The Birmingham Hip Resurfacing procedure is now being offered at Valley Presbyterian Hospital in Van Nuys.

Orthopedic surgeon Herbert Huddleston is one of a few surgeons trained to perform the pro

cedure in the Los Angeles area and is one of less than 100 in the United States.

The procedure is an alternative to a total hip replacement for the younger, more active patient and has recently received approval from the FDA in the United States, though it has been performed overseas since 1997.

The process machines away the rough damaged surface of the hip joint bones and replaces them with more durable high carbide cobalt chrome.

For younger patients concerned with the potential of multiple revision surgeries over their lifetimes, saving natural bone is

especially important. Hipbone conservation is good for older patients as well if their bones are strong enough to accept the implant.

To learn more, call Daphne Yousem at (818) 991-6749.