THR Apprehension

[Aberdeen]

Hi and thank you!
I am 66 yo female dr and have been avoiding my THA for several years (pain for 8 years)or more . I am new to nyc and don’t know anyone who has had a hip replacement here .I am working full time . 3 years ago I tried PRP at HSS - no help likely because there is no cartilage left .I have seen several Orthopedic surgeons but I would really like to know if anyone has had a good outcome with the dr before I settle . As a surgeon know that it’s the surgeon more than the approach.
I also have a significant well compensated lumbar scoliosis so I did see a spine surgeon to make sure there is no issue in proceeding with THA . He said my pelvis is not stiff and all good.
I liked Dr Tatka at WP but he doesn’t use MAKO (if that really matters) so I saw Dr Vigdorchek at HSS and Dr Mayman at HSS. I would like to have the least amount of mm and tendon cut as possible because I live for my hot yoga classes and don’t want to dislocate. Probably they all recommend a larger head - the 2 I liked so far were not sold on a dual action? .
I know I should just relax and trust the process -but I was a runner since childhood and I am very very depressed about this . Thank you for any feedback on the THA surgeons and the Anterior approach vs the STAR .

 

[Layla]

Hello and Welcome to BoneSmart!
I believe you'll find the surgery results life changing in the best way possible, especially after dealing with the pain of a deteriorating hip for eight years. Since you're new to NYC and haven't met anyone who's had a hip replaced, you've come to the right place to interact with those that have experienced THR.

Of the three OS's you mentioned, I can only find information on Dr. Mayman at HSS. Link to posts where he's been mentioned -> HERE

Regarding Anterior vs STAR, go to HSS's site and type in - Anterior Approach Hip Replacement for more information.

As far as MAKO goes I found a post by a former staffer who researched it well -
Going4fun said -

"I've over-researched hip replacement and hip surgeons. Mako is not inherently superior to non-mako hip replacement.

If you were to ask hip surgeons to name top colleagues, most of these colleagues do NOT do Mako. It's still the surgeon doing the operation. The robot is an assist. Something about "robotic" makes it sound great and all. But what you want is a great surgeon, period. Mako doesn't turn mediocre surgeons into great surgeons. Same kind of hype follows surgery with the anterior approach. Using that approach does not mean you are a better surgeon than surgeons who use another approach.

BTW: I'm starting to see ads mentioning robotic surgery. I notice that the ads do NOT claim better results for that surgery. The voice just uses the term as if it is inherently impressive.

If you want a Mako surgeon, make sure it's a great Mako surgeon. BTW: my second hip was done by a surgeon who uses Mako. He definitely would NOT say his approach is superior to other approaches. He would say Mako works for him and has some advantages. One advantage is he is really comfortable with that method."


Here are our Hip Pre-Op Guidelines -

HIP PRE-OP GUIDELINES

If you are at the stage where you have joint pain but don't know for sure if you are ready to have surgery, these links may help:

Score Chart: How bad is my arthritic hip?
Choosing a surgeon and a prosthesis
BMI Calculator - What to do if your surgeon says you're too heavy for joint replacement surgery
Longevity of implants and revisions: How long will my new joint last?

If you are at the stage where you are planning to have surgery but are looking for information so you can be better prepared for what is to come, take a look at these links:

Recovery Aids: A comprehensive list for hospital and home
Recliner Chairs: Things you need to know if buying one for your recovery
Pre-Op Interviews: What's involved?
Check out -> The BoneSmart Recovery Shop for commonly used products.

Nutrition is of paramount importance. Available here are dietary tips, nutrition basics and additional food supplements. These articles are both general advice on food and specific guidelines aimed at people both pre- and post-surgery.

And if you want to picture what your life might be like with a replaced hip, take a look at stories of amazing hip recoveries


Using the SEARCH at the top right of the page and typing in MAKO resulted in the threads you'll find -> HERE

This should give you some info to start with. Please let us know if you have questions.
Thanks for joining us as an Insider in support of BoneSmart. Happy Wednesday!
@Aberdeen

 

[Layla]

Another HSS surgeon that's been mentioned often on BoneSmart is Dr Della Valle
Full name - Alejandro Gonzalez Della Valle
Results from forum search -> HERE