CHICO, Calif. – About 500,000 Americans undergo hip replacement surgery each year, and among them is Action News Now Anchor Alan Marsden.
In this week’s edition of Wellness Wednesday, Alan shared his experience and recovery journey.
Alan had his right hip replaced in 2024, and last Friday, he underwent surgery for his left hip.
“Well I officially have titanium implants in both my hips now,” Marsden said.
The surgery is known for relieving pain and improving function in a hip joint damaged by conditions like osteoarthritis or general wear and tear. Recovery typically takes a few weeks.
“You really need someone to take care of you, even if it means in-home care from a professional. There’s no way you can do this alone,” Alan said, emphasizing the importance of having support during recovery from his wonderful wife Marivic.
The procedure involves removing the worn head of the femur and the worn socket of the pelvis. A metal or ceramic ball is placed on a stem inserted into the thigh bone, and a plastic, ceramic, or metal socket replaces the worn pelvic surface.
Alan explained, “They didn’t screw the ball joint and the socket together, they’re just there!”
While Alan is away from the newsroom, he’s not just laying around at home. He’s working hard to strength the muscles around his implant.
“Blood clots can be a problem, so they get you stretching your legs,” Marsden said. “Even if I’m just sitting with my feet elevated, I keep the blood flowing. I started in-home physical therapy the next day.”
Alan advised others experiencing pain to consider the surgery sooner rather than later.
“It’s the pain that you have if you don’t have the surgery. It can really affect your quality of life, so why delay getting that quality of life… I’d rather get it done now so I can enjoy those five years with two good hips,” he said.
The average age for hip replacement is around 65, and artificial hip implants typically last 15-25 years or more.
