Josh Shipp Has Successful Left Hip Surgery

By Bruin Basketball Report

UCLA sophomore Josh Shipp underwent successful arthroscopic surgery on his left hip Friday afternoon.

“The surgery went as well as expected and I am happy to have Josh home and recovering,” Deborah Shipp, Josh's mother, said. “We elected to have this surgery as a precautionary measure. It came as a complete surprise to us because Josh played so well this year and his left hip really wasn't bothering him. But when we learned that he had a small tear in his labrum, after consulting with his doctor, we decided to have the procedure done.”

It was the same surgery Shipp had on his right hip on Sept. 28, 2005.  He received a medical red-shirt after playing in just four games during the 2005-06 season.  Shipp returned this year and started in 35 of 36 games while averaging 13.3 points and 3.9 rebounds a game

The surgery was performed by Dr. Carlos A. Guanche at the Southern California Orthopedic Institute in Van Nuys.  The procedure repaired a torn labrum (cartilage) and also included a removal of an area of bony overgrowth of the femoral neck. Rehabilitation should take 8-12 weeks and Shipp will spend the first month on crutches.

“The surgery went very well and Josh should be able to begin his rehabilitation next week,” Dr. Guanche said. “It is a very common procedure among elite-level athletes such as Josh. I have performed this surgery on NBA, NFL and NHL athletes and all have returned to their high-level of competition.”

Dr. Guanche is a family physician to the Shipp family. Approximately three years ago, he performed asuccessful arthroscopy hip procedure on Joe Shipp, Josh’s older brother.

“I’m very pleased that the surgery was a successful one and look forward to Josh making a complete recovery,” UCLA Head Coach Ben Howland said. “He has ample time to recover and be ready to go at 100% full strength by the time we start back up again in October."

Shipp was a major reason for the Bruins' success this season.  Against Florida in the championship game, he scored a team-high 18 points.  With the departure of Arron Afflalo to the professional ranks, Shipp will be looked upon next year to carry an additional load on offense. 

(photo credit: AP)