24 hours to go for THR

[Vman]

Hi Everyone,
I just joined for some support through Rehab. Pretty scared but excited too I am 52. If I don't get this done I will be way worse in a year. Problem caused by dislocated and fractured pelvis as a teenager. I have opted for the metal on plastic because my doctor had a horror story on the metal on metal where it caused some sort of toxic infection that rotted the joint. He won't do them anymore. Nervous about the 90 degrees limitation but will live with it.

One question, after rehab and hip is strengthened suffciently can you feel pain prior to dislocation if you push the movement past 90 degrees or does it just pop out? I kayak and know I have to be careful but was just curious if the body warns you if you push the range of motion too far?

Thanks

Crede

 

[Josephine]

Hi Crede and welcome to BoneSmart! Glad you joined us.

First thing - though probably a little late in the day - your surgeon is working on old information as that problem about ion release has been mostly ironed out. It's not really an issue any more. But metal on plastic is pretty good - been around almost since the beginning and many people still walking around that had them done 30-40 years ago!

The 90 degree rule is only for 6 weeks. Once past that, as the muscles get stronger and regain tone, you'll be able to do pretty much what you want. IOW, just get on with your life. We have members here that go on to continue horse riding, professional skiing, surfing and lots of other activities.

As for the dislocation, if it ever did happen, it would be a bit of both. In the early days, you'd certainly feel a bit of pain when you pushed it to that point. But mostly, people don't realise anything's happened until it has popped out.

 

[JudyS]

Hi Crede
In the early days your body will certainly warn you of any activity that is not allowed, with pain.
New hips are the best. I've been kayaking, hiking, trail running (only a little tiny bit as it is not allowed), biking , swimming, you name it with no problems. My doc had me follow the precautions for 3 months then everything was allowed (except running)

Good luck tomorrow, your leg will weigh 1,000 pounds after surgery and you will need help moving it , but it gets better quickly
Welcome, glad you joined us
judy

 

[Jamie]

Hi, Crede!!! Welcome to the forum. We'll most certainly be available for any questions and concerns that come up as you approach surgery and during recovery. Don't hesitate to post any time you need someone to talk to.

 

[Vman]

Thanks everyone, but now I am worried i should have gone metal on metal. My docs recommendation for metal to plastic was from personal experience.

What is considered the absolute nest?

Joel Kray University Hospitals is my doc. Hips is all he fixes.

 

[shugaplum]

I was told to go with what the doctor is comfortable working with. Each surgeon is more familiar with certain materials over others. Regardless of whether or not your doc's info about metal on metal is outdated...he sounds wary of using it. In my opinion that will not give you the most usccessful surgery. If you like and trust your doctor then I would say go for what he suggests-the more confident he feels in the OR the better you will feel in recovery!!

Also-I could not have metal on metal because I'm a female of young child bearing age still...the ion discharge could potentially harm me. On the flip side of that I am a professional dancer and my surgeon is well known in the dance community for working with pro dancers and ballerinas in NYC...I have a metal on plastic and my doc was 100% confident in his choice. If I can jump around, do splits, kick my face, wear heels, dance in those heels, and all the other crazy things at 26 year old dancer does with my metal-on-plastic hip then it must be a good hip!

Best of luck...you're about to change your life for the better! I'm 8 weeks out and it is hands down the best thing I have ever done for myself.

 

[Vman]

Thanks Shugaplum. I feel much better about my choice. By noon tomorrow I'll have me a new hip.

Crede

 

[ronniesloan]

Good Luck :thmb:

 

[Troweltalk]

Kinda late if you are haivng the surgery now, but for the purpose of the general audience:

The question was: "Which [type of hip] is best?

There is no absolutely correct answer for that question. Each has its benefits and drawbacks:

Metal on Metal - Most durable, because Metal on Metal is always a large ball type it has some engineering benefits and is less likely to dislocate, the choice of people wanting to return to an active lifestyle. Downside is that some people have metal allergies.

Metal and Ceramic: Also large ball so simular benefit structually as M on M, less friction between the moving components so virtually no wear issue, less likely to be rejected for allergic reaction. More prone to damage from trama as the ceramic is brittle in comparison to a metal ball.

Traditional Poly Liner: Ball is smaller to accomodate the displacement of the liner inside of the cup, more prone (but not chronic) to dislocation becasue of its small sie and soft surrounding, wear issue with the poly liner can cause not only erosion of the area of most wear but the released particles of poly can create an immune battle as the body tries to fight off foreign invaders.

The Poly liner style has been the mainstay for 20 years, which is why the "average" surgeon still recommends it, a "known track record vs what they are unfamiliar with.

 

[Josephine]

New posts have been moved to the After surgery forum I made it!