Chief Hurtt Recovery After Surgery

November 3, 2006 -- Chief Hurtt is taking some personal time off after undergoing surgery to replace his left hip on Monday, October 30, 2006. He received a total left
hip replacement due to severe degenerative joint disease otherwise known as
arthritis. The surgery took three hours and was completed without complications. His personal physician, Dr. Wayne Riley, indicated that Chief Hurtt will spend the next few days in physical therapy to adjust to his new hip and should be released to go home by mid or late next week. Dr. Riley is the Vice President for Health Affairs at Baylor College of Medicine and a general internist. The surgeon who performed the actual operation is Dr. Randall Lindsey, Chairman of Orthopedics Surgery at UTMB Galveston.

"His good health and active lifestyle will assist him in his recovery," said Dr. Riley. He also stated that hip replacement procedures are more common today, especially for those who maintain an active lifestyle for long periods of time. Chief Hurtt played sports as a youth, was in the military, and entered law enforcement at an early age. He also continues to be active in leisure pursuits such as golfing and biking. In fact, he participated in the MS 150 shortly after taking his oath of office here in Houston.

At the present time, Chief Hurtt is receiving paperwork at the hospital and is keeping himself abreast of the activities within the department. "Police work is a dynamic and ever-changing field," said Chief Hurtt. "Reviewing paperwork and activity reports allow me to stay current on the issues of the day," he said. After his anticipated discharge next week, he is expected to work two to three hours in the office while continuing with his physical therapy. His doctors expect a full recovery.

DWR

For additional information, please contact the HPD Public Affairs Division a 713-308-3200.