Hip replacement v re surfacing

JanO
JanO Member Posts: 34
edited 11. Feb 2013, 15:21 in Living with Arthritis archive
,

Just back from hospital I need one or the other, consultant was edging towards re surfacing, but I feel confused, I've read lots of negatives about this procedure I'm a 50 year old women , thank you

Comments

  • stickywicket
    stickywicket Member Posts: 27,764
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    A tricky decision which I'm glad I've never had to make. I needed new hips, end of, and both mine are great. I, too, have heard mixed reports about re-surfacing. In fact I know at least a couple of people who have had re-surfacing and described it as a 'new hip'. Not exactly. I think, in your situation, I might break one of my own rules and do a spot of googling. I wish you luck in your decision-making.
    If at first you don't succeed, then skydiving definitely isn't for you.
    Steven Wright
  • Warney
    Warney Member Posts: 10
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi, hubby has OA in his right hip, age 34 years and needs it replacing ASAP. He has done loads and loads of research on both.
    We went to Birmingham to see mr treacy, the surgeon who invented the Birmingham hip replacement (bhr) which is resurfacing. He had a 100percent retention rate on 15 years. The man is the top dog.
    From hubby's research it appears a lot is down to the surgeon that performs the operation. There used to be a local surgeon to where we live(Sussex) but stopped doing the operation due to high failure rates.

    We saw mr treacy privately, and have managed to get an NHS referral to him to have the operation done by him on the NHS.

    The next best thing is the ceramic non invasive replacement. Much smaller incision and faster healing etc etc.

    I hope this is of some help to you.

    Warney x
  • nearlybionic
    nearlybionic Member Posts: 1,899
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    HI
    When I was first told I needed a new hip aged 39 I looked into both. However, due to my bilateral hip dysplasia I was ruled out for resurfacment as I do not have a good anatomy for this surgery. So my choice was taken away! I have a ceramic on ceramic total hip replacement, and am on waiting list for the other one doing now.
    NB
  • lizzieuk1
    lizzieuk1 Member Posts: 302
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I wonder if Its an age preference since the old replacements didn't last so long resurfacing still leaves a total replacement an option in the patients lifespan, am not sure if they will still do this in preference once the new materials have more data about longevity.
    Obv resurfacing is slightly less invasive but I think if totals can last 25+ years they may opt for this more often. Have a chat to the consultant a bit more if ur still unclear which is best.
  • JanO
    JanO Member Posts: 34
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Thanks for the advice everyone, the consultant seemed to think resurface was better as it would be easier to re do in later years. I am so confused and feel quite anxious as I didn't expect the decision to be made at my first orthopaedic appointment today. X
  • stickywicket
    stickywicket Member Posts: 27,764
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    As you've asked us the question, JanO, I assume you don't have to make an immediate decision.

    I'm sure your surgeon is right about a re-surfacing op meaning that a THR is still an option for later.

    I suggest you take your time over the decision and find out all you can. I don't envy you.
    If at first you don't succeed, then skydiving definitely isn't for you.
    Steven Wright