Understanding the Hip with Expert Surgeon Dr. Benedict Nwachukwu
Meet Dr. Benedict Nwachukwu: Hip Preservation Specialist at HSS
If you’re dealing with hip pain or want to understand what’s really going on with your mobility, this blog is a must-read. Dr. Benedict Nwachukwu, a nationally recognized orthopedic surgeon at Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) in New York, joins us to talk about everything from hip impingement to cutting-edge joint preservation surgery.
But Dr. Benedict Nwachukwu isn’t just a surgeon—he’s a former college basketball player and someone who’s personally dealt with bilateral cam deformities (a form of hip impingement). His personal and professional experience gives him a unique perspective when treating athletes, weekend warriors, and patients hoping to avoid long-term joint issues.
But Dr. Benedict Nwachukwu isn’t just a surgeon—he’s a former college basketball player and someone who’s personally dealt with bilateral cam deformities (a form of hip impingement). His personal and professional experience gives him a unique perspective when treating athletes, weekend warriors, and patients hoping to avoid long-term joint issues.
What Is Hip Impingement? Dr. Nwachukwu Explains the Root Cause of Hip Pain
Hip impingement—also called femoroacetabular impingement (FAI)—happens when abnormal bone growth around the hip joint creates a mechanical conflict. This can damage cartilage and lead to labral tears, stiffness, or even arthritis if not addressed early.
“I thought I was just a stiff guy,” says Dr. Nwachukwu. “Turns out, it was hip impingement. We just didn’t know how to diagnose it back then.”
Because of this lack of awareness, many athletes delay seeking help.
Why Athletes Are at Risk for Hip Injuries, According to Hip Surgeon Dr. Nwachukwu
Dr. Nwachukwu emphasizes that FAI often starts in adolescence—especially in athletes involved in high-impact or rotational sports like:
- Soccer
- Basketball
- Football
- Lacrosse
- Golf
As a result of early sport specialization, more teens are experiencing hip problems than ever before.
Warning Signs of Hip Impingement Dr. Benedict Nwachukwu Wants You to Catch Early
If you’re an athlete or parent, watch for these early signs of hip impingement:
Groin pain or tightness during or after activity
Limited squat depth or stiffness
Needing to externally rotate the hip to flex
Recurrent knee or spine injuries without explanation
“Stiff hips increase the risk of ACL tears and even disc herniation. We always screen hips in athletes with repeat injuries.”
Therefore, athletes with repeat injuries should always be screened for hip dysfunction.
Non-Surgical Treatment Options
Thankfully, not all hip issues require surgery. Initially, Dr. Nwachukwu recommends conservative care, which includes:
- Improving soft tissue mobility through myofascial release and stretching
- Strengthening glutes and stabilizing hip muscles
- Monitoring symptoms with functional testing tools like force plates
Moreover, many athletes see significant improvement from these methods alone.
When Surgery Is the Right Call
If symptoms persist or the joint is showing signs of damage, Dr. Nwachukwu performs arthroscopic hip surgery, which may include:
- Labral repair – restoring the suction seal of the hip
- Femoral osteoplasty (femoroplasty) – shaving down the cam bone
- Cartilage preservation – to prevent progression to arthritis
In more complex cases, he also performs:
- Periacetabular Osteotomy (PAO) for dysplasia
- Femoral rotational osteotomy for abnormal femur alignment
“Hip preservation is about prolonging joint health—not replacing it.”
Recovery Timeline: What to Expect
Recovery is individualized, but here’s Dr. Nwachukwu’s general guideline:
| Phase | Timeline | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Crutches | 0–3 weeks | Partial weight-bearing, tissue healing |
| ROM + Strength | 3–12 weeks | Restore mobility, glute activation |
| Return to Run | 3–4 months | Running progression & impact loading |
| Sport-Specific | 4–6+ months | Cutting, agility, full return to sport |
Pro tip: The stronger your glutes are before surgery, the faster your recovery tends to be.
Why Rehab Is Just as Important as Surgery
Although surgery corrects the structure, recovery is powered by high-quality rehab. Dr. Nwachukwu emphasizes that:
“Surgery is only part of the process. Physical therapy is what completes the outcome.”
Dr. Nwachukwu provides detailed post-op protocols and stays closely connected with his patients and therapists. He encourages athletes to take rehab seriously—and reminds them that mental recovery (like overcoming fear of movement) is just as critical as physical healing.
For that reason, he collaborates closely with physical therapists to ensure his patients regain strength, mobility, and confidence. This approach maximizes both safety and performance outcomes.
Hip Pain Is Not a Life Sentence
One of the biggest myths?
“If you have hip impingement, you’ll need a hip replacement someday.” False.
With proper diagnosis, conservative care, and timely intervention, hip preservation surgery can stop the damage and keep you active for years to come.
Advice for Athletes Feeling Stuck in Recovery
“Don’t isolate. Stay connected with your team. Build a support system.”
For athletes who feel discouraged post-op, Dr. Nwachukwu encourages communication, mental support, and continued involvement in team activities to fight kinesiophobia (fear of re-injury).
Check out more about Dr Benedict Nwachukwu here
Listen to the Full Conversation
If you’re feeling that nagging pinch in your hip when lifting, squatting, or kicking, Check out these right exercises can make a world of difference, helping you relieve discomfort and get back to full strength. Hip Impingement Relief: Do THIS, Not THAT
Check out this two helpful video if you are struggling with hip pain
Ready to Take Action?
Book a Call with Us Today
If you’re dealing with hip pain, recovering from surgery, or just not moving the way you used to — let’s change that.
At Myokinetix Physical Therapy & Performance, we help athletes and active individuals move pain-free, avoid unnecessary surgery, and return to doing what they love — stronger than ever.
We work closely with experts like Dr. Benedict Nwachukwu, hip surgeon at HSS, to ensure your rehab plan is smart, effective, and fully personalized.
Click Here To Book your FREE 15-minute call today and speak directly with a movement specialist.