After months of frustration and being told the same old message, I finally found some relief. What I was told is ceramic, based upon studies abroad, was lasting 30+ years! I had the surgery in 2001 and now call myself the "Ceramic Hip Kid". I am so greatful, it works so well and I'm not concerned about wearing it out.
57 Year Old Male Gets Lucky With Ceramic Hip
- Thread starter hipkid
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Hi ..I'm getting ready to replace my hip and am concidering a ceramic prosthesis. Sounds like you are happy. Where do I find out more? I had heard that some of the newer ceramics had fracture problems but that they have improved the ceramics now. Where did you have your surgery? What doctor? Is the ceramic one covered by insurance? Thank you for any info you can give me. Dave
hipsearching
new member
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- Nov 26, 2006
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- 12
After researching the options, I too have decided on a ceramic on ceramic hip. My surgery is to be on Jan 16. For me, it came down to the lack of long term research on the Cobalt on Cobalt (the metal ions issue) and the osteolysis issue with the polyethylene. Even though the highly crosslinked poly wear rate is only 10% of the conventional poly, I was still concerned of the body's immune system attacking even these particles and the possibility of bone less because of it. The wear rate for ceramic is approximately the same as highly cross linked poly, but doesn't seem to generate the immune system response, at least in what I have read. My surgeon originally wanted to go with the highly cross linked poly but agreed with my decision. His only reservation was the .5% "squeaking" problem with ceramic on ceramic. In any case, I am glad to hear that you feel good about your choice.
Hello "hipsearching". Both my new hips are ceramic on ceramic, no "squeaking" so far. I am 66 and my surgery was in Mississauga, Canada. Everyone I meet is surprised at how it has changed my facial features. I look younger and far less drawn and "suffering". I feel younger and more confident as the joy of life returned.
My doctor says he is going to use that new poly for my HRs. He told me studies are showing that it will last a very long time and there is little or no worry about releasing toxic ions. I'm young for this (55) so I sure hope so! My bigger concern is that he's doing the non-cemented method and I know it takes longer to heal. Anyone have experience to share on non-cemented hips?
Great to have a place to read and discuss this! I'm set for January 23 for my first hip.
Judy
Great to have a place to read and discuss this! I'm set for January 23 for my first hip.
Judy
ripanco
member
United StatesHi Judy,
I answered you questions about noncemented in your other post, but did not let you know that my surgeon, who uses all materials available, chose titanium/highly crosslinked poly for me, also. I trusted his decision. I am young (54) and highly active/athletic. He knows I wanted to resume that lifestyle including running, skiing, riding, biking, hiking, ect. He felt it was best for me. As far as uncemented, I was weight bearing the next morning and able to walk un***isted within 4 days. How fast you heal is very personal and everyone is different, but the non cemented stem will not slow you down.
Good luck,
Andrea
Believe in Barbaro
I answered you questions about noncemented in your other post, but did not let you know that my surgeon, who uses all materials available, chose titanium/highly crosslinked poly for me, also. I trusted his decision. I am young (54) and highly active/athletic. He knows I wanted to resume that lifestyle including running, skiing, riding, biking, hiking, ect. He felt it was best for me. As far as uncemented, I was weight bearing the next morning and able to walk un***isted within 4 days. How fast you heal is very personal and everyone is different, but the non cemented stem will not slow you down.
Good luck,
Andrea
Believe in Barbaro
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