For former professional baseball player Fernando, chronic hip pain was keeping from his passion of training and coaching athletes. That all changed after undergoing bilateral hip resurfacing surgeries with Dr. Stephen Kim at Resurgens.

Fernando first sought orthopedic treatment when he knew he needed a hip resurfacing procedure, a bone-preserving alternative to total hip replacement. Dr. Kim was recommended by his primary care provider as one of the few surgeons who performs this specialized surgery. "I asked for hip resurfacing because Dr. Kim was the only one who practices and consistently does that type of surgery," Fernando explained.

When it comes to treating hip pain, patients have options. While total hip replacement has long been the go-to solution, hip resurfacing can be an excellent alternative for certain individuals - particularly younger, active patients like Fernando, who want to maintain high levels of physical activity.

Hip resurfacing, also known as hip resurfacing arthroplasty, is a bone-preserving procedure that can offer several advantages over traditional hip replacement for the right candidates. Typically, the best candidates for hip resurfacing are:

• Men under the age of 60
• Individuals with larger bone structures
• Patients who desire to return to high-impact activities or sports

In their initial consultation, Dr. Kim agreed hip resurfacing on both hips was the right treatment plan for Fernando. He underwent the first surgery in September and the second procedure that December. The road to recovery wasn't always easy, but Fernando appreciated how Dr. Kim set clear expectations. "The first one was the first surgery I had ever [had], so I was a little nervous," he said. But by the second surgery, "I wasn't as nervous, a bit more confident and relaxed."

While each recovery took time, Fernando is now pain-free and able to walk and move with ease. "I'm able to do things I couldn't do before. I have no pain doing things that I like to do," he said. Fernando chose hip resurfacing over a traditional hip replacement because he wanted to eventually return to coaching baseball techniques. "With a hip replacement, that would have been difficult," he noted. "With hip resurfacing, I know I'll be able to do it."

Now that he's completed rehabilitation, Fernando can't wait to get back on the baseball field coaching and pursuing an active lifestyle without any limitations. "Thanks to Dr. Kim, my life goes on," he said. "Basically, I'm able to do so many things I wanted to do for a few years now. The pain is gone, and I can live all aspects of my life freely."

Fernando wholeheartedly recommends Dr. Kim, "If you want to continue in a very active lifestyle, it's the best way to go," he advised.

Fernando is excited to move forward with a future full of possibilities. We're wishing him the very best out on the baseball diamond!