Hip replacement options

[Ken G]

Hi,
I have been diagnosed with severe Osteoarthritis, and need hip replacement surgery. I have been to two surgeons who have given me to different procedures. #1 is a replacement known as the Birmingham Hip Resurfacing, and #2 is total hip replacement with a Stryker Titanium and ceramic hip. I have read up on both procedures, but can't decide which is best for me. I am 61 years old and very active. Before the pain got too bad, I rode my bike several miles a day, played non impact sports, etc. Both doctors assure me I will be able to resume normal duties, but a few friends who have had hip replacement say I will be limited in my motion after the surgery. Things they say are that I will not be able to do are, crawl on the floor with my Granddaughter, cross my legs to tie my shoes and climb a ladder and a few more. I guess then my question is what can I expect form either procedure and do either procedure limit range of motion after an adequate heeling time. I would really like to hear form people who have had either procedure. I know this is long, but making the right choice is very important to me. Thanks, Ken

 

[Josephine]

Hi there, Ken, and welcome to the forum.

Yes, of course it's important! Aside from choosing your house, I would think this is as important a decision as they come! But the bare facts of the matter are that either procedure will do just fine. There are both excellent procedures with good track records. As I have said on here many times before, my own personal opinion is that the choice of prosthesis is about 35%, the choice of surgeon 65%. In other words, choose the surgeon with the best track record, the lowest stats for failure and infection and the one in whom you feel the most confidence. You see, implant failure is only a small part of the potential for problem. Most arise from loosening, breakages from faulty alignment or infection. Mechanical failure of the prosthesis is actually very rare.

As regards the limitations after surgery, yes there is a pay-off but crawling on the floor, crossing legs and climbing a ladder - well, that is true in the early stages and possibly for the first 6-12 months, when dislocation is a real possibility, but I have many hip replacement patients amongst my friends and they haven't been told of any such restrictions at all. But then, that is in the UK!! I suggest you talk with your surgeon and get his take on it.

All the best - and do let us know what you decide and how you get on.

 

[Ken G]

Josephine,
Is there a location one might go to, to check on a Orthopedic Surgeon's failure rate, mistakes, etc., or even if they have been sued? It seems like that information would be sought by anyone wanting to check credentials of a surgeon. Thanks for your reply. On another note, since the Birmingham Hip Resurfacing procedure was designed in the Uk, and has only been approved in the US since Dec. 2006, where would I look for the number of surgeries that have been done in the UK?

 

[AOC]

Ken, I had my hip replaced in 1986 and I climb ladders and trees and crawl on the floor all the time. Give yourself some time to heal and get back some your leg strength and I think you will find that you can do a great deal.

 

[ripanco]

Hi Ken,

I can only share my own personal experiance, but thanks to severe osteoarthritis, I had simultaneous bilateral THR in May '05 at age 53. I had posterior, MIS, with Stryker titanium/poly. I was/am very athletic. I had some restrictions for the first several months, after that, my OS told me I could "Go for it". Today, I do what ever I want. I actually had to save a kitten from a dog when I was only about 3 weeks post which meant I broke every restriction in the book including getting up fast, running, tackling the dog and climbing a ladder!!! While I was fine, I really don't recommend it!!

Finding the very best surgeon you can makes a huge difference. I LOVE my OS. He gave me my life back. He was the 3rd one I saw and right away I knew he was the one. He does more than 360/yr, but also listens to my needs, fears, wants. You also have to do your part if you want a great recovery. Stay as fit as you can before your surgery and then work your butt off after.

Good luck,

Andrea