroacetabular outlet). It is very important, however, that these athletes receive appropriate treatment and follow the patient’s special physical therapy routine. I have extensive special training in diagnosing and treating hip pain for athletes and non-athletes. I also have very successful results for my patients in and around the United States.

Thank you specifically to Alex for sharing the story!