Benedict Nwachukwu, MD, MBA

04/29/2026

Why do some surgeons recommend hip replacement instead of hip preservation, even for younger patients?

The answer often has less to do with age and more to do with training, surgical expertise, and system-level practice patterns.

Expert Perspective from Benedict Nwachukwu, MD, MBA — NYC Hip Preservation Surgeon "Many of my patients come in thinking replacement is their only option, but after the right evaluation, we often find that hip preservation is both possible and the preferred course of treatment.” If you're a youn...

04/27/2026

How common is a cam deformity?
• Up to 40% of the general population may have one
• Up to 60% of athletes may have one

Even though cam deformities are relatively common, they do not always cause pain or require treatment.

However, when symptoms do occur, such as hip pain or limited motion, a specialist evaluation can help determine the cause and best next steps.

FAI Hip Impingement and Cam Deformity Specialist A cam deformity of the hip can often be asymptomatic for years before a patient notices a problem. Hip pain that develops in the groin area, especially with sitting or stiffness after sitting, can signal a hip impingement. Cam deformities are quite co...

04/24/2026

Why would I need a core decompression in my hip?

No one knows exactly why the femoral head begins to die, it can result from trauma or a genetic disorder. Hip necrosis (bone death) also called osteonecrosis in the hip has been linked to steroid use, alcoholism, lupus, sickle cell disease and repeated dislocations. A hip decompression relieves the pressure within the bone and can allow for proper healing without needing a hip replacement.

Hip Core Decompression Surgeon Do you have hip pain that is a dull ache or throbbing pain in the groin or buttock area? Has it become more difficult to stand or put weight on your hip? If so, you may have a hip condition called avascular necrosis, or AVN, also

04/22/2026

Biceps tendon tear symptoms:
• Sudden pain
• “Pop” sensation
• Swelling/cramping
• Tenderness
• “Popeye” bulge in the arm

Pain may fade, but the tear still needs evaluation.

Biceps Tendon Repair Surgeon Are you an athlete who participates in sports that require heavy lifting? Have you had a recent accident, falling on an outstretched arm, or experienced sudden, intense shoulder pain with or without a popping sound? If so, you may have experienced a biceps tendon tear. M...

04/20/2026

Recovering from PCL Reconstruction: What to Expect

Healing doesn’t happen overnight, but with the right plan, you can get back to doing what you love. After surgery, most patients will:
✔ Wear a knee brace for support
✔ Start gentle movement right away
✔ Use crutches for about 6 weeks
✔ Gradually return to walking normally
✔ Build strength with physical therapy

Full recovery usually takes 6–9 months.

Every recovery journey is unique, so staying consistent with your rehab plan makes all the difference.

PCL Reconstruction Surgeon Are you an athlete who participates in contact sports? If so, you may be at risk of sustaining a PCL injury. PCL injuries are not as common as ACL injuries, but when they occur, patients can experience severe knee instability and loss of proper function. PCL

04/17/2026

04/16/2026

- Phil Plisky sat down with me to discuss hip impingement & labral tears. Drawing on his experience as an orthopedic surgeon and former athlete, Dr. Nwachukwu breaks down:

• When rehab may be enough
• When surgery is needed
• Evidence-based strategies for hip preservation

Listen & gain actionable insights:

Rehab and Performance Lab Episode 18: “Hip Impingement: Is Rehabilitation the Best Route?” ...A Medbridge Podcast In this 66-minute MedBridge podcast, host Phil Plisky sits down with Dr. Benedict Nwachukwu to explore the complex decision-making process behind treating hip impingement and labral ...

04/13/2026

Patellar dislocations are common, especially in young athletes.

They often occur:
• When the knee is straight and the leg twists outward
• During quick direction changes in sports
• From a direct hit or fall on a bent knee

Some people may have underlying knee conditions that cause repeated dislocations with minimal force.

After a dislocation, the kneecap must return to its proper position, sometimes on its own or with the help of a medical professional.

Kneecap Dislocation Specialist Are you an athlete who participates in sports that requires a rapid change of direction? If so, you may be at risk of developing a patella (kneecap) dislocation. Symptoms of a kneecap dislocation are rapid, acute swelling and severe knee pain until the kneecap is reloc...

04/10/2026

How long does subacromial decompression surgery take?

In many cases, this minimally invasive procedure can take as little as 30 minutes in a healthy adult. Because it’s performed arthroscopically:
• Scarring is minimal
• Infection risk is reduced

⏱️ Surgery time may be longer if additional issues, like a rotator cuff tear, need to be repaired.

Shoulder Decompression Surgeon Are you an athlete who participates in sports that involve throwing overhead? If so, you may be at risk of developing subacromial impingement. Subacromial decompression surgeon, Doctor Benedict Nwachukwu provides diagnosis as well as surgical and nonsurgical treatment....

04/08/2026

Certain risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH):
• Family history (genetics play a role)
• Female gender (4–5x more common)
• Breech birth (bottom-first delivery)
• Being a firstborn child
• Twin or multiple pregnancies

Early awareness matters, especially for families with these risk factors.

Hip Dysplasia Specialist Do you have frequent hip dislocations, hip pain or the feeling that your hip will not stay in the joint? You may have been diagnosed with hip dysplasia or you may have developed hip dysplasia. Hip dysplasia is common in families, and especially in females. Adolescents with h...

04/06/2026

Meniscus tears vary by size, severity, and location. While some patients may initially function without pain, untreated tears can worsen over time.

Key symptoms include:
• Popping sensation at injury
• Sudden or progressive knee pain
• Swelling and stiffness
• Mechanical symptoms (locking or catching)
• Joint instability (“giving way”)
• Limited range of motion

If you’re experiencing these symptoms, a clinical evaluation is recommended.

Meniscus Tear Specialist Are you experiencing pain and stiffness in your knee? If so, you may have torn your meniscus. A meniscus tear is among the most common knee injuries. A torn meniscus can occur in several different ways. Meniscus tear specialist, Doctor Benedict Nwachukwu provides diagnosis a...