Running has always been a central part of Caden Bybee’s life.
A talented athlete, his passion for the sport—no pun intended—runs in the family. His father, Ryan, competed in track and field and cross country in both high school and college, and now coaches Caden from the sidelines at Lone Peak High School in Highland, Utah.
At just 16 years old, Caden trains year-round to build both physical and mental endurance. Although cross country season begins in the fall, preparation starts months earlier. During a team time trial in August 2024, Caden’s performance earned him a spot on the varsity team.
But something wasn’t right.
Caden had been dealing with persistent hip pain. Initially, he pushed through it, assuming it was temporary. However, the pain gradually worsened and became debilitating.
“I didn’t know what was going on,” said Caden. “I just knew I couldn’t run anymore.”
Seeking answers, Caden and his father met with Steve Aoki, MD, Chief of Sports Medicine at University of Utah Health. Dr. Aoki specializes in the surgical treatment of pediatric, adolescent, and adult sports injuries of the hip and knee. He also serves as a team physician for University of Utah gymnastics and football.
Caden was diagnosed with femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), commonly known as hip impingement.
“This is a condition I frequently see in young, highly active athletes,” said Dr. Aoki.
FAI occurs when abnormal hip anatomy causes the bones to pinch within the joint, often leading to labral tears. The labrum is a ring of cartilage that lines the hip socket and plays a critical role in joint stability.
“While there is no single ‘perfect’ hip shape, many individuals have subtle anatomical variations,” Dr. Aoki explained. “In active athletes like Caden, these small differences can lead to significant problems over time.”
To address the issue, Dr. Aoki recommended hip preservation surgery on both hips.
“With hip preservation surgery, we repair the labrum and reshape the hip joint,” said Dr. Aoki. “This not only relieves pain but also restores function, improves movement, and helps prevent early joint degeneration.”
Caden understood that recovery would require patience. Each surgery carried an expected recovery timeline of approximately 6-9 months.
“We had a lot of trust in Dr. Aoki,” said Ryan. “He’s seen this many times and knew exactly how to treat it.”
Caden underwent his first surgery in October 2024, followed by a second procedure in December.
After each surgery, he used crutches for four weeks. At one month post-op, he began using a stationary bike, and by around 12 weeks, he gradually returned to running.
“I had to take it slow at first—running one minute, then walking a minute,” Caden said. “By six months, I was back to training.”
He participated in physical therapy from October through the end of May.
“There were times when my hips didn’t feel great,” he said. “But I trusted that the work I put into physical therapy would pay off.”
Although his recovery progressed as expected, it wasn’t without challenges. Caden missed an entire cross-country season and a full track season.
“Honestly, it was hard,” he said.
In July 2025, he experienced a hip strain that briefly set him back.
“At first, I was worried,” Caden admitted. “But I rested, strengthened my hip, and stayed consistent. It paid off—my hip has been great since.”
Throughout the process, Caden maintained a positive mindset.
“I stayed focused on the idea that I would get better,” he said. “I tried to see this as an opportunity to grow—personally and spiritually—and become stronger through it.”
Today, Caden has returned to full activity without limitations.
“I can play basketball, which I love. I can run. I can move side-to-side without any restrictions,” he said.
Ryan has been especially impressed with his son’s resilience.
“He stayed patient and trusted the process,” Ryan said. “He didn’t give up on running—he just gave it the time it needed.”
That patience has paid off. Caden is now one of the fastest runners in the state of Utah.
In November 2025, he qualified for the national cross-country championships in San Diego, California, competing against the top 50 runners in the country.
“It was an incredible accomplishment,” said Ryan.
Reflecting on his journey, Caden offers advice to others facing injury or adversity:
“Use this time to reflect on who you are,” he said. “Have a growth mindset. If you take the opportunity to improve yourself, you’ll come out stronger than ever.”