BOSTON -- Falls, accidents and injuries can all lead to hip replacement surgery. It's a major operation that may result in follow up surgeries. But a new alternative procedure is helping people stay active.

NewsCenter 5's Heather Unruh reported Wednesday that Lt. Ken Clark of the Hopkinton Fire Department has lost a spring in his step -- but not for long.

Clark has been plagued by hip problems for about 20 years. The problems were caused by a fall on the job and a football injury.

"It got down to the point where I wasn't able to do as much walking. It was difficult to go even on a mile walk," Clark said.

But Clark will be back to work soon because of a new alternative hip procedure recently approved in the U.S.

"It's all about restoring function," Clark said.

Dr. Daniel Snyder of Newton-Wellesley Hospital performed the procedure on Clark. He's one of a handful of doctors trained in the Birmingham Hip Replacement Technique.

"It really preserves the bone. That's the key," Snyder said.

Snyder said the benefit of the new procedure is only a few centimeters of the bone are removed to make room for a metal implant. With a total hip replacement, more bone is removed and people tend to have reduced mobility and pain. So, people who have the resurfacing technique can go on enjoying life.

"People's function returns to a very high level. If they were skiing, they can ski in a high level. People are running marathons again," Snyder said.

Snyder said the procedure is ideal for young, active people -- men under 65 and women under 55.

"If their bone quality is good but their hip joint is arthritic, they're a perfect candidate for it," Snyder said.

Six weeks after surgery, Clark continues rehab and visits the firehouse a lot. He expects to be climbing ladders and fighting fires in about six weeks.

"As long as I can do my job, I'll be happy," Clark said.