Are we restoring comfort—or function (or both)?

The recent passing of Chuck Norris is a reminder of what lifelong physical capability looks like.

In orthopaedics, that raises a key question:

Are we restoring comfort—or function (or both)?

Total hip replacement, including anterior minimally invasive techniques, reliably relieves pain and restores mobility. However, high-impact activities such as martial arts remain a concern due to implant wear, longevity and loading characteristics.

Hip resurfacing offers a different biomechanical solution.

In appropriately selected patients, it is the only joint replacement that can realistically accommodate impact-loading and enable a return to martial arts.

In my practice, I perform both anterior minimally invasive total hip replacement and hip resurfacing. The choice is dictated by patient-specific factors and functional goals—not a one-size-fits-all approach.

For martial artists, that distinction matters.

I have treated a number of patients who have successfully returned to training following hip resurfacing. As someone who trains in self-defence myself, I understand firsthand the level of demand required.

The objective is not simply pain relief, it is a return to high-level function.